Moms Music of Louisville

Hand Percussion for the Holidays?

2009-11-19T14:43:00.000-08:00

I've noticed a trend the past few days in the shop, and it has to do with, strangely enough, hand percussion.

It seems, to me, that hand percussion is the gift for drummer's when a sibling, parent, significant other, or close friend wants to pick something up that isn't going to break the bank, but will still be used by the drummer close to their heart.

I've lost count of how many times, in the past two weeks I've heard "I don't play music but my brother plays drums, he's away at college so I thought I'd get him some bongos."

Now don't get me wrong, Bongo drums can be awesome, but the way people freak out when they see all the hand percussion stuff that is available AND affordable it's unbelievable.

I myself have been a strick "DRUM KIT" player since I was young, but seeing some of the Cajons and Bongo Cajons that a few companies are making have really prompted me to look into picking up some alternate percussion items. If not for using in my set, just for having around the house! THESE THINGS LOOK LIKE FURNITURE!

I've pictured two Djembes, a set of the Meinl Headliner Bongo drums, and a Meinl Cajon. (The Cajon looks like the rectangular stool). Prices vary on this stuff but the point is, it's all portable, it's all percussion, it can be played on it's own, with a set, in a recording setting, wherever, even just on the front porch.

This stuff is so light weight you can take it camping, it's awesome for kids and adults.

You can see a full range of hand percussion equipment on Meinl Site .

The world of percussion is so vast and goes so far beyond what you see in Green Day videos, nothing aginst Green Day, it's just so amazing. All the time I thought guitar players had it good with all of their effects pedals, but by far, hand percussion options outweigh distortion pedal variations, and none of the hand percussion requires batteries or electricity!!!!

Teacher Profile: Richard Matteson

2009-11-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

Richard Matteson has been teaching with us at the Louisville Mom's location for a good stretch of time now and every time I'm reminded of his accomplishments I kick myself for not having done a teacher profile on him yet!

There are so many cool things about Richard that you wouldn't begin to assume based on his incredibly modest personality... where to start? I mean, the guy has recorded cds, headed up guitar societies, taught at the university level, written books that have been published by Mel Bay, he's taught private students, played in bands, led church groups, he's done just about everything short of a Black Sabbath tribute band, but we've got another teacher here who has done that!

The basics about Richard are that he can teach just about anything, song writing, vocals, guitar, harmonica, banjo, beginning fiddle, mandolin, bass, and the majority of every instrument involved in bluegrass! He can also teach you to read music!

Basics aside Richard has written or has had a part in writing at least 10 books that have been published by Mel Bay including...

Right-Handed Arpeggio Forms For Acoustic Guitar
Scales And Modes for Guitar
Bluegrass Pickers Tune Book (213 songs!)

For you sticklers for higher education Richard taught at Winston-Salem State and worked at Salem College teaching with their guitar programs.

"

Matteson has recorded 4 CD's of fingerstyle arrangements for solo guitar for Mel Bay Publications. He also has solo guitar recordings of three ragtime (Scott Joplin) tunes. In 1996 Matteson performed his ragtime piece, Tar-Heel Rag at half-time of the UNC basketball game in Smith Center before 14,000 fans. A solo recording of the Tar-Heel Rag is also available.

He has several other ensemble recordings available besides the 2 CD's with Bluegrass Messengers. A recording is available of Matteson's original works for guitar and string quartet was done at Salem College at a concert in the Piedmont Classic Guitar Society Fall series. A recording of Matteson's 1992 performance of three pieces for guitar, harmonica, and cello at the Chet Atkins concert in Reynolds Auditorium is available." (from the Bluegrass Messengers site)

What can this guy NOT do? Oh yeah I forgot something, he's also an accomphished painter!

He is available for lessons every day except for Sunday! He can even accomodate lunch break lessons for adults!

Oh Snap! Mom's 28th Anniversary Celebration!

2009-11-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

Gosh, 28 years already?!?! The week of November 16th (Monday through Saturday) we'll be having a Customer Appreciation celebration at both of our locations! Also, in other big news, we're advertising in the L.E.O these days, these has been a long time coming and due to James Hewitt and his neverending polite persistence we'll have our first full page ad in the best free culture rag in town! This is a development I'm super excited about as I've been picking up the L.E.O ever since I was a young pup religiously visiting Ear-X-Tacy on the weekends to spend my saved up lunch money on 7"s!

There is a lot going on next week, one thing in particular that I think those of you reading this blog should take advantage of is that several of our instructors are going to be offering FREE 20 minute TRIAL LESSONS through out the week. You'll need to call me to get scheduled but if you've been holding off on finding the perfect teacher to help you jump start where you're playing has plateaued... this is the perfect opportunity to check out some teachers without making a commitment until you find the perfect fit!

De-Tour at the Oldham County YMCA

2009-11-10T08:36:00.001-08:00

If you're a member of the Oldham County YMCA and you are going to hanging out at the Teen Field Party this Wednesday, November 11th you're in for an overwhelming teenage sonic treat.... DE-TOUR will be playing a set during the party!

Check 'em out on the My Space!
www.myspace.com/detour4to1

If you dig what you hear, give me a ring and if you're not already, we can get you fixed up with a band and get you rockin' in no time!

KY Film & Music Fest!

2009-11-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've updated. I keep telling myself that I am going to put some sort of information in here at least once a week, it's not that we don't have anything going on here at the shop, I just find it difficult to create the time to sit and type something out. I'll promise, once again, to be more active in the blog. You guys and gals have got to hold me too it!

An amazingly cool event is going on thi Saturday here in Louisville Kentucky. Actually, a number of awesome events are ALWAYS going on in Louisville, and you folks know that!

However, this post is going to focus on the Kentucky Film & Music Fest that's going on at the Clifton Center. This is poised to be a yearly event that can only get bigger and more interesting.

Basically you can go to the Clifton Center on November 14th, and depending on which aspects of the festival you wish to participate in tickets will be $12, $14, or $25 flat.

There are several bands playing;
The Abe Lincoln Effect
Amazon Pilot
Lotus Blake
and a not to missed performance by The Louisville Dulcimer Society

For you budding film critics and lovers of all things not mainstream film you'll find pieces screened by:
Elvis Wilson
Mimi Pickering
Walter Brock
Dewane Rudd
Joe Grey
and Sean Anderson

For those of you interested in PLAYING MUSIC, even if you have ZERO experience you'll find workshops and hands on from private instructors from Mom's Music
-Karsten Nelson (Rock School coach and private instructor) holding a guitar clinic

-Richard Matteson (private instructor) holding a beginning harmonic clinic limited to 12 folks, totally free, and you'll receive a new untainted harmonica to use and take with you!

