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| December 2004 |
Hi folks!!!!!
What a Year it has been (this month marks the 1st anniversary of this site!)
So much has happened it's hard to know were to start.
First off has to be the release of my debut album'1969'. It's available to buy now at the bargain price of £10. Grab one if you want one as they are selling MUCH faster than I expected them to. Thanks to everybody who has picked up a copy and also thanks for the kind words about the CD on my guestbook. It has made all the hard work worthwhile to hear that you like the album.
Tim Smith (a student of mine) jokes about the release of the next CD on a GUESTBOOK entry ( 23.12.04 ) but the reality is that it won't be TOO long before the next one is out. I plan to upgrade my recording studio early next year and start work on my second album more-or-less straight after new year!! I am a glutton for punishment.
Seriously though it's been weird not working as hard as I have got used to, I feel as though something is missing without all the stress and deadlines to hit.
When I look at the finished CD it makes me feel good. The project started in July 2004 and was finished in November 2004. In that short time two people (myself and John Boswell) taught ourselves as much as we could about recording, artwork design, mixing, mastering and UNBELIEVABLE STRESS!!!! But we got there in the end, with no help from anyone. I'm very proud of that and I know that John is too. Thanks again John.
If you do buy the record take the time to read the inside sleeve notes, it explains why the record was made and why it was important for me to record everything myself (bass, drums, guitar, keyboards). Also I have made every effort to stamp a 'Scott Adams' style on the music and I have to say I think I have managed to pull it off. That's what pleases me most. For me playing the guitar has always been about getting to the point where you sound like yourself as a player. That's not to say that you won't here my influences but hopefully you will here 'myself' in there as well.
I am very eager to hear from anyone who enjoys the album so please use the GUESTBOOK on this site to post your valued feedback.
I mentioned earlier that the site is a Year old this month. I would like to thank John Boswell for his help and maintenance over the past year, you saved me again John!!!
The site has attracted a lot of visitors over the year (last count 8924). I think that's a lot of people considering that this site does not advertise and all visitors are either word-of-mouth or people looking for local lesson through search engines. Thanks to all visitors.
I am now officially on holiday, it's the first time in Years I have taken 16 days off!! A long and overdue rest will do me good! Lesson start again on Friday Jan 7th 2005.
If you are a student of mine I hope you have enjoyed your lessons with me and feel you are learning as a direct result of them, that's the bit I value most.
It's great taking a student from the beginning and watching them develope, that's a nice reward for me.
I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every single 'Grade-A' guitar student, both past and present, for their ongoing support and for allowing me to do what I love doing most for a living..........play guitar.
Merry Christmas everybody, I wish you well for the festive season and look forward to seeing you all in the new year.
HAVE A GOOD ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Scott Adams (Grade 'A' Guitar Tuition) |
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| November 2004 |
Hi Everybody
Well we finally did it!!! Myself and John Boswell have been working round the clock (literally!!!) to finish the post production on my debut album '1969'. It was finished Sunday night around midnight (5th Dec 2004).
Thanks go to John Boswell for his unbelievable dedication to the project. It would not have been finished without him.THANK YOU JOHN.
As I speak it's being manufactured (in Yorkshire) and should be ready anyday soon. I do expect to have the album back in time for Fridays lessons (10th December 2004). It will cost £10.
It's a 10 track instrumental rock album and I've gone for something that I think reflects a unique style, in other words people looking for the next 'Satch' or 'Via' record should look elsewhere. This sounds like 'Scott Adams' and I'm very proud of that. As a musician that's always been the holy grail for me, to create a sound you could call your own.
I'm pleased with the record (I wouldn't release it otherwise) and I hope everybody who buys it will like it too. The album starts off 'full bore in your face' and then moves through some nice and surprising changes. I won't go into too much detail as I want the record to speak for itself but I think that anybody who knows me personally will 'get' the record.
