July 2024 Newsletter

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Drumming up for August!

Augusts theme is Drums. This month we’ll be putting out articles, videos, and trivia all related to the drum kit. Check out our Facebook page for all of it as well as our Youtube channel to keep up to date on all our latest videos!

Student of the Month

July’s student of the month is Jacob. Compared to many students he is on the more advanced side. Jacob was chosen for his willingness to explore new topics and push himself outside of his comfort zone.

Name: Jacob

Instrument: Guitar

Time Playing: First started as a freshman in high school, so I believe that technically makes 11 years at this point!

Favorite Song We’ve Learned So Far: Run Like Hell -Pink Floyd

Dream Song To Learn: While I do know some parts of the song already, I would love to fully learn and master La Villa Strangiato by Rush.

Favorite Activity Outside of Music: Hard to pick just one! I love spending time with friends, traveling when I can, checking out all the great places Milwaukee has to offer, playing sports, gaming, and I’m currently in the process of getting my motorcycle license, so hoping to add that into the mix soon!

Get Ready For State Fair!

State fair is here and I’m ready for it. As always, I plan on getting some of the usual stuff like a cream puff. But there’s always something new at state fair I’m excited to try. This year I’m thinking alligator tacos.

I’ll for sure be attending Tuesday and Thursday of state fair since that’s when I’ll be playing. I hope to see a few familiar faces!

Alex's Cool Music Gear of the Month

LR Baggs Paracoustic DI

Acoustic guitar players can feel left out sometimes. Electric guitar players get so many cool toys and ways to modify their tone. Acoustic guitars are usually left with more limited options when changing their tones.

If you’re playing over a PA though, there are ways to even the playing field. Enter, the Paracoustic DI. LR Baggs are already known as a company very familiar with providing quality electronic components for acoustic guitar players. This piece of electronics is both quality and value.

The improvement in tone even without changing the tone is immediate. But with the on board EQ, the number options available are vast. Four band EQ, movable mid range, and a notch filter for removing feedback are everything you could ask for a unit like this. You can even power it through the XLR cable with phantom power and save yourself the 9v battery!

Upcoming Music Gigs

This section promotes not just teacher music shows but also student shows as well!

8/3 – Fifth Ward Brewing Co. @ Oshkosh – Broken Arrow Band

8/4 – Blue Collar Bar & Grill @ Green Bay – Broken Arrow Band

8/6 – State Fair @ Sam’s Highlife Pavilion – Sons of Sconnie

8/8 – State Fair @ Sam’s Highlife Pavilion – Sons of Sconnie

8/9 – Iron Ridge Fireman’s Picnic @ Iron Ridge – Sons of Sconnie

8/9 – Franks Again Bar & Grill @ Green Bay – Broken Arrow Band

8/10 – Corn and Brat Days @ Williams Bay – Sons of Sconnie

8/10 – Maloney’s @ Kaukauna – Broken Arrow Band

8/14 – Venetian Fest @ Lake Geneva – Sons of Sconnie

8/17 – The Umbrella Bar @ Franklin – Sons of Sconnie

8/17 – Clear Water Harbor @ Waupaca – Broken Arrow Band

8/23 – Manitowoc County Fair @ Manitowoc – Sons of Sconnie

8/24 – Bobbyfest @ Brookfield – Sons of Sconnie

8/31 – The Loophole Bar @ Tomahawk – Sons of Sconnie

8/31 – Phil’s Philling Station @ Townsend – Broken Arrow Band

How Bout Dem Packers?

The preseason is upon us! The first game of the preseason kicks off this month and we’ll get a sneak peak at all the work the pack has been putting in this offseason. I’m excited about just about anything they’ve been doing.

The only thing I’m concerned with is who is getting picked as a kicker this season. Last year the position of kicker was in need of a sore upgrade. The fact that former kicker Anders Carlson is even in the conversation is mind boggling to me. As far as I’m concerned, anyone they pick will be an upgrade. We’ll just have to wait until the final roster comes out next month to see if Green Bay makes a better choice.

Happy Birthday!

Lastly, we want to wish a happy birthday to our little boy who is turning one. It’s hard to believe he’s already one year old. Every day is precious and we can’t remember what life was like before he entered our lives. We love you little guy!

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"...It’s wonderful that my son has found such a great mentor."

“We’ve been with Alex for almost a year now. Our 11yr old son has loved his weekly guitar lessons and has improved so much in this time. He and Alex have established a really solid bond and it’s wonderful that my son has found such a great mentor. Alex is a talented and enthusiastic teacher, and we whole-heartedly recommend him. Thank you Alex!”

