Pop music is in many ways the sound track to American life. On a personal basis, music has the power to make us happy or sad, to thrill or to chill, to evoke special times and special places. Culturally, pop music has been identified with each generation of young Americans since World War II. Trends in the country are associated with whatever "the kids" are listening to.
Rock built on country and blues to become the music of rebellious youth around the world. Rap evolved from urban street poetry to become hip-hop, a style and sensibility that influences culture everywhere.
Of course, generalizations have their failings: Not every redneck likes country music (and most probably wouldn't know traditional country if it made them cry in their moonshine). The Grateful Dead and their offshoots have right-wing fans who love their libertarian leanings but despise the left-wing hippie culture that nurtured the Dead. And while rappers give vent to their feelings, their feelings themselves seem limited to anger and the pursuit of pleasure; put another way, Has any couple about to be married ever picked a piece of rap music as "their song?"
In some respects, this is a golden age for music in America: Singer-songwriters have brought back the idea of thoughtful self-expression in music; technology has made it easier than ever to produce and disseminate music; virtually every town and city seem to have clubs that feature live music. On the other hand, it seems harder and harder for musicians to make money in the music industry.
Check out City Arts and Music, probably the most comprehensive list of musical resources, including venues, jams, and public relations advice for musicians, in New York City.
Guitar Lessons
I've had the good fortune to play guitar with the some of the best players around. To be honest, I'm not in their league. But I've listened and learned, and practiced, and over the years have achieved what I describe as a "high-degree of mediocrity."
I no longer have dreams of rock stardom, though I still write songs and occasionally play in bands. But my ultimate goal is the same as it's always been: to continue to improve as a player, to enjoy music more than ever, and to share my joy with others.
Based on my experience, I've become a pretty good teacher of novice and intermediate guitarists. If you're interested in starting to play, or in taking a major leap forward to accompanying yourself and to playing with others, drop me a line.
Rock built on country and blues to become the music of rebellious youth around the world. Rap evolved from urban street poetry to become hip-hop, a style and sensibility that influences culture everywhere.
Of course, generalizations have their failings: Not every redneck likes country music (and most probably wouldn't know traditional country if it made them cry in their moonshine). The Grateful Dead and their offshoots have right-wing fans who love their libertarian leanings but despise the left-wing hippie culture that nurtured the Dead. And while rappers give vent to their feelings, their feelings themselves seem limited to anger and the pursuit of pleasure; put another way, Has any couple about to be married ever picked a piece of rap music as "their song?"
In some respects, this is a golden age for music in America: Singer-songwriters have brought back the idea of thoughtful self-expression in music; technology has made it easier than ever to produce and disseminate music; virtually every town and city seem to have clubs that feature live music. On the other hand, it seems harder and harder for musicians to make money in the music industry.
Check out City Arts and Music, probably the most comprehensive list of musical resources, including venues, jams, and public relations advice for musicians, in New York City.
Guitar Lessons
I've had the good fortune to play guitar with the some of the best players around. To be honest, I'm not in their league. But I've listened and learned, and practiced, and over the years have achieved what I describe as a "high-degree of mediocrity."
I no longer have dreams of rock stardom, though I still write songs and occasionally play in bands. But my ultimate goal is the same as it's always been: to continue to improve as a player, to enjoy music more than ever, and to share my joy with others.
Based on my experience, I've become a pretty good teacher of novice and intermediate guitarists. If you're interested in starting to play, or in taking a major leap forward to accompanying yourself and to playing with others, drop me a line.