musicteachers911 is a Music & Arts Enthusiasts award finalist!

This couldn't have happened without all you loyal followers and fantastic guests that have contributed to the musicteachers911 blog and podcast.

I humbly thank you all!

Hi Larry,

eCollegeFinder, an established online education resource representing over 120 accredited online institutions, would like to congratulate you. Musicteachers911 has been selected by our review staff as a finalist for eCollegeFinder’s Top Music & Arts Enthusiasts award.

The Music & Arts Enthusiasts award recognizes the websites we feel best promote the voice of music and arts in culture and education.

Free online tuner saves the day

Free online tuner saves the day!

It's rare that I perform at a venue with an ensemble that doesn't include a keyboard, but this happened last Saturday. I was hired to play guitar for a wedding with a violin and cello. I grabbed my case that had my portable chromatic tuner thinking that everything would be fine. Well.......It wasn't.

When I finally set up and let my guitar get accustom to the climate of the venue. I realized that my chromatic tuner batteries had died. (I should have checked it before I left, but that's for another blog post).

I grabbed my Macbook and did a frantic search for free online tuners. I selected the first entry and was very impressed at the ease and simplicity of a web 2.0 online interactive app at a site called, GET-TUNED.COM.

The tuner is located at:

http://www.get-tuned.com/instruments.php

Just click the string on the guitar graphic and listen. It's really as easy as that.

Other instrument tuners can be chosen from this site such as: Balalaika Banjo Bass Guitar Cello

Dulcimer Harmonica Mandolin Ukulele Violin and Viola.

I let the other musicians use this site to tune and they loved it.

Good Gigging!

Larry Marra

www.musicteachers911.com

You've Got Mail!

I love to attend concerts presented by area bands, choirs, and orchestras. Last night was no exception. These events also keep me painfully aware of some basic housekeeping tasks.

Here is one case in point:

As the conductor of a local handbell choir was about to start their ensembles first song, an all-too-familiar tone rang through the concert hall...

"YOU"VE GOT MAIL!"

Listed below are a few basic items I mention before any of my concerts begin.

1. Warmly welcome the audience

2. Mention and thank any sponsors or benefactors. (Personally recognize them if they are seated in the audience).

3. Point out the location of all exits in case of emergency

4. Point out the location of rest rooms

5. Ask for all cell phones be turned off or placed on vibrate.

6. mention your policy on video or flash photography.

Good Gigging!

Larry Marra

www.musicteachers911.com

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