I hate to bring this up but it is an issue so I need to address it. Any students found to be 'copying' the record will be dropped by myself. I will not continue to teach anybody who rips off copies of this record. I have worked for 6 months solid on this and feel VERY strongly about this. I do understand that most of my students wouldn't even think about doing it...........please don't copy it. Legally you can not copy an audio CD in any way what-so-ever unless you own the copyright, also you will be stealing from me. I have made my point.
I hope to set-up a way of buying the C.D. over the net as well. This may take some time but I'm sure it will happen in the not to distant future.
I would be very interested in feedback from anybody who buys the C.D. so please feel free to let me know what you think of it by leaving a message for me on my GUESTBOOK. I will as always reply to every message left for me.
Anybody interested in grabbing one of the first runs should contact me soon as I have almost sold out of the first batch on 'pre-orders'. Give me a call or email me if you want one . Also those who live too far away to collect it I will post you one at a cost of £10 + £2 p&p. As I have already said there will be a new page soon detailing how you can do this.
OK folks I'm spent (to say I'm tired is an understatement)
Thanks as usual to all students for their ongoing support.
Also good look to all students entered for their Winter exams (Dec 2004). I'm sure you will do well.
See you soon
Scott |
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| Bonus October - November 2004 |
Bonus news page October to November 2004.......................
Well I thought I should definitely get the latest news onto the diary page as soon as I could so this month we get 2 diary entries!!!
I have finished the recording of the album ahead of schedule. (Last track finished at 8.43pm on Wednesday 10th November 2004).
The final and complete track listing now looks like this.............
1 . Razorwire.
2. Break it down.
3. I'm coming home.
4. My mice work.
5. Angel-dust.
6. 1969.
7. I though I saw a u.f.o.
8. Get off my rock album.
9. Do you think about it too?
10. Another blood-red sunset.
Can hardly believe it's finally done, feels odd but really good.
I'm pleased with the album and I hope anyone who buys it will like it too.
It's literally just weeks away from release now.
There will be regular updates on this site and details of how you can get hold of a copy VERY SOON so keep checking back if you want one.
Into post production I go then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Scott |
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| October 2004 |
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Hi,
An early news page this month folks as I'm just about to enter a work 'Blackhole', I have so much to do it's untrue. I'm also taking time off from teaching to get the work done.
I'm ahead of schedule with the recording of the album, which is a nice place to be!
Since the last page I have added another 2 tracks to the listing.
Here's how the complete track listing is looking.
1. Razorwire
2. Break it down.
3. I'm coming home.
4. My mice work.
5. Angel-dust.
6. 1969.
7. I thought I saw a U.F.O.
OK, here's some more info album-wise.
After much deliberation and soul-searching the album will be called '1969' with track 6 being the title track. The original title of 'My mice work' was just going over the head of most people and as I am reluctant to reveal what the title means it was going to be a waste of time sticking to my original idea.
I love the new title though. It feels right.
My friend John Boswell is busy designing the album artwork and cover and from what he has showed me so far he's doing an incredible job (then he always does!)
Three more tracks to record and then the album will move into post-production, John's mixing the album with myself which should take about 4 weeks. All-in-all that Christmas deadline is looking as though it's set in stone, a release date for the album along with price and order details will be posted on this site soon. Keep an eye out for the details if you want to get your hands on a copy.
So let's get up-to-date on the 2 new tracks...........................
1969.
A strange track for me, I've been a fan of 70's music for a long time and have always wanted to create that certain sound. I think I got close with this one, it has that 'air' of the 70's about it, yet still sounds modern. It's a mid tempo rock song that makes me feel good when I listen to it! (a song about a great Summer).
I though I saw a U.F.O.
The album's first real ballad, clocking in at just 75bpm. It's quite an original track I think. It has a VERY emotional feel and moves through each section with a grace that's hard to but into words.
OK, that's about all for this month, I need to go and work hard on the album so I'm going to leave it there, you never know next months page may announce the launch date.
See you all soon.
Take care
Scott |
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| September 2004 |
What a month!!!!!!!!!!!! So much has happened, I feel I'm in a complete daze and haven't had a minute to myself. In fact today will be the first time I get to sit down and do something none guitar related.
