You Rock NYC!

I’m so proud of YouRockNYC student Zach Jones with his new video! It really shows his skill and style as a musician. His tagline is, “Sad folk for sad folks”. What’s your tag line? Do you have any videos you’d like to share? If so, please do!

Check out this song I tabbed: “I Will”, by The Beatles. Want your favorite song tabbed? Email yourocknyc@gmail.com with a link to the music of your favorite song or ANY song; a song you wrote or a song you are humming out but don’t know the chords to. I will listen to it, sound out the chords and send you a tiff or jpeg version of the tabbed music emailed back to you for only — $5!! WHAT??!?! It is a simple version, as seen above, like “I Will” but it’s good enough to get you strumming. What is a tabbed song? What does that even mean? 

From ukulele-tabs.com:

What is a tablature ?

A tablature is a method of writing down music played on stringed instruments using ASCII characters and numbers. It’s a visual representation of the instrument’s fretboard. The 4 lines correspond to the strings of the instrument, A ukulele tablature is made of 4 lines representing the strings of the instrument, with numbers showing where to fret the strings. Extra symbols shows how to play the notes. Tablature is more or less the general name given to online sheet music, often just made of chords & lyrics. 

This list of ways to send out music came into my inbox via www.digital8track.com, and it has some good tips so I thought I’d pass it on to my students who are out there working to try to get their music heart. If you aren’t a current student but would like to consult with me about your music project, please email me at yourocknyc@gmail.com. I’d love to help!

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10 Tips For Indie Artists: How to Effectively Send Out Music

Now you all know how important it is to pay attention to the small details in this business. There is no room for carelessness when it comes to your music. When sending emails, you need to be professional in order to get the response that you’re looking for.

This is one business where you usually only get one chance to prove yourself, and you wouldn’t want to mess up that chance with a tiny mistake like sending out an unprofessional email. Here are a few tips to make sure your emails are as professional as possible:

1. Always put a subject that gives the receiver a clear idea of what’s in the email.

2. Always introduce yourself and be sure to leave your contact info.

3. Don’t CC a bunch of people on the email. If you are sending it to a few people BCC so that everyone’s email addresses are not visible.

4. When forwarding a message, delete the previous info that shows who it was already forwarded to. (You don’t want everyone in your business.)

5. Do not send a whole album or a mixtape full of tracks. Pick 3-5 that show you at your highest potential and send those.

6. When sending music to a DJ, radio station, etc.—always be sure to send the ‘radio edit’ (clean version) first, as well as the explicit version. You don’t want to limit yourself. You want to be able to have your music played in clubs as well as on the radio, etc.

7. It’s usually better to send a link to your songs instead of sending an MP3. You don’t want the person to have to download your track before they even hear it. Pay attention to how the sender wants to receive music, some people specifically ask for links. If you are sending to a Gmail account, you might be safe sending MP3’s but you are always safe sending links.

8. Try to personalize each email instead of sending a generalized mass email. (Save that for your mailing list!) You will always get a better response talking to each person directly instead of sending the same message to a bunch of people and hoping that someone responds. #GetPersonal

9. Always have a pretty clear idea of what you would like to accomplish with that person before you send the email. If you want them to just listen and give their opinion, let them know. If you need help with promotion, tell them. Never just blindly send someone music without a goal in mind.

10. Always… ALWAYS proofread your emails before sending. Good grammar is more important than you think!

-If you follow these few small steps you will be on your way to getting a much better response!

Yes, you read correctly! YouRockNYC is NOW OFFERING Flute and Piano lessons, both in and out of our conveniently located downtown Manhattan studio. Please email yourocknyc@gmail.com or call 646-300-9276 to schedule your lesson today. 

A bio on your piano and flute teacher will be coming soon! Any questions? Give a shout…

For pricing info, please click here.

Have you had a great experience with YouRockNYC? Want to share your story? Please visit and help us develop our Yelp.com page. Thanks!

*Last year, my costume was a giant ukulele, as you can see above, where I’m between “TV Dinner” and “She-Ra”. What are you going to be for Halloween? 

