Science!

Here's a recent article from WXRT on why learning a musical instrument is good for your body, mind and soul. (But you already knew that, didn't you!)

http://wxrt.cbslocal.com/2013/04/05/10-good-reasons-to-learn-a-musical-instrument-its-not-too-late/

Survey Says: Sunday KICKED IT

My thumb makes a cameo!

Wowza! Another overwhelmingly awesome graduation show that I can't get off my mind!
The Sunday gang stepped up to the plate, committing to the harder song and nailing it on stage. Other teachers were paying close attention--evaluating me more than you--and all pulled me aside to say how impressed they were that you all sang so well and stayed locked into tempo. That's all YOU! I had a pal in the audience who was just visiting and his exact words were "Your class crushed it!" Congratulations!!!

It's been a pleasure to jam with you all this session. See most of you next week!

*Confidential to Michael--good luck in Denver! I expect to see you headlining at Red Rocks in a few years!

Thursday Brought House DOWN!

You guys! I still can't get over what a great job the Thursday class did at last night's graduation performance!
Several teachers came up to me later to tell me how impressed they were and offer congratulations. Some of my pals from the desk and admin staff came in to snoop too, and the vote was unanimous--YOU ROCKED!

I am now happily in the midst of listening to assorted Spotify playlists in search of fun tunes to bring to the next session. See you there.

Sunday students...I'm expecting great things from you too...

OH EM GEE, YOU GUYS!

$15 Discount Expires Tonight at Midnight. Register Now!

http://www.oldtownschool.org/email/2013/041713_playitagain/

Happy Tax Day!

Hope you get a big refund--to spend on the next session of classes at the Old Town School!
Remember, use "SUNNYDAY13" to save $15 on your group class.

I'm teaching Guitar 1 Rep--perfect for all of you who are about to graduate from Guitar 1--on Thursday nights at 8:30pm, and on Sundays at noon. Don't miss a beat! Sign up now:
http://www.oldtownschool.org/teachers/Jane-Hanna/

What Your Favorite Classic Rock Band Says About You

Do you think Bowie's playing Oregon Trail?

Musical funnies from McSweeny's:

"David Bowie: There is still, somewhere, a Dig Dug or Zaxxon machine with your high score on it."
--I'll have you know it's a Rampage machine at the Galaxy World arcade off Route 64 in Carol Stream, IL. So THERE!

"T-Rex: No matter how much you clean, there will always be trace amounts of glitter on your stove and blender."
-- So true. Though this has more to do with being a 60s-style go go dancer than it does with liking T.Rex.

Full list here. What's yours?
http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/what-your-favorite-classic-rock-band-says-about-you

Discount on Registration for Next Session

Gang -
Our time together is almost over...or IS it?!
I for one would love it if we kept the band together, and we can if you sign up for the next session of classes at the Old Town School. It starts immediately after the current session ends, so there's no disruption to the schedule. Just keep on keepin' on!

I'll be teaching Guitar 1 Repertoire. What on Earth is Guitar 1 Repertoire, you may ask?
Well, "Guitar 1 Rep" to its friends is your next natural step on the path to guitar greatness. We'll take the dizzying array of skill you've been exposed to in Guitar 1, and reinforce them with lots of songs and good times. Using the chords you already know, we'll work on a big ol' mess of new tunes to get you feeling comfy and confident with what you started in Guitar 1. We'll go back and revisit some of the concepts that had your head spinning--scales, chord structures, I IV V tunes, playing by ear, licks--and spend a little more time figuring out what it all means. Rep classes are a great way to seal in the juices of what the previous class before you move on to the next level.

I'm teaching Guitar 1 Rep on Thursday nights at 8:30pm, and Sunday afternoons at 12pm--same as the current schedule! Why change? It ain't broke, so we won't fix it.
Sign up for my classes here: http://www.oldtownschool.org/teachers/Jane-Hanna/

OH! And as the title of this blog suggests,  you can save yourself $15 if you use the code "SUNNYDAY13" when you register--but it's only good through midnight on April 17th so don't delay!

Listen to the Reverend Al now, children! Let's stay together!

With Apologies to Mumford and Sons Fans

This made me laugh (warning: not safe for work language).
I know lots of your are Mumford and Sons fans, and I am too. In fact, the Old Town School sometimes offers a Mumford and Sons ensemble, so keep an eye out for that.
In the meantime, click the link for a chuckle:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/this-is-every-mumford-sons-song-ever

Rehearsing Get it On (Bang a Gong)

Well now this is charming.
[updated: well phooey, it's not letting me embed this video but you'll find it here: http://youtu.be/VXCeF0Avxwo]

Check out Marc Bolan in the studio trying out an early version of Bang A Gong for producer Tony Visconti in 1970 (via DangerousMinds).

RIP, Marc! I miss you.

Homework

Please learn this solo and be prepared to perform it at the next class.