The album is at the halfway stage and I'm very happy with the way it's going, I like the tracks I've done so far, that's so important to me.
Here's the track listing for the first 5 songs.......
1. Razorwire (Let's get this out the way right now!)
2. Break it down.
3. I'm coming home.
4. My mice work.
5. Angel-dust.
I got three tracks all recorded this month (a personal record!!) I should tell you a bit about each.
My mice work............... (don't ask me what this title means, I would never give you the correct explanation!!!)
An old track that has always needed a keyboard part. Now I have my Roland GR20 I went back to the track and added a string section to the main chords and rhythm parts. It's made all the difference to the track, I played it for John Boswell and a very good friend of mine Paul Bowers and they seemed to like the new sound. I have always liked this track but felt it lacked somewhat without the keyboard part so now it's in the form that I've always heard it in my head. I suppose it's a ballad really but just about!
Razor-wire (Let's get this out the way right now!)
A full bore, in-your-face 200bpm rockathon. I've been listening to Paul Gilbert's School of Shred in Total Guitar over the last few months and this inspired me to start working on this track. What can I say? There's a LOT of notes on this one, but I think I've managed to keep it musical!!! (So much for last months diary page pledge of the album not being a shred-fest!) It's the opener I've been looking for.
Angle-dust.
Just so you know the title IS NOT a drug reference. Just finished this track (about 15 minuets ago!!!!!) I'm pleased with it, a sort of 'spaced out' keyboard sound it layered with a dirty rhythm guitar sound and an ultra melodic main theme. The solo is a strange one, I usually do one or two tacks with a solo and I'm satisfied but this one was so different. I did about 10 takes and nothing was happening, it was almost as thought the solo should somehow be a bunch of random notes to break up the melodic structure the rest of the song takes. Everybody will be startled when they hear what I did in the end! Talk about extreme use of the whammy bar!!!!!!!!!! It works!!!!!!!!!!!!
John Boswell has said he will mix the album for me when all the tracks have been recorded. He mixed 'My Mice Work' for me a few weeks ago and did a Stirling job. It's sounds great. I think John's the man for the job!! He bought something fresh to the track, my mix was muddy as hell.
I'm breaking my neck to get this record recorded, mixed and pressed so that it will be available for purchase as soon as I can. I will hate myself if it's not ready by Christmas this year (2004).
Teaching wise I'm again at full capacity, a big thanks to all my students once again.Hope you are all enjoying your lessons with myself and feel you are improving as a direct result.
Good luck to the students who have entered the Winter 2004 electric guitar examinations. I hope you all do well!!!!
Got to go, as I said earlier on this page today is the first time I get to do something other than play guitar, my nephew is coming round and we're going to slug it out on the Playstation 2 and I've promised myself NOT to listen to the mixes on the game music!!
Give those guitars the attention they deserve!
Be Good...............
Scott Adams (Grade 'A' Guitar Tuition) |
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| August 2004 |
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Hello fellow guitarists, it's that time of the month again... that's right it's time for our regular monthly update of all things 'guitar like' First off the bat............ recording is going very well indeed, the albums on it's way and I'm really pleased with the way things are going. It feels good to know that by the end of this year I will have my album out and ready to go. (Should make a nice Christmas present for someone you know!)
It's odd but I feel that the record has been 'waiting to happen' and now is the right time for me to actually be recording the songs. A little bit of information about the album.................it's a complete rock (many flavours of rock!) instrumental album which should contain about 10 tracks. Those people looking for a 'widdle-fest' will be sorely disappointed though. It's the tunes (not the guitar solos) that will take a front seat. Also important to point out is the fact that the two tracks on
the AUDIO page of this site (Deep sea diver & Stardust) will not make it onto the record and do not in anyway represent the content of the record. I hope I can bring something of my own to this CD, I don't want to sound like a Satch or Vai rip-off, I have worked too hard at my own thing to be happy with a 'clone' album. I'm going for variation too, I first thought I just
wanted a full-on hard rock album but as I get further into the record and dig deeper into what makes me tick as a guitar player things are really starting to change for me. It's a great experience though, music has never been more important to me than it is at the moment and as each track develops there is a genuine feeling of self expression. It's a good time for me right now.