*Our next Pay-What-You-Wish Ukulele Lesson ($20 suggested donation) is on Tuesday, Oct. 30th at 6 PM. Wanna RSVP? Call or email asap to save your spot: 646-300-9276 or yourocknyc@gmail.com. These classes are kept small so you can still get a lot of info out of them. 

*The holidays are rapidly approaching! How about a gift certificate for a friend or loved one today for guitar or ukulele lessons or vocal coaching sessions? They are beautiful and colorful. Or purchase them a hand painted soprano ukuleles…more info on that coming soon. 

*Got an item for the blog or newsletter about music / lessons / events relating to learning or playing guitar / ukulele / vocals? Please send them to yourocknyc@gmail.com. 

*The new studio is up and running! Come and enjoy the beautiful light and comfort of the new space. 

*Starting in 2013, rates will be raised a small amount, but prices for all current students and anyone who signs up before 2013 will enjoy the current rate for as long as you take lessons with YouRockNYC. 

As always, thank you for your support and involvement in our YouRockNYC community!

Thanks to student Mindy for sharing this story! Did anyone catch this show? I had tickets to see the show in Princeton but had to cancel because I had a big job meeting to attend. Waahhhhh. Anyone with photos or stories, send them along!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/17/the-ukulele-orchestra-of-_n_1973965.html?utm_hp_ref=arts

The Fashion District Arts Festival will be offering free ukulele lessons Thursday Oct. 18 and Friday, Oct. 19 from 12-2 in Times Square, as well as a host of other events and activities as part of the “Artist Services” exhibit.

Your trusty ukulele teacher Jessica Delfino will be on-hand with extra ukulele lessons to teach an ongoing 2 hour lesson to passers by and the informed public in a tent set up in the pedestrian area of 42nd St., so come on by and rock, NYC!

More details are below, please email yourocknyc@gmail.com with any questions, and hope to see you there. 

ARTIST SERVICES
October 18-19, 2012
Organized by Jeff Stark

“All art is quite useless.” — Oscar Wilde, “The Picture of Dorian Gray”

Artist Services is a lunchtime intervention. It places 10 artists, art collectives, and art collaborators in the center of Manhattan for two days and asks them not what they would like to show New York, but what they would like to do.

What services would they like to see in New York?
What services could they provide?
What is useful?
And what is, as Oscar Wilde said, quite useless?

The responses are predictably unpredictable. Nelson Loskamp offers haircuts in outré performances that mock powerlessness and control. Liz Barry and Bill Wetzel simply place an empty chair and ask pedestrians to sit for a few minutes of conversation in their ongoing project Talk to Me. Angela Washko provides action plans and matchmaking services. Jessica Delfinooffers free ukulele lessons. And the artist collective Rubulad promises a place to take a nap.

Rob Ray proposes a temporary respite from GPS maps and information-saturated guidebooks with his Get Lost! Kiosk. On the other hand, Jeff Starkcreates an independent concierge service, pointing passersby to independent shops, galleries, and attractions in the area, championing independent culture in a part of the city under constant threat from big box stores and chain restaurants.

Artist Services takes place in the Fashion District, on Broadway, just below Times Square during the busiest time of the day, the noon to 2pm lunch hour. During the period, artists will take over public space with a collection of small, inviting tents, like a street fair of free services.

Some of the project services reflect the skills and services offered in the Fashion District. Kristin Reger exhibits simple techniques for manipulating fabric in a one-stop demonstration of low-cost concept, design, and print.Laura McMillan’s Made in the USA delivers free custom masks with a personal consultation. And photographer Marc Scrivo sets up a mobile studio and takes portraits for pedestrians to use in social media profiles.

Artist Services organizer Jeff Stark is the editor of Nonsense NYC, a weekly email list about independent art, weird events, and strange happenings in New York City. His events have been covered by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Time Out New York, and National Public Radio.www.nonsensenyc.com

WHAT: “Pay What You Wish” Group Ukulele lessons

So…WHAT DOES THAT MEAN: You pay what you think lessons are worth - suggested donation: $20 - via cash, check or credit card / paypal

AND THEN WHAT HAPPENS: You learn to hold, strum and play a ukulele. Don’t have a ukulele? Coming straight from work? No problem. Borrow a ukulele for the class, the cost of which is included in your donation. The ability to read music not necessary. Light refreshments and beverages provided, as well. Meet others who also play and enjoy the music of the ukulele. 