-Jyn Yates (private drum instructor) will be holding a hand percussion jam session. Bring a drum or a shaker or something to beat on, but we'll have some stuff there as well! ALL AGES WILL LOVE THIS!

In the afternoon there will be live taping for NPR of the ever enjoyable Kentucky Homefront!

Check out more information at cliftoncenter.org/music

Did I mention there will be food? Oh yeah. Crave Cafe, BBC, Heine Brothers.

Plus, I'll be there, what better reason to attend do you need? ;)

New Mom's Music stickers!!!!

2009-10-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

I picked up the new stickers from Monkey Drive today! Be sure to come by the Rock School concert on October 4th and pick some up! They are free!!!!! Put them on your car, your bike, your guitar case, your skateboard, your school locker, your Science teacher... okay, maybe not the Science teacher!

We've got small Mom's Music stickers for the faint of heart when it comes to sticky things and we've got some big Rock School stickers so your parents can profess loud and proud MY CHILD IS A ROCK STAR AT MOM'S MUSIC SCHOOL OF MUSIC! (This applies to private lesson students as well, we didn't leave you guys and gals out!)

Rock School Finale This Sunday!

2009-10-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

That's right, it's that time again, and the weather is more than perfect! Rock School Session Finale at 4th Street Live/Hard Rock Cafe is amazingly beautiful downtown Louisville Kentucky.
This event starts at 1 and will end at 6pm, completely free and family friendly!

Come out and check out the private student recitals on the side stage starting at 1pm, Rock School bands on the 4th Street Stage starting at 2pm, and Performance and Weekend Warrior bands inside Hard Rock Cafe at 1pm!

Once again, mark your calenders!

2009-09-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

I've gotten confirmation that there will be ACTUAL CYMBAL MAKING at this event. The Vault Tour is something you should not miss based on the artistry of cymbal making alone!

Brought to you by Sabian, Kaman Music, and the always amazing coffee drinking Rob Arnold!

Come one come all (this means you to guitar players!)

All ages!

Make it happen!

Don't Forget the last day of the Mellwood Art Fair!

2009-09-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

The Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center has their Fair this weekend. Today is the last day of the fair! It's free so get down there, ride a bike if you can because parking is going to be crazy!

There will be bands playing until around 5:15 and more artists than you can shake a stick at.

And to be honest, you probably shouldn't be shaking sticks at people. ;)

" We are very excited to present the 1 st annual September Art Fair @ Mellwood, September 12 & 13, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This will be one of the largest high quality fine arts and craft shows in Louisville. We will offer 300 indoor, sheltered and outside artist spaces. Our show will also feature culinary arts, wine tasting, live entertainment, children’s art/craft area and “Gallery Row” – the best of Louisville’s gallery scene. We will have five charity booths for the Ursuline sisters in our indoor space so they may carry on their fine work helping those in need."

Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center is conveniently located to highways I-64, I-65, I-71 and minutes from Brownsboro Road and downtown. We have 3 large parking lots on the premises for our artists and patrons!

Please call 502.895.3650 or email scooter@mellwoodartcenter.com for more information.

De-Tour playing the Oldham County Backyard Festival!

2009-09-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

There is so much going on this weekend on the 12th and 13th!
One of our Performance bands, De-Tour is going to be playing the Oldham County Backyard Barbecue & Craft Festival in Crestwood!

This is a FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT! Great for all ages, strollers welcome!

The South Oldham Lions Club is putting this on and admission is TOTALLY FREE!

September 12th, from 10am to pm on The Maples Property on Hwy 22, just down from the Dairy Queen in Crestwood.

It's a park like setting, bands, cornhole tournaments, BBQ contect, grill give-a-way, arts and crafts, Hog Operation will be rockin' out their brand of Bluegrass music, pie contests, face painting and bouncies for the youngin's or the young at heart!

For more information call Kim Buckler at 502.243.9553
Or check out www.OldhamLiving.com

Looking for an all ages music venue in Louisville?

2009-09-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hanging around the shop (working) I hear a lot of the local musicians talk about the venues that they have been playing at on the weekends, lots of taverns, pubs, bars, eateries, as well as staples of Louisville like Pheonix Hill, Jim Porters, Stevie Rays, and a lot of other music venues that offer drink and things of that nature that, unfortunately for the youngsters, and even the older teens, ensure that a lot of people that come through our doors will not get to see these bands.

A lot of times it seems as if the under 21 crowd has to wait for a school or church to throw some type of Battle Of The Bands for one of their festivals to have a chance to see a number of people, as well as people their age, play music.

Some of you may already know about this place, it's been open for a period of time here in Louisville but I felt that it warranted it's own post in the Mom's Music Blog because we love the fact that this has been started and maintained in the wonderful city of Louisville Kentucky.

Skull Alley

That's right, Skull Alley. It's not just a witty catchy name! It's an all ages venue that caters to bands containing members of all ages. Although various genres of bands have played there indie rock, punk, hardcore, some of the harder styles, and folky acoustic stuff seems to be the bulk of what happens in the building.

HOWEVER, that's NOT ALL Skull Alley does...

They have had poetry slams, hip hop bands, art openings, workshops and how-to clinics, they sell records, books and zines, they have a snack bar, a few different groups use the space for meetings and events. YOU can rent the space and have an event there....

Basically Skull Alley is the new black, if you are pickin' up what I'm puttin' down. Concert prices range from $2 to $12 or so, depending on the line up. Such a laid back place. I think you'll be pleased....

Bookmark this site for upcoming events...
http://skullalley.net/wordpress/

They also do screenprinting! Get your t-shirts printed there!

Sabian Vault Tour!

2009-08-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Okay kiddos, listen up.... if you play drums or are just a fan of incredibly loud, tonally pleasing sounds you're going to want to be at Mom's Music on Mellwood October 7th for the Sabian Vault Tour!

What is the Vault Tour?
Basically Sabian, a top notch cymbal manufacturer, is going "on tour" with a bunch of their products. They'll be at Mom's with proven classics from their cymbal lines, a bunch of the new prototype cymbals, and all the education offerings about cymbal making that you can shake a (drum)stick at!

You'll get to check out product demonstations, learn all about how cymbals are made in the Sabian facility, meet the Sabian Vault team and get pointers and tips of choosing cymbals for your kit, plus you'll have a chance to WIN YOUR DREAM CYMBAL SET UP!

CHECK IT OUT WWW.VAULTTOUR.COM
Or if you do that Twitter thing, their tag is #vaulttour

FREE FREE FREE FREE
Hope to see ya at the shop on October 7th!

"Drummer offers alternative to New Orleans Youth!"

2009-08-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- Drumsticks in hand, Derrick Tabb has found a way to transform New Orleans children from troublemakers to tuba players.