Last month I talked about bringing in a new range of sounds to the tracks, I was interested in the new Roland guitar synth (GR-20) but was unsure of the tracking ability of the unit and also worried about some of the sounds. I did manage to make time to go and check one out with John Boswell (believe me you need this man around when buying new gear, he hears the things I can't!). I went to the Academy of Sound in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent and played around with one for the best part of two hours.
This unit has a lot of sounds for a relatively small amount of money. First of all, I must tell you the guitar sounds are not very convincing, but for me this is missing the point somewhat. Why on earth anybody would buy a guitar synth and then use a guitar patch when they by default already have a perfectly good guitar in their hands is beyond me. That's the bad news out the way as almost all of the other patches are stunning. Take your pick from piano, string sections (think Beatles and your close) wood and brassinstruments, synth pads, you name it, it's got the lot. I was particularly impressed with the Saxophone patch, you can actually hear the breath of the player pass over the reed!! Wow!!
As I mentioned before the issue of tracking would be a problem for me if it was slow as I want to record against a click. I can tell you know that this thing is FAST. I can't believe how fast it is, there's not a lot it can't pick up. You can actually 'almost' get to shred level before the tracking starts to crumble. Very impressive. Of course you wouldn't buy a sythn to shred, but it's nice to see the machines capabilities.
You should have seen the ROLAND advisers face in the shop when I picked the thing up and shredded on it. It was a picture, he pointed out to me that they weren't really made for that sort of thing!!! Priceless!!
Anybody looking to get a whole bunch of new sounds into their live or studio set-up should give the unit a go, I can't imagine how you could be disappointed with it really I bought one, it's just too tempting for me not too, I like my TOYS and this toy sound hot!!!
Also I slapped it onto my Line6 Variax, that black tonestick now has 475 sounds available at any time, is that the ultimate studio tool or what!!
I have received a alot of emails and phone calls from a people who would like to take lessons with myself but live too far away from the studio to travel. A few of these people have enquired about a postal lesson service. This is something that interests me. I would need to write a few courses and also record the audio CD's that would accompany them. Obviously thiswould take an enormous amount of time,writing, planning and playing.
If the demand is there though I will do it. If you are reading this and like the sound of this idea tell me about it via the Guestbook of this site or you could email me from the contact page. If enough of you want it, itwill happen.
Summers almost done now (rain anyone?). Hope you all had a good long Summer of guitar excess.
Thanks as always for the support from all my students. Also a big thanks to John Boswell for all his hard work with this site. Your'e too good to me mate.
Until next time................
Scott Adam |
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| July 2004 |
Hello,
Another mad month for guitar lessons, the studio is heaving again. Thanks to all students for their constant interest and support.
Had a great month myself with the pre-production and recording side of things for my album. I seem to be in a great state of mind for writing and recording at the moment, things are flowing quickly and with (relative!) ease.
Finished a complete track to add to the track-list and I'm more pleased with the results than I've ever been with any of my recording to date. (I'm listening to it through my headphones as I type this diary page). I used my ever reliable (and awesome sounding) Line 6 POD for the guitar sounds and my Boss DR670 for bass & drums (all programmed by my goodself) . The signal went direct to my Boss BR1180cd which I have to be honest and say that I didn't think was up to the job, but things have been turned around somewhat by my friend and webmaster John Boswell. We had a few beers together on Saturday night (31st July 2004) and I played him the track. He sprinkled his magic over the track for me and this has convinced me to continue using my existing set-up. Thanks Johnboy, you rescued me again!!!!!!!! (and saved me a few thousand quid!)
I learn so much from this man, but I would never tell him that (oh, I just have!!) Thanks mate!
Guitars of choice for the track were my Ibanez RG8760TB (check out the new feature on the GEAR page) and the awesome tone-stick that is the Line6 Variax (acoustic setting, very nice indeed). The sounds really work together well, there's a nice sound balance, I'm happy for ONCE.....