WHEN: Every first (for beginners) and third (for intermediate) Monday from 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM in the Lower East Side, and for people with 9-5 type day jobs: First Tuesday night of the month (intermediate level), 6 to 7 PM. If you’re not sure if you’re beginner or intermediate, come anyway.

SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER: Monday Oct. 8 and 22 from 2:45 - 3:45 PM, Tuesday Oct. 30th from 6 - 7 PM. 

GREAT, I WANT IN! NOW WHAT: Please reserve your slot for this group class in advance, ideally 24 hours notice is appreciated, but even a couple hours notice will assure that everything is prepared in advance for your attendance. The first 10 people to RSVP via email or phone call will receive a confirmation for the lesson. The rest will have the first option at a slot in the following week’s class, so reserve your slot early. 

HOW DO I RESERVE: Please call 646-300-9276 and leave a clear message with your name, phone number and email address if no one answers. Or - preferred - email yourocknyc@gmail.com. 

ON DAY OF LESSON: Please bring a ukulele and $20 or whatever you can pay that day. 

ET CETERA: Please arrive on time (or 5-10 minutes early), lessons will start and end promptly, and you will not be granted entrance once they begin out of respect for the other students. Lessons take place in a private home studio, address will be given to you if you are one of the first 10 to confirm. There is a cat in the home so if you are allergic, please take your allergy medicine in advance. Bring your ukulele if you can / have one, and the music for whatever you are working on. 

YouRockNYC is happy to offer this service to NYC, because YOU ROCK, NYC!

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: yourocknyc@gmail.com / 646-300-9276

Have you been wanting to learn to play ukulele for awhile? Why put it off for any longer, now that you can take a free lesson at the Upper West Side St. Agnes NYPL’s community room. In this one hour class, you’ll learn to strum, form chords, play a song or two and meet some other people who are ukulele fans and aficionados. All sheet music and instruction will be provided free of charge. 

It’s fun, easy and free. The 1/9 train goes to 79th street and Broadway, and the library is at 81st and Amsterdam. 

Bring your own ukulele (or come, listen and play with a few shared ukuleles in the lessons). 

If you are interested in private lessons or can’t make the Tuesday sessions, please email to set up a private lesson in the downtown studio. Private lessons start at $35, and they cost even less if you take them with a friend. 

Please email yourocknyc@gmail.com with any questions, hope to see you soon!

All information and details for free NYPL ukulele lessons: 

St. Agnes NY Public Library
81st and Amsterdam
NYC
1,9 to 79th St. Station
Every Tuesday in September
5:30-6:30 PM
www.yourocknyc.com 

Ages 6 and up, please bring a ukulele if you have one.

Here are two songs some students have been working on lately in our lessons. Minor chords evoke feelings of “sadness” in some people, but the truth is, they’re simply beautiful chords and work well in happy songs, too.

Below, you can see links to Perfect Day by Lou Reed and You Don’t Own Me by Leslie Gore. If you’ve never heard either of these songs before, you’re in for a double treat. Both make great use of minor chords to get their points across. 

Perfect Day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYEC4TZsy-Y 

You Don’t Own Me: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWCMhL5qxlE

Enjoy!

Want to check out a free uke lesson? NYPL is providing a free ukulele series at Tompkins Square Park NY Public Library for the next two Mondays, July 9th and 16th from 5-6 PM. 

The long and short of it: 

* Free ukulele classes from 5 pm - 6 pm sharp. 

* Free materials will be provided (sheet music and chord charts). 

* B.Y.O.U. (bring your own ukelele).

* Ideal for ages 8 and up. (email if you have a younger child interested)

* Please RSVP at yourocknyc@gmail.com / email with any questions.

