May 21, 2013
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Serving the musical communities of Beverly, Danvers, Peabody, Hamilton-Wenham, Salem and Lynn for over 14 years!
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Welcome to the Fabulous School of Music blog.
Mar 23, 2013
You can’t stop the flow of music: a call to parents
American composer Aaron Copeland once said, “To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.”
Feb 11, 2013
I recently conducted a phone interview with a young music writer from Buffalo NY. Here’s are some of the questions and answers.
Jan 28, 2013
Music lessons will transform you into the Marco Polo of the soul
Some people think that once you hit a certain age, you should not be taking music lessons. You’re too old to pick up the guitar! The drums have passed you by! That is wrong on so many levels. Music does not pass you by. It stays with you – in your pyrotechnic blood, in the pitter-patter of your heart palpitations. If you are eighty-six-years-old and have always wanted to learn the guitar, come on down!
It does not matter if you are eighty-six or six, because – as Plato puts it – “Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul.” Everyone has a soul that perks up when approached by music. It is like falling in love for the first time over and over again. Music lessons are perfect for all ages. Not only will music lessons find their way into the secret places of your soul, they will also help your brain.
The health benefits are numerous and, depending on the student’s age, the benefits may be stronger. In the article “Music lessons linked to lasting brain benefits” Katie Moisse of ABC News writes, “The study of 45 young adults found those with at least one year of childhood musical training had enhanced neurological responses to sound, a trait tied to improved learning and listening abilities.” Enhancing one’s neurological capabilities greatly enhances all areas of life. The senses become sharper and the mind stronger. A better listener is naturally a better learner. Hearing notes (or noise) teaches the brain to look for patterns.
Although the article explores the benefits of music lessons on younger children, lessons are neurologically good for people of all ages. Want a more efficient brain? Take some music lessons. Want to explore the secret places of your soul? Take some music lessons. Music lessons will transform you into the Marco Polo of the soul.
For Moisse’s article, look here: Music Lessons Linked to Lasting Brain Benefits.
Jan 18, 2013
Music, when soft voices die; start taking lessons today
It is all around you, rollerblading on the air. You cannot avoid it. You start the day with it, as you step outside to grab the morning paper, your hand tightly wrapped around a coffee cup – the thorough chirps of birds greeting you. How their collective song meets the exhaust thump of traffic. It is as if your own personal DJ is remixing the sounds of morning for you. That is how the day goes, immersed in noise and trying to seek solace in the sounds. The music of the world carries you through the day and into night or, as Shelley writes, “Music, when soft voices die, / Vibrates in the memory - / Odours, when sweet violets sicken, / Live within the sense they quicken.” Where would we be without music?
For most – if not all – of us, not a day goes by that we do not listen to music, through either our iPods or the world around us. It helps stabilize our souls and encourages us to push through life’s grime and muck. A musician is like Santa Claus, gifting with every song, with every strum of the guitar. Playing music benefits both the musician and the listener. It is a perfect relationship. Have you ever considered moving out from the realm of mere listener and picking up an instrument?
The line “music, when soft voices die” refers to the everlasting power of music; it is like a fossil deep in the mind. When you unearth it, you are an archaeologist flung headfirst into the emotions of an era. The more you dig, the more you learn. Start taking lessons today and add to the archaeological study of the soul. New Year, new you, new soul.
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Jan 08, 2013
Repair your guitar; it’s your best friend
You can’t watch episodes of Pawn Stars or American Restoration without eventually seeing a guitar or other musical instrument brought in by an anxious customer, to sell or to have restored. It is a beautiful process, watching a group of dedicated workers toil on an old or busted-up instrument, restoring it to its former glory.
America is gaga over restoration. At the Fabulous School of Music, we are gaga too! We are excited to announce that we will soon be offering repair and maintenance for guitars and other instruments. While we won’t be restoring your 1959 Gibson Les Paul, we can repair the guitar that has been sitting in your closet for the past few years. Do you want to pick up an instrument again and let off some steam? Let us look at it and we will get you back on track.
Do these apply to you?
• OLD/RUSTY/BLACK STRINGS?
• GUITAR ALWAYS OUT OF TUNE?
• FAULTY INPUT JACK?
• WANT TO CHANGE PICKUPS?
• STRINGS TOO HIGH AND HARD TO PUSH DOWN?
• CRACKLING NOISES FROM THE KNOBS?
• DRUM SOUNDS AWFUL?
• BAD CABLES?
You’re in need of repairs and maintenance for your guitar, bass or drum set. We will do the following:
• SET UP/NECK ADJUSTMENT
• INTONATION
• RESTRINGING
• WIRING/MODS
• DRUM HEAD REPLACEMENT/TUNING
• SNARE DRUM MAINTENANCE
• CABLE REPAIRING/CUSTOMIZING
• AND MORE!
You will be glad you repaired your instrument. Your playing will improve dramatically. Call Julian at 617-610-7143. Special packages and discounts are available!
About the guitar, Andre Segovia – the father of modern classical guitar – said, “Among God’s creatures two, the dog and the guitar, have taken all the sizes and all the shapes, in order not to be separated from the man.” Man’s best friends are the dog and the guitar. Similar to the dog, music has been with man through thick and thin, through the rise and fall of civilizations. It is there for us when we are happy or sad. The guitar is your antidepressant. If your dog is sick, you take it to the vet. If your guitar is sick, take it to us.
Keep a lookout on our blog as we will be providing updates on repair and maintenance, as well as other musings and updates.
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Apr 23, 2012
Due to popular demand, the Fabulous School of Music is adding Ukulele lessons!
Everyone wants to play it and now we have Tom Carroll offering lessons on it. It’s a fun instrument perfect for camping, sing-alongs and the little hands of children that may have difficulty with the size of a guitar.
Posted By: sjcallan
Jan 16, 2012
The Fabulous School of Music is happy and proud to add Liz Kereakoglow to our Fabulous Faculty. Liz will be teaching violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass and piano, specializing in the younger students with her Suzuki certification. Welcome aboard, Liz!
Oct 05, 2011
Welcoming Joe Pino & Rich Stevens
The Fabulous School of Music is happy to announce 2 new teachers that have just been added to the fabulous faculty.
Jun 03, 2011
We are happy to announce a new Guitar Teacher to the Fabulous Faculty! He is Chris Galat and he will be teaching Thursday-Saturday at the Fabulous School of Music. Welcome aboard Chris!!!
Posted By: sjcallan
Jun 17, 2010
Kemp Dunn is now teaching drums and hand percussion at the Fab School of Music!
We are proud to announce a new teacher to our faculty, Kemp Dunn. Kemp teaches drums and hand percussion in all styles. He brings years of playing and teaching experience to the school. It’s great to have you on board Kemp!
Feb 17, 2010
Erin Burke-Moran and Caspian on Tour this Spring
They’re getting back in the van.
Posted By: erin_burke-moran
Jan 26, 2010
Music Theory Class with Phil Dubnick is coming soon to the Fab School!
“Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know About Music Theory” w/Phil Dubnick, is coming Thursday Evenings starting March 4th!
Jan 01, 2010
Check out this cool Bluesy E7 Lick that can be very useful in a number of situations.
Posted By: phil_dubnick