I'm a big fan of the Variax although it seems 'cool' to dismiss it without even hearing one. A lot of my students have commented on how good the thing sounds. Some advise for the 'non-believers, EVERYbody who has heard mine are VERY suprised by the awesome tone. Try not to slag one off before you have actually played and heard one for yourself. You may look silly when you get yours if you do!! (gear snobs take note!)
One thing that I definitely need to consider buying is either a programmable keyboard or a guitar synth. I'm finding I need to 'open out' some tracks with more than just guitar sounds. Ideally a guitar synth would be perfect because I can play all the parts on my guitar but I have heard good and bad reports on the subject of tracking. I need to be able to record with the sounds so if tracking is an issue it will be a definite no-no. If anyone reading this page has experience with guitar synth's I would love to talk to them about what I could expect from one in a studio environment. Please drop my an email from the contact page of this website if you think you can help.
I am going to try one for myself though this month so I'll let you know what I think about them on the August 2004 diary page.
Lots of GUESTBOOK entries again this month, thanks for taking the effort to give me your feedback, it's important for me and this site to receive on-going opinions from you guys.
Summer is in full swing (yep raining every day) and I have decided to treat myself to a Summer break. Last lessons will take place on Tuesday August 3rd 2004 and commence again on Friday 13th August 2004. 10 whole days off!!!!!!!! Good job too as my hands are in need of a rest.
Have a good summer break everyone and give those guitars some stick.
All the best
See you next time
Scott Adams. |
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| June 2004 |
| Hello everyone!! Hope you have had a good month.
It's been a gear mad few weeks for me of late, you could say I've O.D'd on new gear.
First I would like to tell you about the ridiculous situation regarding my new guitar which has been on order since January. I ordered an IBANEZ JemVWH a while ago now and was really looking forward to getting my hands on it. I got a call this month from the importers of IBANEZ guitars Headstock music to say that the Jem I had ordered would not be with me until September at the earliest !!!!????! Nine months to wait for what is essentially one of IBANEZ's flagship guitars. RIDICULOUS!!. I'm a patient man but this was starting to drag. I was still interested though, until.............. they changed the spec of the guitar (fingerboard is now rosewood instead of the beautiful ebony board of the 'OLD' model). So let's get this straight, Ibanez want there customers to wait nine months (fingers crossed) for a very expensive guitar and then half way through the waiting period they change the spec so that the guitar you will eventually receive won't be the same as the one you ordered !!!!!! Forget that, my order was well and truly cancelled.
I was disappointed to say the least but something else had caught my eye. It was still an Ibanez (just can't seem to get past it somehow, it must be love) but I have ended up, by pure chance with my ultimate dream guitar. I managed to get hold of a Limited edition Ibanez J - Custom RG8760 in translucent blue. This guitar really needs to be played and seen to be believed. When I opened the case for the first time I was genuinely knocked out by the sheer beauty of the instrument. As soon as you pick up the guitar the quality of the workmanship is apparent, from the hand rolled neck to the abalone and mother of pearl 'tree of life' inlay (against an ebony fingerboard!!) you can't fail to be impressed. Plug it in and the quality shines through. Almost any sound is possible and they all sound mind blowing.The quality reminds me of a couple of high end Paul Read Smith guitars I have played over the years. Lets just say I'm a happy man!
Many thanks to Cliff at Nevada Music in Portsmouth for supplying the instrument for me, it is without a doubt the best guitar I have ever owned and one of the very best I have had the pleasure to play over the years.
It was my birthday this month so I though I'd better treat myself to another guitar (yep two in one month, spoilt or what!) .
I have been a big fan of the Line 6 range of amps over the years and I though I'd give the Variax a go. Bought one, played it, can't believe it. It's awesome, so many sounds from one guitar, and for the most part they sound incredible. It's uncanny how Line 6 have managed to make each guitar modal sound and 'feel' so different. If you are toying with the idea, I'd just say treat yourself, you won't be disappointed.
