Dean Zelinsky Since he first launched Dean Guitars in 1976, Dean Zelinsky has been a go-to guitar guru for some of the biggest names in rock—Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Nancy Wilson (Heart) and Def Leppard to name but a few. Known as the rock star of guitar manufacturers for his innovative use of Playboy models […]
Category: Guitar
Accordion Chat with Nawal Motawi
“Although we couldn’t afford piano lessons when I was in grade school, my mother bought me a John Thompson beginning piano book so I could learn on my own,” says Nawal Motawi owner of Motawi Tileworks in Ann Arbor, Michigan, recalling her childhood. “My mother also showed me the fingerings, bit by bit, for interesting […]
Musical Attractions in Nashville
Although people associate Nashville with country music, the city’s music scene is rich and diverse. Many bluegrass, classical, rock, country, and gospel musicians call the city home. In fact, there are few places in the country that offer the range of musical experiences available in Nashville
Gruhn Guitars
Instrument collecting is tricky business. How is the novice to know if she is buying a real collector’s item or getting ripped off? Dealer George Gruhn of Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee, is probably one of the most knowledgeable collectors in the US, if not the world. He got his start dealing in string instruments […]
A Visit to Memphis
Memphis has been the inspiration for many a music maker. In fact, there have been more songs written about Memphis than any other city in the US. This four-day tour touches on the “must-see” sights for music lovers. For a good choice of hotels with discount prices, visit Hotel in Memphis for more information.
Musician Dystonia
Focal dystonia is a neurological movement disorder affecting 1% to 2% of musicians, where involuntary muscle movements occur in various parts of the body. It is typically focal, affecting one body area, and task-specific, occuring during the performance of a specific task, for example, playing a musical instrument. Symptoms The first signs of dystonia are […]
Traditional Irish Fiddle Festivals
Fiddling is most fun in the company of others. Though it’s actually a violin, the fiddle’s virtue, and what often differentiates fiddle playing from violin playing, is that it is usually played by ear. That means fiddlers can often pick up a tune and accompany other musicians. In Irish pubs and festivals across the US […]
Sculptures of Famous Musicians
Sculptor Alan LeQuire is well-known for his iconic Nashville sculptures, including Musica (above), a centerpiece of the city’s Music Row, and a full-scale recreation of Athena, which resides in Music City’s Parthenon. He is also a recreational musician. For the past 10 years, the artist has dedicated a part of his talents to a very […]
How to Start Playing Electric Violin
Oftentimes, folks told me that, as much as they love classical music, their interests range from jazz to folk, rock, R&B, and hip-hop, and they wanted to play the music they love.
Actor Paul Adelstein’s Secret Passion for Music
Paul Adelstein first became interested in music as a youngster in Chicago. “I didn’t have much aptitude for reading music, but I loved to play,” says the actor, who began piano lessons at age 10.