Jerome Flood II, Awesome Drummer on Carson Daly Show

Recently won the Guitar Center Drum Off Contest. Jerome gets invited to perform on the Carson Daly Show!

Jerome Flood II Crowned Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion

Check out Jerome’s winning performance at Guitar Center.

Electric Violinist – Linzi Stoppard

Electric Violinist Linzi Stoppard Rocks Adagio For Strings…

Check out Linzi… unstoppable. Wish I could play like that.

darryl berk, guitarist/vocalist/music educator

Guitarist/vocalist/music educator and facilitator, Darryl Berk has been an integral part of the music scene for more years than he cares to remember. A Cleveland, Ohio native, Darryl began studying guitar at age 12, with the innovative and legendary jazz guitarist, Bill DeArango. This provided both the solid foundation necessary for Darryl to begin gigging throughout Northeastern Ohio, and continue his ongoing association with Bill until his passing in December of 2005. While continuing to perform regularly, he recognized the need to pursue a more formal musical education. Noted composer and arranger for Stan Kenton, Phil Rizzo provided a rigorous study of theory and harmony, which led to Darryl being awarded a grant to study at Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music. Upon graduation he moved to New York City, where he found himself in high demand, performing up to 250 gigs a year. His uncanny ability to move effortlessly between musical styles such as Jazz, Blues, Rock ‘n Roll and Country has afforded him the opportunity to share the stage with the likes of George Benson, Alabama, The Shirelles, The Tokens, Randy Travis, The Drifters, The Four Tops, The Judds, Darlene Love and George Strait, playing notable venues such as Madison Square Garden, The Lonestar Café, The Felt Forum, and The Bottom Line.

While in New York, Darryl also became involved in the world of voiceovers and commercial production. His voice can be heard on spots for Diet Coke, Nikon, and Volvo, and he is currently the voice of Amazing eLearning’s software training programs.

His skills and abilities as a guitarist and vocalist have also contributed to his success as an educator and facilitator. A San Francisco Bay Area resident since 1997, he remains in high demand as a performer, voiceover artist, educator and facilitator.

luveda bartlett, guitar/piano instructor

Beginning guitar and piano instructor.

Mrs. Bartlett has been working with children’s music and song programs since 2001 .  Mrs. Bartlett’s child centered approach to teaching encourages expression, creativity, enthusiasm, and self discipline – qualities that music learning embodies and transcends all aspects of childhood development.

Mrs. Bartlett graduated from California State University in Chico and has been continuing her musical studies at both Diablo Valley Community College and Ohlone College.  She has studied under Richard Flores and has been performing with the DVC Ensemble for the past 5 years.  Mrs. Bartlett presently lives in San Ramon, California.

phillip bradley newkirk, owner/music director

Phil, is Owner and Music Director of Pianos N’ Strings.  Advanced Piano and Beginning Guitar Instructor.

Mr. Newkirk was born in Richland, Washington.  He began cello lessons at the age of 8 years in the school system of Livermore, California.  At the age of ten years he spent two years at the Aachen Conservatory, Aachen, Germany taking piano lessons.  Upon returning to the United States he continued his piano studies during high school and college.  10 years ago he returned to a string instrument by learning to play the guitar.  He currently is continuing his studies on both instruments.

In 2005 he founded the Pianos N’ Strings Studio in Dublin, California.  He has taught beginning guitar and advanced piano to hundreds of students in the TriValley area.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Education from the California State University, Hayward, California.  He is a professional tennis player  and has taught tennis and organized tennis tournaments both privately and for the Hayward Recreation and Parks Department, Hayward, California.  He currently resides in Livermore, California.

Fresh thoughts on new music: Keith Jarrett, Jeff (Tain) Watts, more

Found this great article on “new music”…

Jeff (Tain) Watts is an aggressive musician. When he hits the drums, even on record, you can feel the air move in the room. He likes to spar with his bandmates, pushing, prodding, provoking. And he likes it even better when they jab back. … Click Here for Complete Story

Example of “Uncategorized Post”

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Thanks,

Phil

2009-01-24, Alt-Rock Jam, 3rd Session

Wow! what a great turnout for our 3rd jam session, last nite. Everyone was playing really sharp with a lot of feeling on the songs. I especially liked “Jane’s Turn” — really nailed the refrain. Very moody sounding, with just the right twist at the end.

For those of you there last nite… let me know what you thought, suggestions? comments?

Thanks,
Phil

Best Strings to Use for my Fender Stratocaster?

I play mostly, blues and jazz music, with my Fender Strat. Can anyone recommend the best strings to use for giving me a bluesy sound?