Enough about my new gear, my best friend (and guitar student) Paul Bowers got married this month to Catherine Molly at Gretna Green. I had the pleasure of being 'best man'. It was a fantastic few days, a really good time was had by all. Nice one Baz!!!!!!!!!!!!
The teaching studio has been heaving this month under the strain of the new student in-take which shows no sign of slowing at all. Hi to all the new guitarists joining me for lessons this month, hope you are enjoying your lessons.
The album is in early recording stages (AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!) and I am sure the CD will be ready by Christmas.............bear with me on this one, all the tracks are new material and I am extremely pleased with them, it's almost as if the album has been waiting for the 'right time' to happen, but it's going well now.
Thanks as always to all my students for there on-going support and to John Boswell for his hard work with this site.
See you in July..............
Scott |
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| May 2004 |
It's been an incredible month for me and the business, in fact May 2004 has been my best month since lessons began.
The new teaching studio has really taken off, everybody seems to have enjoyed the move. It's also attracted alot of new students (hello to all students joining me this month!!!)
Something that has struck me since the move is the importance to play loud, I touched on this very briefly last month, but it's so important. It's an art in itself really.First thing I would say is you really get a feel for the tone you are producing at high volume levels. Tone varies greatly depending on how hard you hit the strings (attack). Some students have found this a strange revelation, but if you think about it it makes sense. If you don't hit the strings hard enough (even when very loud) you will produce a weak tone, you just won't get that 'pro' guitar sound. An amplified guitar can sound completely different from one player to the next and attack is one of the main reasons for this. It's that old saying 'it's all in the fingers!'
A situation that illustrates this perfectly came about this month. A guitarist noticed the studio amp (Line 6 flextone III) and said that he had one of them at home and he thought they didn't sound very good and he also added that the amp tones didn't really change that much from model to model. I was baffled by what he said as I think it's a great amp, and it prompted me to plug in and show him some of my favourite sounds including the Mesa-Boogie triple rectifier patch , a couple of Marshalls and a few clean settings. He was impressed with the sounds to say the least. It turns out he needed to work on improving his level of attack not trade in his amp!
It's a good lesson for all guitarists and one that's often over looked.
Congratulations to the latest students who have passed their electric guitar examinations. Paddy Cumming, Alex Strickland and Rob Wolverson have all achieved incredible examination marks (all passing with Honours awards, the highest marks awarded by the London College of Music). These guys have really set the standard. Well done!!!
As this month draws to a close I'm offered the chance of a feature in the Local rag the 'Chase Post'.
Naturally I jump at the chance. A reporter (Luke) visited the studio on Tuesday June 1st. He spoke to myself and a few students, got a picture or two and assures me it will make it in this weeks issue (Thursday June 3rd 2004). I'm looking forward to reading it!
Special thanks go to Christine Cubbon, James Hughes and Nick Hughes for helping me out on Tuesday and for having a few pictures taken with me a the unit. Thanks guys, I appreciate it. Oh and don't worry about the picture that's going in the paper, I've seen it and it's OK!!!
Still waiting for my new guitar, so no new gear news as of yet.
I am however toying with the idea of a Line 6 Vatriax. I've been busy nosing round the Line 6 website ( www.line6.com ) and I must say from the sounds file on the site it sounds incredible. All the guitar sounds you could ever need including acoustic and banjo guitar models! I think it would be an excellent recording tool and help me with the album, which has been very slow of late. (it's on it's way!!!!!!!!!!!! Promise!!!!!!!!!!)
If I get one I'll post the info on this site and I'll let you now what I think of it.
Let me know what you want to see on this site, it's important to get your feedback so don't be afraid to let me know what you would like to see. Use the guestbook for any suggestions and I'll get onto it promto.
Thanks always to John Boswell for maintain this site, it's real good of ya mate.
Thats your lot, look out for the feature in the Chase Post
See you back here next month for more of the same.
Scott Adams signing off....................... |
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| April 2004 |
Hi and welcome, I've got lots to tell you this month so I'll get on with it.