* We’ll cover uke basics including different types of strums, and you

will learn how to play 1-2 songs depending on the learning curve of the group. 

*If you don’t have a ukulele and you want one, you can order a soprano ukelele from MusiciansFriend.com including shipping for about $30, or support one of your local music stores, such as Ludlow Guitars or East Village Music. 

*Lessons will take place at: 

Tompkins Square Park NY Public Library

331 E. 10th Street between Aves B / C 

East Village, Manhattan, NYC

downstairs community room

closest subways: L to 1st Ave, 6 to Astor Place

If you can’t make these lessons, no problem — In September there will be more at NY Public Library, Upper West Side. More details to come!

Have you been slagging off on your New Year’s resolutions, specifically the one about following your dreams or learning a new instrument or whatever? Well, now’s your chance to get it back on track. 

Any time is a great time to pick up an instrument or get your voice back into shape. And now that the sun is coming back out from it’s hibernation, it won’t be long before roof top lessons are back in effect. 

Come give YouRockNYC! a try.

LET’S TALK CHEDDAR:

In-studio intro lessons are $40 for a 30 minute lesson, $50 for a 45 minute lesson and $60 for an hour lesson, which includes an instrument to borrow for your first lesson, and all your sheet music and lesson materials. Packages start at $35 per lesson for a pack of 5 ($175 for 5 - 30 min lessons), $45 per lesson for a pack of 5 ($225 for 5 - 45 min lessons) and $55 per lesson for a pack of 5 ($275 for 5 - 60 minute lessons). So if you sign up for 5 lessons, you’ll save $25. 

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER: 

Jessica D. is an award-winning musician who has performed on TV, radio, in festivals and on stage in the US and Internationally. Jessica currently works with a music agency, at schools and corporations teaching lessons in NYC. Jessica is registered with the NYC Department of Education. The oldest of 6 sisters, Jessica is patient and makes learning a new instrument fun. Jessica works with your skill level and goals to create a unique plan that is perfect for you. Learn to play your instrument in no time and you’ll be rockin’ your favorite songs or maybe even writing your own. 

STUDIO:

Is comfy! And located in downtown Manhattan, just a few blocks from the B, D, J, M trains, a block from the F train and a block from the M15 bus. There is plenty of on the street (meter) parking and free street spots nearby. The 6, N and R also are nearby, about a 10-15 min walk away, along Canal St. 

CONTACT:

Please email for more information. 

YouRockNYC@gmail.com

Read More →

There is now an entire series of ukulele videos up on eHow.com covering a wide range of ukulele topics. Check them out here and be sure to comment, share and take advantage of these fun, free videos. Happy strumming!

Next time you find yourself in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, be sure to take a quick stop in to the Martin Museum. If you play a stringed instrument or have a close friend or family member who does, then you’re probably somewhat familiar with the Martin name and brand of guitars, ukuleles and other instruments. They are a very well respected instrument builder, and though I don’t personally own a Martin (yet), it’s on my short list of instruments to get around to buying.

A student gave me the tip that the Martin Museum is in Nazareth, PA, and with a little research, I learned that his story checked out. Indeed, here is the museum’s website link.

If you go to the Martin Museum, tell us what you thought of the place…here are some opinions of the musem written by fellow Martin fans via Yelp.

You can read one visitor’s review below — makes it sound pretty fun!

From Yelp.com:

“The Martin company provides one of the most interesting factory tours I’ve ever experienced.

Most days, they have free tours from 11-2:30, every 20 minutes or so. It’s on a first come, first served basis, with approximately 14 people per tour.

We went on the day before Thanksgiving and ended up waiting about 40 minutes for a tour. This is absolutely fine, as there’s a small but interesting museum that chronicles the history of the Martin family and guitar company that can easily take an hour.

Conducted by a guitar factory worker at the end of his shift who clearly cared deeply about his craft, the 70 minute tour was extremely thorough. We crisscrossed the factory floor, witnessing each laborious step in creating a mostly hand-made guitar. We learned about woods, glues, fronts, backs, necks, finger boards, frets, laminates, inlays, strings, and many other aspects of the Martin guitar.”