Tabb, wearing a gold chain and a baseball cap, doesn't look the part of a typical band teacher. But every weekday evening in the French Quarter, he beats out the rhythm on his music stand as students play their chosen instruments. In doing so, he gives them an alternative to New Orleans' rough streets.

"I tell everyone I'm competing with the drug dealers," said Tabb, 34. His program, The Roots of Music, offers free tutoring, instruments and music education to more than 100 students.

Reformed class clown Terrence Knockum credits Tabb with changing his life. The 15-year-old tuba player joined the band eight months ago, when he was failing in school and "heading up the wrong road," said Tabb. Today, Knockum is the band captain. He hopes to make music his career and teach it himself one day.

"Before, I was getting in trouble," Knockum said. "Now ... when I come here, I'm learning how to play the horn, be disciplined and, you know, just work hard."

Tabb can relate. During a rebellious phase in junior high, his band teacher became his mentor and helped him get back on track.

"He saved my life," recalled Tabb, a professional drummer with the Rebirth Brass Band, one of the city's most popular acts.

Now Tabb, a New Orleans native, strives to keep young people on the straight and narrow in the city with the nation's highest murder rate, according to FBI statistics.

"When all you've seen is the drug dealers and the killing, you know, they think that's cool," said Tabb, adding that many young people wind up in trouble because they have nothing else to do.

The type of music support systems that helped Tabb years ago have been struggling since Hurricane Katrina; musicians scattered after the storm and budget cuts ended many school music programs. As a result, Tabb chose to target 9- to 14-year-olds with his program.

"That's just the most vulnerable time of your life," he said. "If I catch them now, I can hold onto them for at least four or five years and guide them the way that we want to guide them."

Students meet from 4-7 p.m. every weekday, year-round. They work with tutors on schoolwork, practice their music and eat a hot meal before heading home.

Through funding from donations and sponsors, Tabb's group is able to provide bus transportation, instruments and food for free. He calls it his "no excuse" policy -- "you don't have no excuse why you're not here," Tabb said. With a 90 percent attendance rate, his formula seems to be working. Watch Tabb and The Roots of Music program in action »

Tabb attributes the success in part to the nature of music.

"You're constantly learning something new," he said. "That's what keeps the kids coming back every day."

Since getting underway last year, The Roots of Music has already exceeded Tabb's expectations. The band marched in five Mardi Gras parades this season. The program also helped students improve their academic performances, with 85 percent having raised their grades in at least one class; some D and F students have become A students. And there are more than 400 children on the waiting list.

Tabb said he's assembled a "dream team" of musicians to help teach the students, and he personally works with all the beginners. No previous musical experience is necessary -- many students don't even know the names of the instruments when they start -- but youngsters like 9-year-old Lauren Washington, who plays the flute, learn fast.

"It's kind of hard to play, but I sound good," she said proudly. "It's fun!"

But the program isn't only about fun.

"Music is about discipline," said Tabb. He insists on good behavior and keeps kids in order with threats of sit-ups, pushups or tasks like picking up grains of rice -- but these measures aren't just punishment.

"We wear them out so they don't have any time or energy to get mixed up in anything on the street," he said.

Discipline aside, Tabb wants young people to realize that music can help them build a better future.

"I don't say that I'm saving lives," he said. "I say I'm giving life -- a whole different life of music."

http://www.therootsofmusic.com/

Mom's Music is open!

2009-08-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

Mom's Music is OPEN TODAY. We experienced very minor flooding and we've got it all cleaned up! HOWEVER, our phones are down. Come on in and hang out!

NEW ROCK SCHOOL SESSION STARTS AUGUST 10th!

2009-07-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

We're gearing up for the next 8 week session of Rock School here at Mom's Music, on both sides of the river!

Performance Bands are continuing their rehearsals and we're working on some end of summer, fall weather performances for them before the snow starts to call and everyone buckles back down for school.

If your Rock School band is going to return for another session make sure you re-up via the www.momsmusic.com application! Or you can just ring Ella at the shop or shoot her an e mail at Ella@momsmusic.com!

If you would like to sign up for your first enlistment here are the cold hard facts about life in Rock School!

Rock School is for all ages up to 18. (If you are over 18 don't fret, we have a seperate, but similar, program for you called Weekend Warriors!) If you are under 18 and would like to be in a band, can get your hands on a guitar/bass/drum sticks, then you can join up!
You'll be grouped with folks around your age that are into the same kind of music and have a similar level of proficiency as you.
You'll be matched with a coach based on your bands proficiency and the times you have open to practice.
Your band will have their first rehearsal on the scheduled day (Monday-Saturday) during the week beginning August 10th 2009!
We're flexible on practice times but once it's established that's what the band sticks to so you can plan your life accordingly! We make it easy! Band rehearsals are usually an hour and a half once a week.
The band will learn a handful of their favorite songs, most bands are doing 2-4 songs each session.
At the end of the 8 weeks after you've got your songs, your band name, and your awesome band you'll play the finale concert in front of friends, family, all the other bands, and even strangers that have just come out to rock!
We've been having a lot of our concerts at 4th Street Live, Hard Rock Cafe and Pheonix Hill in the highlands!

Once you've done Rock School for one session you'll have a two week break and if your band stays together you guys can come back for a second session, work up a longer set list, get tighter, and eventually audition for Performance Band status, which means you'll rock out on more songs, be more of a cohesive unit, and you'll be playing out a lot more and eventuallyrecording and working on originals if that's in agreement with the band!

What do you have to lose? How cool would it be to start school this year being able to say that what you did this past summer was JOIN A ROCK N' ROLL BAND?!?!?!?

You can fill out the Rock School application at WWW.MOMSMUSIC.COM
This does not obligate you to participate but ensures that we know you are interested and we will contact you for further details and to see where we can fit you into a rockin' band!

July 26th Rock School Concert

2009-07-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

The July 26th Finale Concert for our Education Program went really well! We were able to work in some student recitals with one of our private instructors, Sheila O'Bannon! This was a treat for the private students and gave the crowd a little break as far as volume goes.

We had Rock School outside on the big stage at 4th Street Live and we had Performance Bands and Weekend Warriors inside on the cozy stage in Hard Rock Cafe!

In attendance we also had the Census Bureau holding down the fort with an information table and lots of free goodies, across the way from them we had the Derby City Roller Girls in full effect! Malice was so kind as to be our guest MC for the concert! Thanks a lot for coming out and setting up shop folks! We hope to add more booths and information tables from local groups and businesses in the future, so if you're interested or you have an idea please let me know!

Peace, Love, and Drums clinic!