– Jess Weber

"My son has come a long way in just a few months."

“My son has been taking guitar lessons with Alex for a few months now and he loves it! He looks forward to going every week. Alex is fun and engaging. He is very student led and lets my son even choose songs that he wants to learn. He also encourages and pushes him in areas that need improvement. My son has come a long way in just a few months. Awesome teacher, highly recommend!”

– Scott Hoff

"I made the decision to learn to play the guitar from an experienced teacher..."

“Alex has the ability to adjust quickly during a lesson to meet a students needs. if I am not grasping a concept he will change wording, demonstrate or find an example in a song from his extensive memory bank. I made the decision to learn to play the guitar from an experienced teacher rather than try to figure things out for myself. I believe this is a good investment of my time and money..”

– Donna Galik

"Highly recommend."

“Alex is a professional both in playing and teaching. He is able to adapt his teaching style to whatever suites your needs, from beginner to advanced. Highly recommend.”

– Kyle Rasmussen

"...He defines a way to do it all intuitively."

“Alex is an amazing and patient teacher! The greatest part about learning guitar from him is that you don’t even realize how fast your progressing as you move from one song to the next. Unlike a traditional approach of learning notes and chords separately, he defines a way to do it all intuitively.”

– Henry Kosarzycki

"We observe demonstrable progress throughout each school year..."

“Our son has been a student for 3 years now and we keep coming back! Alex is thoroughly invested in our student’s success, and he makes such great resources available for practicing during the week. We observe demonstrable progress throughout each school year – a credit to both regular practicing and Alex’s instruction. Thank you so much!”

– Mark Nimmer

"Engaging, thoughtful about curriculum, and flexible throughout...."

My young children began piano lessons with Robin (Robyn?–apologies!) this past summer, and with every session, I’m increasingly impressed with her teaching skills. She’s engaging, thoughtful about curriculum, and flexible throughout, especially when meeting the pedagogical needs of a 7-yo and a 4-yo in the same session. No easy task! I highly recommend her instruction for a welcoming but challenging journey into piano.

– Leslie McAbee

"Our son enjoys practicing and likes that he gets to choose some of the songs he works on."

“Alex has been teaching our 12-year-old drum lessons for almost a year. It has been a great experience for our son. Alex shares his passion for music in a professional way, and works well with kids. Our son enjoys practicing and likes that he gets to choose some of the songs he works on. Alex is a clear communicator, and he is encouraging as well. I’m looking forward to watching our son grow as a musician under Alex’s guidance!”

– Louise Abramowski

"Our Son Looks Forward To His Lesson Each Week."

“Our 8 year old son started drum lessons with Alex about 6 months ago and he absolutely loves it. Alex is so nice, funny, and has a great way of engaging with the kids. He explains things very clearly and our son looks forward to his lesson each week. And he also likes that he gets to play “cool” songs. Thanks Alex!”

– Stacie Hojnacki

"...I look forward to every lesson..."

“I have two sons that are both talented musicians. As they were growing up they had many good teachers throughout the years. They, and I, were fortunate that way. So when I decided to take the challenge of learning to play an instrument myself I had a pretty good idea of what I’d need to succeed and learn.

I found Milwaukee Music Lessons with a Google search, they were close by and had daytime availability which I preferred. I am very happy that I did. I am working with Robyn and she is an absolutely wonderful teacher. She is a patient encouraging person who has taught me so much in such a short time. She takes time to work things out with me at my beginner level, even though she is an accomplished musician. Not every musician has the ability to work with those who are just starting, but Robyn does and I look forward to every lesson I attend with her. She knows how to get the most out of every session and I look forward to continuing my musical journey with her expert assistance.”

– Dave Skowronek

"Could not be a better investment in myself."

“I’ve been taking lessons with Alex for nearly 3 years and it’s been the best! His lessons are very student-led and he will teach me whatever I want to learn, which keeps me motivated, rather than learning from a structured book. Yet he also pushes me when I need it to make sure I’m improving. Not only is he an extremely talented guitarist, but he has an answer for every question, whether it’s about gear or music theory. Could not be a better investment in myself.“

– Sydney Drosen

"Alex Makes Music Fun Again For Me."

“I’m 53 and wanted to expand my music knowledge and better my guitar playing skills. Alex has been able to not only go at a pace that fits my comprehension, but give me lessons to work on at home so I can work on at my own speed. In 1 month of working with Alex, I’ve been able to write a song, understand what key it’s in and come up with a solo that complements the song. It’s mind blowing how simple he makes it to understand. Alex makes music fun again for me.“

– Ken Hanrahan