The new guitar tuition studio is now up and running, it was a close call but it did open on Friday 30th April 2004. There's lots of reasons why I have moved the business out of my home and into a private guitar studio. First both myself and my students are no longer restricted by noise so there's no more pussy-footing about when it comes to the rock tracks! It fair to say that volume is no longer a consideration. This is great as part of playing the guitar is making sure you can actually play at high volumes. Most people don't realise this but if you are reading this and don't usually play at high volumes give it a go and you will see what I mean, it can be a little intimidating at first. Also keep an eye (and an ear!) on your muting.
Also students are looking for somewhere to go and have there lessons other than the tutors house, most students have told me they feel as though they are part of a "real" music school now which is music to my ears.
The full postal address is ................
Grade 'A' Guitar Tuition
Unit 7 Pillaton Hall Farm
Cannock Road
Pillaton
Penkridge
Staffordshire
ST19 5RZ
The studio has been totally redecorated and equipped with everything a student could want, a great Line 6 flextone III amplifier provides all the tones you could ever need together with ever type of digital effect built in. Every student has there own music stand and guitar stand to make lessons that little bit more comfortable. Also on tap is a backing track facility courtesy of a very small yet unbelievably loud mini hi-fi system. I hope I have thought of everything for the new place , if you do have any suggestions let me know and I'll think about it! I'll ask John Boswell (very nicely) if he will do a new website page dedicated to the new studio.
If you read last months diary entry then you will know that I took a week of over the Easter Holidays and as it turns out it was a good job. My old mate and fellow ACM guitar graduate Mike deSouza paid me a visit along with his wife Sharon. I knew what was going to happen as soon as he arrived, we were in the pub 1/2 hour after his arrival and there we stayed until tea time (Chicken Vindaloo of course). Then it was back to my place for some more drinking!
The following morning (Easter Sunday) actually hurt! Me and Mike recorded an improvisation (to be posted on this site soon) entitled "My Head Hurts" Keep checking back for the track.
Thanks to Mike and Sharon for a great weekend, we'll do it again soon mate.
I know it's just gone but I hope everyone will join me in wishing this sites creator and webmaster John Boswell a belated Happy Birthday for May 1st. Happy Birthday mate!!!
That's ya lot. See you next time.
Scott Adams (Grade 'A' Guitar Tuition) |
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| March 2004 |
Greeting fellow guitarists!
What a month March has been. It's been one of those months you couldn't predict.
First off is a MASSIVE thanks to John Boswell for sorting out the new GUESTBOOK. Dishonest surfers and sleazy advertisers thought they were going to make money out of this site by placing adverts for sub-standard products on the bottom banner of the "OLD" guestbook. No WAY!! was that going to happen. The ad's were pulled by John as soon as I contacted him (he's the webmaster for this site) . Me and John are very much alike, we HATE that sort of thing.
Anyway they're gone now and will not be making a return at any time in the future.
The guestbook will always be a place were you can post me feedback about your lessons or this site without the annoyance of ad's.
I'm still waiting for my new guitar, it was supposed to be here in March (it still has time to come, I'm writing this on 26.03.04) but like most things this wasn't for sure. Oh well good things come to those that wait! Keep checking the gear page if you are interested in what it will be.
Hello and welcome to my new students who joined me during March, it's nice to see some new faces on board, lot's of new enthusiasm that's what I like to see.
It's always interesting for me to follow the development of all my students, I would recommend you record yourselves now and then again in a few month's time. This is a really good way to gauge your level of improvement.
I know a lot of you are waiting for your exam entry dates and I understand that this can be frustrating, it shouldn't be long now before I get your entry dates though so just hold on a little longer. Of course as soon as I know the dates I will email and phone everybody involved.
It was nice to hear this month from an old friend of mine and fellow ACM guitar graduate Mike de Souza. Mike is fresh back from Australia and got in touch with me via this website.
Mike plays guitar in an INXS tribute band. They have played all over Europe and Australia. It's good to see you doing what you love Mike. Nice one!