2009-07-16T10:21:00.001-07:00

The "Peace, Love, And Drums" show encompasses various genres of drumming, jazz, funk/fusion, rock as well as vocal stylings. The show is performed live on stage with pre-recorded music tracks and is usually presented in either concert format or a clinic format that allows time for audience participation and questions! Folks are allowed to ask pretty much anything from questions about her drumming technique to experiences growing up playing music, and what it's like to be a female in the music industry playing an instrument typically played by men.

The show is for anyone interested in music, not just for drummers. Youngsteres are encouraged to attend as well as older folk. Hannahs main theme is the importance of music in our world today, especially in the lives of young people. Taking both an educational and entertaining approach, Hannah reaches out to the kids in the audience and shows them how much fun and how special music can be, the places it can take them and the long-term benefits it can bring.

Adults in the audience will see how important it is that they continue to support programs in the local schools and communities and make sure that there will always be music programs for their children to participate in. So many programs are being eliminated due to lack of funding, yet the positive effects music has on students - not only from an academic standpoint but from a social standpoint, as well 0 has been proven time and time again.

The show runs about an hour as a concert presentation and a little more than an hour in clinic format.

The clinic will be taking place at the Mellwood Mom's music location at 1900 Mellwood Avenue Louisville Ky 40206, in ye ol' Tumbleweed building right next door to the Mellwood Arts center!

Louisville Science Center Camp!

2009-07-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

Louisville Science Center Camp!

2009-07-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Louisville Science Center is hosting a number of camps this summer for folks of various ages. They are doing one camp in particular that we think you folks will find interesting and may want to take part in.

The program is somewhat like RockSchool on a much smaller scale which might suite some families perfectly!

This is technically a camp, it runs from July 27th to July 31st of 2009. The class size is kept small, only 20 folks are allowed in. The age range for the camp is roughly 12 to 14 years of age.

Basically the kids will engage in classes at the Louisville Science Center that explore the science of sound, audio engineering, and music Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday the class will participate in fully day workshops at the Mellwood Mom's Music shop to learn an instrument, and prepare a piece of music to be performed by the class.

Also, this Rock - n - Roll camp will have a culminating concert at the Louisville Science Center on July 31st! This is kind of like our RockSchool concert as the group will perform their song at this event!

Steve Inman, one of Mom's RockSchool and Weekend Warrior coaches will be working alongside a few other choice Mom's employees to get all the kid's rockin!

To sign up for the camp you'll need to contact the Louisville Science Center. Megean Kincaid in particular, the Education Services Coordinator, 502.560.7146. Her e mail is megan.kincaid@louisvilleky.gov

Check out the Louisville Science Center at http://www.louisvillescience.org/

Bands playing lately..

2009-07-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

Slakker, one of our new performance bands just recently participated in a performance at the Madison Regatta Battle of the Bands. The band won second place to another Mom's Music Performance band, Identity Crisis! Congratulations you guys.

Kyle Simpson had his photo featured in the Madison Courier after the event! Way to go Kyle!

A lot has been happening!

2009-07-06T08:17:00.001-07:00

So much has been happening here at Mom's, both in the store and with our Education Department!

Benji Simmonds, our Backline Manager and Coordinator was seriously injured in a fall a few weeks ago. Luckily some of the folks here at Mom's used some quick thinking and some apparel as life saving devices and Benji made it to the hospital for several hours of surgery, and he's been at home resting and recouping, although I think he's been sneaking in some work here and there! Bad Benji!

If you'd like to send a card, flowers, anything edible, or maybe a singing telegram get in touch with the store and we'll swap some information. Benji has been in all of our thoughts pretty much non-stop since his accident, and we long for his big come-back to the store!

As well, one of our guitar instructors, Chris Matthews was in a motorcycle accident a week ago. Chris has not been able to return to work due to repeat stints in the hospital to care for his injuries. One of our guitar instructors, Karyln Baker, has been hand picked by Chris to take care of all of his students until he returns. Karyln is a great guy and an AMAZING shredder, we're sure all of Chris's student (and parents) will be pleased with the caliber of his instruction.

We'll keep everyone updated on when Chris will be coming back to us. We hope to see him soon.

Creative Recording School Site up now!

2009-05-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

The full website for Mom's Creative Recording School is now up on the triple dub, thanks to Kyle Ferguson for the design, and Al Gore for the internet.

C.R.S is a Pro Tools oriented 8 week course limited to only 6 students, aimed at providing you with not only the knowledge but the tools required for creating successful recording projects. All students will receive a certification upon completion of 32 hours of coursework, including book work and hands on experience with both digital and analog recording methods.

Classes for this session start June 2nd 2009.

You can register for a semester of classes on the site as well as apply for financing for tuition if that tickles your fancy.

Class size is limited to 6 students.

(In case you missed it click on the "full website" text, which is a link to the Creative Recording School site.)

Sign up now for the next RockSchool session!

2009-05-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

The RockSchool concert on the 17th was a blast as always. We're looking into some interesting additions to add for future concerts. We're not announcing anything just yet but we believe that what we have in the works will result in a more rewarding, entertaining event for everyone involved!

The next session of RockSchool starts on June 1st at both stores! The final concert is on Sunday July 26th at 4th Street Live. I know the weather will be a bit warmer but it won't be anywhere near as hot as the bands that'll be playing!

If you haven't signed up for the June/July session it's not too late! Visit www.momsmusic.com and click on the RockSchool icon to fill out your application. If you don't have internet access availabile for you to fill out the application, visit the store and we'll help ya out or you can just give us a ring on the phone and we'll get it taken care of!

Don't forget, out music programs aren't just for the youngin's, anyone over 18 can partcipate as well!

Win a Fender Stratocaster!

2009-05-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

We all like free stuff right? The answer is obvious, YES! So if you're in the market for a completely free Fender Strat. You don't get to pick the color, but honestly... how could you go wrong with ANY color when it's free?

Visit this link and get signed up and then come to the JOHN 5 clinic at 3pm on Saturday May 16th. You must be present to win.

MAY 17TH, THIS SUNDAY!

2009-05-13T20:58:00.001-07:00

This Sunday May 17th is our session finale for the Rockschool and Weekend Warrior bands!

It's a family friendly event that is completely FREE! Come down to 4th Street Live (on 4th street) in downtown Louisville to see tons of bands play. If you're interested in our Education programs this will be the perfect event to see what it's all about.

We'll have our RockSchool bands, out Performance bands, and our Weekend Warrior bands playing outside on 4th Street Live and INSIDE HARD ROCK CAFE!

On Saturday night, May 16th, in Hard Rock Cafe on 4th Street we'll have a few of our Weekend Warrior bands playing. Those folks will start rockin' out around 11pm so if you're a night owl like me I'm sure I'll see you there. Let's grab a Coke and a smile together! :)

P.S CLICK ON THE FLIER TO SEE IT BIGGER.

Congratulations Michael Butterworth!

