Bluegrass instruction has become increasingly mobile in recent years, as teachers and students alike take advantage of the opportunities afforded by developing technology. If you are interested in bluegrass instruction, you no longer have to order a DVD and wait for it to arrive in the mail. You have ready access to immediate downloads of the same content through sites such InstantBluegrass.com.
Some artists offer personalized lessons via a video chat software such as Skype.
Recently we’ve highlighted a couple of bands which developed apps for mobile platforms.
Tony Trischka has just announced a new addition to his online instructional offerings from the Tony Trischka School of Banjo. Trischka uses a service called ArtistWorks®.
The ArtistWorks® online visual education format allows virtuoso musicians to “Teach the World” by presenting their full method, technique or curriculum in HD video to subscribing students of their sites. Simple webcams are used by the students to submit videos to the Artist through the site, for critique and guidance. The Artists easily review student-submitted videos using the ArtistWorks® Video Management System (patent pending). These “video-exchanges” are posted for all subscribing students to learn from the teacher and from each other.
And now, this innovative teaching format has come to iOS. iOS is the operating system that powers the popular iPhone and iPad.
Whether it’s perfecting new rolls, learning new tunes or brushing up on technique, students can continue their learning while commuting, waiting for a plane or even just hanging out on the couch at home. The new mobile capabilities also make for greater convenience and ease of use, as students can simply place their iPad or iPhone on a music stand to easily view lessons and upload videos as they play.
This sounds like a great improvement over having to sit at a desk, in front of a computer. If you enjoy banjo and technology, this might be something to look into. The cost is $60 for a three month membership. Give it a try!