Not much happening with the Album due to time and technical difficulties, as always I'll keep you up to speed on it every month.
I'm having an EASTER holiday this year (1st time in 3 Years!).
The last lesson's before EASTER will take place on Tuesday April 6th.
Lesson will start again on Friday 16th April 2004.
That's it for March, have a good Easter, don't eat too many eggs, and I'll see you in APRIL.
Thanks to all my students
Scott Adams (Grade "A" Guitar Tuition) |
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| Febuary 2004 |
First things first, is it me or has this month just vanished into thin air? It doesn't seem 5 minuets since I wrote the page for January.
I can't believe how quickly it's gone, especially when you consider I'm waiting for my NEW GUITAR.!!!
It's been on order from my local, friendly guitar shop ARCADE MUSIC in Cannock and should be arriving some time in March
I won't tell you what it is yet, in fact interested parties should check out the new GEAR page on this site regularly.
As soon as I get it you can be shure I will post some pictures of it onto this site.
I hope you like the new GEAR page, have a look round the page and post me some feedback if you feel like it. You can use the GUESTBOOK or the CONTACT page of this website.
It was Alisons birthday (my partner) this month and on the day we took a trip to Chester so that she could indulge in a Birthday spend-a-thon. Naturally the last thing on my mind was anything guitar related (um-uh??). We were looking through the VIRGIN Megastore on the main street when a book caught my eye. It was by a guitar tutor I had the pleasure to spend 12 months with whilst I studied at the A.C.M in Guildford, Surrey. I bought the book immediately and on arriving home I chucked the accompanying CD in the Hi-Fi. Guthrie Govan is in fine form on this CD, I would recommend this book to ANY studying guitarist, in fact it's essential. In my opinion Guthrie is one of the best guitar players on this planet. If you play and don't know who he is you need to remedy that a.s.a.p. Oh by the way the book is called Creative Guitar (Vol. 1 & 2).
Lesson's are "fully - booked" (for the moment). Please contact me for available slots. Anybody looking to go on the waiting list get in touch with me and I'll stick your name down.
I'm sad to report that work on my album has been none existent. I'm currently evaluating my recording process's and techniques and with the help of this sites creator and all round wizard, John Boswell I may even have to consider changing the machine I'm recording on. Oh well, I suppose it's back to the drawing board!! Please be aware that the album is being held up by time and technical difficulties, not creative ones !!!!.
Let me know what you want for this site, any ideas will be considered. We will do our best to give you what you want.
Use the GUESTBOOK to leave messages for me, I ALWAYS reply to a guestbook message, if you don't believe me have a look!! I'm happy to hear from any guitarists.
As always thanks to my students for there ongoing support, I means alot to me.
See you in March!!!!
Scott Adams.
P.S. Did I mention I'm getting a new guitar? |
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| January 2004 |
Hi everybody, hope you enjoyed Christmas & New year as much as I did. My fingers got a well deserved break over the festive holidays as I relaxed at home and took 10 days off from my teaching. Many mince pies and turkey dishes later (2nd JAN 2004) and lessons began again.
Nothing could have prepared me for the onslaught the beggining of January bought. New student intake has reached an all time high, Santa must have been extra busy delivering guitars this year and it shows as my phone hasn't stopped ringing yet!
Liam Guest's exam results came through and confirmed what I already knew, Liam passed his first three exams with HONOURS awards (the highest possible). Well done Liam, what did I tell ya!!!! Speaking of exams any interested students not yet studying for exams speak to me about it and we can get the ball rolling.
Sorry to report that once again progress on the album has been slow, however Iv'e just finished "outlining" a very nice melody and chord progression. I'm pleased with it and it will make the record.
Anybody looking to have lessons with myself should act quickly as soon a "WAITING LIST" will be in place. Don't put learning the guitar off for another year!!!!!!
Please take the time to sign the GUESTBOOK on this website as often as you want. It will help to make a better site and give me a better idea of what you want to see included.
That it for now .....
As always thanks to all students for your support.
All the best
Scott Adams
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