2009-05-09T22:58:00.001-07:00

Mucho Congratulations to one of the our Mellwood shop employees, one Michael J. Butterworth, received his diploma from Boyce today. Michael moved here from Arizona to attend the Seminary school and he's worked at the store for over four years now. He usually works later in the day and can frequently be found playing amazing songs on keyboards or explaining home recording to customers. Michael is one of the hardest working folks I have ever met, in addition to being one of the most genuinely nice and honest people I have ever had the pleasure to become friends with. He's been away from work for a while due to a run in with a P.T Crusier while he was on his bike, he's healing nicely from what I hear however.
If you see Michael out, he's usually found at Quills Coffee on Baxter Avenue or attending any number of events at Sojourn congratulate him on his recent achievement.

This is why you're breaking cymbals...

2009-05-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

If you're like me and you only like incredibly terrible B horror movies you've never seen Time Warp on television. However, I implore you to watch this clip of a drummer on Time Warp.
Basically, he plays some awesome drum beats, then they slow down a snare hit and a cymbal crash and, well, it's just incredible and after I saw it I thought that it made a lot of since that cymbals break.

John 5 Signature Fender Telecaster...

2009-05-06T11:40:00.001-07:00

Howard just approached me, his lunch of jello or Cafe Ice Cream in hand I'm not sure which, to let me know that John 5 has a signature Fender Telecaster. Now, this isn't suprising news to me, John 5 is a giant guitar slinging musical powerhouse, however, what does surprise me is that if you want to have a John 5 Signature Fender Telecaster in hand at the John 5 event to get a signature, we can make that happen!

You can prepay for the axe, and that'll run ya $399.00 before tax. We'll have it here at the store for the signing.

An additional thought, John 5 is also fond of the Fender FM25DSP and FM212DSP amps. If you don't really *need* another guitar (who DOESN'T need more guitars?!) but you need an amp, we can hook you up with a 25 or 212 that you can get signed.

Pretty cool.

If you're interested, or if you just have some questions give Howard a shout at the Mellwood Store. You can reach him at 502.897.3304 or Howard@momsmusic.com

Flicks from the Chris Adler Meet N' Greet!

2009-05-05T20:54:00.000-07:00

What do you have going on Saturday?

2009-05-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

If you don't have plans for Saturday, during the day, please consider taking a trip out to E.P Tom Sawyer Park here in Kentucky.
Saturday, May 9th is opening day for the 2009 BMX track season out at the park and Ken Fox and the folks at Derby City BMX has ensured an amazing time for all, for absolutely no cost! Hard to believe right? Well, don't argue with a good thing because it might cost you a couple of bucks in gas but just click on the flier in this post to see all the awesome stuff that's going, as well, FREE FOOD! Now that is an awesome way to spend a Saturday, watching BMX, hearing one of Mom's Weekend Warrior bands, eating free food and getting that much needed Vitamin D from ol' Mr. Sun. All in a family friendly environment!\

Plus, you'll still have your late evening and night free for any number of activities.

Rose Island is a Mom's Music Weekend Warrior band consisting of a mix of ages, the players are anywhere from just out of high school to around 40 years old. They play a great mix of music that will right in for this event, My Chemical Romance, The Donnas, The Foo Fighters, and Ted Leo And the Pharmacists just to name a few!

We'll see ya there!

The New Addition

2009-05-04T14:36:00.000-07:00

Belated congratulations to Ryan and Erin on their bundle of joy Bonham Patrick Murphy!

Well wishes and hundred dollars bills (*wink wink*) can be mailed to him care of the store.

Ryan and Erin
c/o Mom's Music
1900 Mellwood Avenue
Louisville Ky
40206

Did anyone even pick up on the fact that the drum shop managers named his son specifically to get the initials to read B.P.M? (Beats Per Minute) Simply astounding.

Test Drive a Fender amp and get a free t-shirt!

2009-05-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've seen the amazingly cool looking Road Worn series of guitars and basses that Fender is making right?

If you haven't you need to get in your car, on your bike, grab your skateboard, or get on your segway and head to the Louisville store.

Even if you're not going to buy one plug one into any Fender amp on our sales floor and rock for a while.

When you're done visit the front counter for a Fender postcard and you're on your way to getting a free t-shirt just for playing an awesome guitar and amp.

If you're under 18 you'll need to have a parent or older sibling fill out the card for you!

You don't even have to pay shipping! SWEEEEET!

Mom's Music Mothers Day Giveaway

2009-05-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is coming up fast on the heels of all the students and employees of Mom's Music.
If you have a mother, grandmother, favorite aunt, or wife in your life and you're also a private music or RockSchool student here at Mom's on Mellwood you should def. try to get that special lady in your life something sweet!

You might ask "But how can I get her something if I just bought this sweet axe with my cash?!?!"

Sounds like you're in a tight spot but we've got a solution for you.

Come into the store and at the front counter or the cafe you can grab one of our "My Mom Rocks Because......." forms, fill it out, hand it to an employee and not only will your entry be displayed in the store for all the world to know exactly why your Mom (or other lady in your life) Rocks, but there will be a drawing after Mother's Day for some great prizes like guitar lessons, coffee mugs, Jammin' Johns, Clifton's Pizza, Kelly Cartright Designs, Bennie's Salon, and the Mom's Cafe!

It doesn't matter if you win your mom a prize, although she'd probably let you stay up late if you did, but she'll just be stoked to see your love for her posted on our walls for everyone to see!

Do you wanna learn to run sound for your band?

2009-05-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Most of the folks that come into Mom's are pretty familiar with Max Maxwell, he's the man of many hair cuts, he collects shoes, and drives an incredibly bright yellow XTerra.

What you might not know however is that he's running a live sound class here at Mom's Music on Mellwood Avenue.

Anyone that is in Rock School, Performance Band, or is in a band that is not involved in Mom's Music programs can benefit greatly from learning how to run sound. Just imagine, one day you're "the guitar player" and the next your "the guitarist that is amazing at running sound!". Knowing how to tweek a sound board and place microphones during live performances or a studio session is more valuable than you could probably imagine. You'll regret not having this knowledge if you're ever in a situation where the sound person at the venue you're playing has no idea how to mic your bassists custom cabinet at it's "sweet spot".

As well, being familiar with sound equipment and knowing how to run sound in live situations can also bring you extra income as a full time job or a side job, or perhaps you'd like to go on tour with a friends band as their "sound engineer".

Regardless of why you want to learn, everyone that plays music can benefit from learning. Here's the scoop on the classes.

It's a four week program.
Classes will meet on May 12, 14, 29, 21st.
Cost of the program is $250.
Classes will take place at the Mom's Music Recording Studio at the Louisville Store.
You'll need to pay in full before the first class, which is May 12th.

If you're interested in taking the class, or signing up for a future session you can e mail Ella@momsmusic.com or Max@momsmusic.com

Six Flags, Live And Local, Mom's Music!

2009-05-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

The Live and Local season at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom has started so if you are a Performance band and you want to play the park, or you want to see some of our Performance bands play below are the dates that we'll have bands rockin' out while you're on your way to the water park.

Bands from Mom's Music will be playing every weekend from now until the 1st of November.

There are still some open weekends so if you are in our Performance program and are interested get in touch and we'll get you booked!

Obviously if you pay to get into the park you can see the bands for free! It's a good place to check out what the bands in our program are doing if you are interested in joining yourself or if you're a parent and want to look into it for your son or daughter!

Six Flags has built a stage specifically for Mom's Music Performance bands and MAAAAAAAAAAN is it sweet! It's completely covered so the band is uber safe from rain drizzles and the hot Kentucky sun. The stage isn't too tall so it's a really comfortable atomosphere for the spectators as even little kids will be able to see the band perfectly!

Go check it out online if you've never been to Six Flags before!

If this sounds like something you'd like to be doing during the summer, sign up for Rock School now!

Teacher Profile: Jyn Yates

2009-05-02T22:04:00.001-07:00

Jyn Yates is a drummer, she is energetic, she is loud, she is purpetually excited about life. This is why I love Jyn and why her students are so excited to come to their lessons. How could a student be bored with drums or be bummed out during their lesson when their teacher is so excited?

She's definitely a woman with style, basically Jyn is all style and smiles! And her drumming................... WOW! Miss Yates has run the gamut from being a learner and becoming a teacher but she will be the first to admit that even as a teacher she is still learning new things when it comes to drums, both kit and hand percussion.

Jyn started playing drums at age three and was born into a musical family as her father plays drums. (Ask her about her vintage drum collection!) She is currently doing hand percussion for various groups, playing covers, and playing with her original bands, The Confessional and OK Zombie!

She's been at Mom's for years and has never lost her enthusiasm for teaching and meeting new people. Every day that she comes in for her students she stuns folks with her methods of teaching, young people that were frustrated at the fact that they could not grasp reading drum notation found that, with Jyn, reading music was just as easy as remembering the phrase "Ham-burger-fries-and-coke". Jyn has some unconventional methods in some other teachers eyes but every time I walk past her studio I see nothing but smiles from both her and her student!

If you're a current drummer looking to learn the rudiments, or to learn reading, Jyn is your teacher. Looking to learn double bass drumming, once again, Jyn. Do you want to take your rock drumming in a more of a jazzy direction, do I even need to say it........ JYN YATES!

Jyn worked in radio for a good deal of time while she was teaching but is now teaching drums full time and loving it! Recently she was interviewed on 91.9FM WFPK for their "Off The Record" pieces.

Check out her interview and her song selections at the 91.9FM WFPK site!

LISTEN TO LOCAL RADIO!

2009-05-02T21:49:00.001-07:00

I realize that all that satellite radio is all the rage but you just can't beat listening to the voice of a local Louisvillian over the air waves and hearing music that the majority of the population will hear long after you. Face it, being on the edge of hip and knowing about all the cool bands before they're cool is a great feeling.

If you want that feeling and you want to support local businesses you need to tune your dial at home and in your car to 91.9FM WFPK radio Louisville. You can even stream to your computer at work. SHHHH, don't tell the boss! ;) No worries though because you're not going to hear any of those on the edge of offensive morning shows, over the top political commentary, or commercials for laser hair removal. You'll hear some great music, and you'll find out about a lot of local concerts from a variety of genres as well as getting weather and some traffic.

If you're familiar with Waterfront Wednesdays, or Live Lunch, you're probably already listening!

Get in the know about your city.... get your ears tuned to WFPK Radio Louisville!

An added bonus is that if you go there now, seriously, just go there NOW, you can enter to win tickets to Bonnaroo!

http://www.wfpk.org/

Win tickets to the Lamb of God show after the Chris Alder meet n greet!

2009-05-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

If you are a Lamb of God fan you should point your web browser towards www.momsmusic.com and enter your infomation to win two tickets to the Lamb Of God show on May 5th!

John 5 in store at the Mellwood Shop!

2009-05-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, look... John 5 takes stage presence to the next level. I can't even begin to fathom the will power it takes to sit through a session of stage make up application for this guy. I think maybe the only band members that can beat him in the "stage face" department is Gwar.

But you can see it for yourself at Mom's Music on Mellwood Avenue on the 16th of May at 3pm. This is a free event but I think we all know that tons of people are going to show up so be prepared for a wait, or show up early and grab a Turtle Latte in the coffee shop and hang out with me or Howard, or Ryan, or Max, or whomever your favorite employee is. (Which I know is me, right?)

This is a family friendly event of course, so bring your brother or sister and introduce them to music, you'll be their hero!

For those of you that might not be into super hard rock and the goth/glam thing John 5 is an AMAZING guitarist and one heck of an entertainer. He's endorsed by Fender as well!

This is the complete John 5 bio from his site...

"John 5 doesn't just play the guitar. His guitar is an extension of his soul and through it his music has become the Frankenstein birth penetrating the ear drums of fans and admirers worldwide. For John 5 the music is not just about playing, but living, breathing, feeling and passion.

His impressive resume has seen him work with some of the most renowned musicians in the industry and has cemented his name into the annals of rock history. John 5 may have been underrated when he first began his solo career four years ago but he should not be underestimated.

His work is both extensive and eclectic. His range sees him fit into many different genres which makes him hard to label. He has however become one of the best shred guitarists of recent years and has won the admiration of artists such as Paul Gilbert, Bumblefoot, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani – to list but a few.

John 5 was born John Lowery, in Grosse Point Michigan. He started playing guitar at the age of seven, inspired by Saturday morning TV show Hee Haw: "I didn't know any...musical genres. I was just in awe of the players". His parents were supportive of his learning and permitted him to play in bars and clubs on the condition that he kept his grades up. Aged 18, John moved to California to pursue a career as a professional session guitarist.

John began working on a number of projects for producer Bob Marlette, including TV shows, commercials and film soundtracks. This in turn saw a major break with Lita Ford, opening up with her in support of KISS. John then met Ozzy Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo and formed "Red Square Black". However, RSB was a short-lived project after John was selected from 2000 guitarists to tour with KD Lang.

In 1996, John narrowly missed out on an audition with Marilyn Manson following the departure of original guitarist Daisy Berkowitz. John teamed up with Rob Halford (Judas Priest) and formed industrial/classic rock band "2wo" (Two). John's next project came in 1998 when he teamed up with ex Van Halen front man Dave Lee Roth. John wrote six tracks and submitted them to Roth's manager. Familiar to the style Roth played John used this to help write "The DLR Band" album in the space of two weeks.

In 1998 John was asked to lunch by Marilyn Manson: "...he asked me to join the band - right there". The name John 5 bestowed on him that day, John joined Manson et al, for the Rock is Dead tour. Following the tragic events of April 1999, at Columbine High School, the group began work on "Holywood: In The Shadow of the Valley of Death", an angry response to the media witch-hunt the band suffered, and was the first album John wrote on.

During this time, John also continued working a session guitarist contributing works to several albums, including the Jimi Hendrix Tribute album "Hazy Days" and reuniting with Dave Lee Roth for the track "Thug Pop".

In 2003, John released his first custom guitar - The John Lowery Signature Fender Telecaster. Guitarist Magazine called it "the sexiest new signature guitar on the market". 2003 also saw the release of Marilyn Manson's The Golden Age of Grotesque.

In 2004, John 5 and Marilyn Manson parted company. "I had a great run with Marilyn Manson. It was a lot of fun [but now] I'm busier...than I was on tour". Work began in earnest on Vertigo, a deeply autobiographical album pulled from turbulent personal memories on the last Manson tour

John also began working on a new "radio rock project" Loser, comprising the vocal talents of Joe Grah, formerly of Texas band Jibe. Added to that, John began working with cult rock artist and movie director, Rob Zombie. John joined Rob for 2005's Ozzfest tour: "[I] never thought I would have the chance to share the stage with him playing the Zombie songs we all know and love".

In 2005 John released Songs For Sanity, a second solo album, grittier than the first: Guesting on the album were Steve Vai and Albert Lee.

Work with Rob Zombie continued and John contributed to eight out of eleven tracks on 2006's Educated Horses. Due to conflicting commitments with Zombie and Loser, John had to make a hard decision: "Being the founding member of Loser, my decision to leave was not an easy one." Touring continued with Zombie and John also contributed works to Meatloaf, Paul Stanley and FeFe Dobson.

After touring for almost a year, John took time out to work on his third solo album. Devil Knows My Name saw contributions from Joe Satriani and Jim Root. It also won him an accolade for Best Shred Album from Guitarworld.com. Working with Hal Leonard, John 5 also released his first tuition DVD, a ground breaking instructional that mixed live lessons with horror movie inspired fillers. Sales flew through the roof.

His fourth solo album Requiem (June 3 2008) sees him carry his work solely on his own back and again reinventing, remoulding and restyling sounds that have become a part of his own style but marrying them to those more unfamiliar. He also embarks on a Guitar Center tour of West Coast America. For John 5 this is the best way he feels he can repay the fans for all their support and loyalty over the past four years. 'You'll notice the tour is also free, and this is also me paying back to the fans and saying thank you for the support, for buying the albums.'

So what does the future hold? 'Well we're working on the new Zombie album and that's keeping us busy, and I'm still working on the new Lynyrd Skynyrd album and hopefully that will be done soon. And I've just worked with Filter. So it's really busy and there's so much more work I am doing at the moment. It's work, work, work but I'm loving it.'

www.john-5.com, Guitar Player, Guitar Player.com, Fender USA, MTV.com, Guitarist Magazine, www.myspace.com/john5official, E. Ludford, John 5"

Chris Adler, Lamb Of God, meet n' greet May 5th!

2009-05-02T19:05:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of metal, a fan of Lamb Of God, a fan of Chris Adler, a fan of good solid drumming, or just a fan of music, or if you don't already have something planned you should stop by the Louisville shop and meet Chris Adler, the drummer of Lamb of God!

From the L.O.G site...

"15 years ago, Lamb of God began their ascent to the forefront of modern heavy metal. A self-described "pure American metal" quintet from Richmond, VA, took deliberate steps, paid the dues and withstood the knocks as an underground, un-commercial metal act. Beloved by a rabid, grass roots cult of underground thrash fanatics thanks to brutal and technical albums like 2000's New American Gospel and 2003's As the Palaces Burn, the band toured North America relentlessly and began their international career overseas in support of the latter. Entering 2004, 10 years after inception, the band had risen to the top of the independent metal scene. Their uncommon work ethic, uncompromising musicianship and intellectual lyrics set them apart - and into un-chartered territory."

They've got a new album out, Wrath, on Epic, which hit the streets a little earlier in the year. They are on tour now, as well as doing in store appearances, through May.

Check out the band site here; http://www.lamb-of-god.com/news.php

Check out Chris Adlers drumming and his clinic style..

The clinic is on May 5th from 5pm to 6pm
FREE!

Moms Music
1900 Mellwood Avenue Louisville Kentucky 40206
www.momsmusic.com
502.897.3304

All the drum students, regardless of the style they are learning, should make an effort to attend if not for anything but to be exposed to other styles of music.

Regular Updates begin in T minus 5, 4, 3, 2....

2009-05-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

It may be old news to some of you, but in all actuality March 2009 isn't all that far behind us, and that's when Michael Baker, a Rock School student here at Mom's was in the Courier Journal for winning the National Geographic Spelling Bee!

"When Michael Baker won his school's competition for the National Geographic Bee as a fourth-grader, he was surprised and excited. It was his first time in the competition, and he beat all the other students in grades four through eight at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Jeffersonville

Michael, 13, the son of Karen and Matt Schneider of Jeffersonville, has won the school competition five straight years, setting a school record. He has taken a test to compete in the state geography bee in April. "I was surprised that I'd done it for five years in a row and that I had a record," he said of his accomplishment.

His mother said she was confident he would win again this year, even though she knew he had some tough competition at the school.

"He felt more pressure this year," she said. "But he never seemed nervous."

After winning the school's geography bee, Michael took the written test to qualify for the state bee, which geography teacher Jackie Shockley submitted. If he has one of the top 100 test scores in the state, he will compete in an oral competition April 3.

If he wins at state, he would then compete against other state winners in the national finals at National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., in late May. Contestants in that bee will compete for $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 scholarships.

Michael said the school contests have sparked his interest in geography and trivia. He said he likes to use the internet to learn about different cultures, languages and customs.

"You can find so much about all the different countries," he said.

His trivia knowledge has earned him a spot on Sacred Heart's Academic Olympics team, a competition in which area Catholic schools send a group of five students each in grades six through eight to compete at Providence High School.

Michael said he has other interests as well, from drawing and science to running for the school's track team and playing piano. He has taken piano lessons for about five years and participates in Mom's Music's Rock School. He plays keyboards in his band, Illustrator, which recently performed at a Rock School event at Phoenix Hill Tavern in Louisville.

Shockley, who has organized the school's geography competition for 10 years, said she is proud of his accomplishments, especially when he won as a younger student.

"It's absolutely the most awesome accomplishment," she said. "At this point, he's not made it into the state competition, but that would be absolutely wonderful for him to do that because this is his last year to do this.""

-From the March 18, 2009 edition of the Courier Journal.

Congratulations Michael from all of us here at Mom's!

2008-11-10T06:13:00.000-08:00

Moms Music is doing a Holiday Toy Drive in conjunction with Kosair Children's Hospital.
We'll have a collection area set up in the store this week.
Each day you donate a toy you will get a coupon for 10% off of your next purchase, this includes tasty sugary drinks from the cafe!!!!

Toys can be books, action figures, instruments, coloring books, crayons, markers, things of that nature. Even if you can make some killer cookies we can't accept perishables! (You can just bring them to Ella in the office however!)

2008-11-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Some of the folks at Mom's in their costumes on Halloween....

From Left to Right, Tiffany, of coffee shop fame, as Bat Girl, Kelly, office manager to the extreme, as a Gypsy, Neil, from shipping and receiving did his own creation which turned out very cool, Max, the owner as the Cat in The Hat, Darryl, the sound installation fella, as an 80's rocker, and me, Ella, as the stunted growth version of Jason Voorhees.

I'm a little disappointed in the photo because my clothes were much more bloody and dirty in person. *shrugs* I felt like a fool going to the bank dressed like that, haha. Yes, I DID take the mask off before I went into the bank!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Lessons will be taught as scheduled unless you've made prior arrangements with your instructor.

Also, both stores are open regular hours.

We'll have an interesting time in the store today since all of the employees are supposed to be dressing up. I think I may have the only remotely "scary" costume. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to answer the phones with my mask on. haha

Neil and I went to Caufields last night on Main street downtown for some finishing touches.

I know at least Neil, Kelly, Max, and I will have costumes for the work day.

If you're coming by the store wear your costume, we'd love to see it!

If I can get these cds burned in time we'll have Halloween music all day, and candy in the coffee shop!

I was too pressed for time to finish the jack-o-laterns but trust me, they would have been great. If you saw the 10 or so I carved last year I'm sure you will agree. ;)

Teacher Profile Todd Whitener

2008-10-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

Todd Whitener used to be a quiet teacher, although he is still one of the more laid back guitarists here at Mom's he is constantly sneaking up on me and attempting to frighten me with strange noises.

Aside from sharpening his scare tactics on me he teaches guitar full time and happens to have the cleanest, most zen like relaxing studio room in the store, complete with a bamboo rug and flowers.

Todd has been playing guitar for over 16 years, he started playing in 1992 and just three short years later he started Day of The New with his friends Travis Meeks, Jesse Vest, and Matt Taul.
He's been a Geffen Records recording artist, as well as playing in Tantric and recording an album that sold over 1 million copies on the Maverick records label.

The list of bands Todd has toured and played shows with is incredibly impressive but you would never guess the magnitude of his career by his modest, kind, glass half full attitude. I think that's incredibly refreshing personally.

Like I said, the list is impressive;
Metallica, Aerosmith, Creed, Kid Rock, 3 Doors Down, Staind, Kansas, Steve Miller Band, Nickelback, Stone Temple Pilots, Godsmack, Incubus, 311 and more.

Not only has Todd accomplished a great deal as a professional musician, he's also a devoted father to his little girl who is seen frequently in the store with Todd.

Hands down, Todd is a comfortable person to be around, soft spoken yet hard rockin'.
If you're looking to learn classic rock and modern rock stylings Todd is your guy. His musical influences include Mark Knopfler, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Marty Friedman, and David Gilmor. Look to Todd for instruction on rock methods on the acoustic guitar as well!

He works equally well with younger and adult students. The kids tend to really enjoy lessons with Todd however.

Todd is great when it comes to student/parent/teacher relations, usually coming to meet the parent before and after every lesson and giving honest updates on the students progress.

Recently married and teaching full time, Todd Whitener isn't going anywhere any time soon and I'm glad. :)

You can also check Todd out at his very own web space.

ODD FACT: Todd is the only person I've ever known that owns designer sweat pants with back pockets.

CHRISTMAS LAYAWAYS!

2008-10-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

Christmas is coming up. I know the economy seems like it's a wreck but we all know that playing music, listening to music, or just THINKING about music can make all those bad feelings of economic instability melt away like so much butter on a baked 'tater. ummmm, or something to that effect.

Moms, both locations, offers layaway ya know? That's one of the terrible things about working here, day in, day out, you see all this stuff you "need" and it's so easy to put something on layaway, just 20% down, and in 90 days (or less if you are impatient and find a bundle of money) you've got your new drum kit! (or guitar, or keyboard, or amp, or what have you...)

Getting new gear... it's terrible I tell ya. Terrible. haha

Teacher file Steven O'Reilly

2008-10-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

What can I say about Steven? Well, a lot... a lot actually. I picked Steven to write about first because he's one of our newest drum teachers at Mom's Music and he's quickly gained popularity with students, parents, and his co-workers.

Steven's handwriting is perfect. Literally, the guy is a walking type writer.

When I first met Steven he was wearing all white, now that I know him well it's not just his perfect handwriting that impresses me but also the fact that with as many sugar-laden coffee drinks that I've seen him sipping, he can still wear an all white track suit and not have a drop of coffee on his clothes. Impressive.

On to the drumming....

Steven WAS a self taught drummer, when he got a little older he came to the realization that he was missing out on a lot by not being able to read music. He was living in Atlanta at the time and he applied to the Atlanta Institute of Music to obtain the missing pieces to his musical abilities.
He obtained them and then some, graduating on time with a 4.0 as well as becoming a music teacher!

He taught in Atlanta and migrated to Louisville for the opportunity to play music in a specific band and he was hired at Mom's to teach the drum kit to young and old(er) Louisvillians and Southern Indiana folk alike.

Although Steven is over the big 3-0 his energy levels can surpass those of even the most hyperactive 7 year old on Jolt Cola!

His lessons have a strong focus on the "groove" while playing, and playing the drums in a musical way instead of just banging away on the heads. He's a big advocate of time keeping and reading sheet music.

Steven is an aggressive drummer, big on the stick twirling and other forms of "visual drumming"/being an entertainer as well as a musician. He's the perfect teacher for the self taught drummer of ANY AGE that wants to unlearn bad habits, or get a late start on reading music, rudiments, drumming fundamentals, and methods to help increase your speed and accuracy.

As well, total beginners enjoy lessons with Steven based on his personality and his ability to give instructions in a clear, concise language to help his students fully understand the "talk" used in method books, by drum teachers, and other drummers.

Oh yeah, he's also got a DVD out featuring his "visual drumming" techniques.

You can catch him playing around town with Heaven Hill, and filling in on various shows with other artists.

ODD FACT: He's obsessed with shoes.