Tony Watt: Teaching

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          Schedule and Levels
          Lessons
          Classes
          Jam Sessions
          Workshops
          Kids' Academies
          Free Stuff and More...

JAM AND CLASS SCHEDULE BY DAY AND TIME

Here is a summary of the various jam sessions and classes I host in Cambridge, MA and Albany, NY. Details can be found below and on my google calendar (by clicking on the individual entries for more info).

Time/Day	MONDAY:	TUESDAY:	WEDNESDAY:	THURSDAY:	SUNDAY:
early evening slot	7:00 - 8:30 pm Bi-Weekly: Int/Adv Level 5 OR Pick-Your-Own Jam	7:00 - 8:00 pm Int/Adv Gtr/Mnd Level 3 Class Every Week	7:00 - 8:00 pm Beg/Int Gtr/Mnd Level 2 Class Every Week	7:00 - 8:00 pm Lead Guitar Class in Albany, NY Bi-Weekly	3:00 - 5:00 pm Wernick Method Jamming Class Every Week
late evening slot	8:30 - 10:00 pm Bi-Weekly: Int/Adv Level 6 OR Vocal Tune Jam	8:00 - 9:30 pm Beg/Int Jam Level 3 Jam Every Week	8:00 - 9:30 pm Beginner Jam Level 2 Jam Every Week	8:00 - 9:30 pm Beg/Int Jam in Albany, NY Bi-Weekly	5:30 - 7:00 pm Vocal Tune Jam Beg to Adv Every Week

GROUP CLASSES AND JAM SESSIONS BY LEVEL

Classes and jams are ranked by level (from 1 to 6 so far), but not every class and jam fit into this system (namely the Wernick Method Jam Class, the Vocal Tune Jam session, and the Advanced Jam session). After you take a class at a given level, you are ready for the jam and/or class at the next level. For instance, if you took Beginning Bluegrass Lead Flatpicking Guitar (a level 1 class), you are ready for both Beginner/Intermediate Lead Guitar & Mandolin (the level 2 class), and the Weekly Beginner Jam Session (the level 2 jam). Here is a listing of all classes and jams by level:

LEVEL/TYPE	INSTRUMENTS	CLASS OR JAM TITLE
LEVEL 1:
Class	Guitar	Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar: Basics and Beyond
Class	Guitar	Beginning Bluegrass Lead Flatpicking Guitar
Class	Mandolin	Beginning Bluegrass Mandolin: Rhythm & Lead
LEVEL 2:
Class	Guitar & Mandolin	Beginner/Intermediate Lead Guitar & Mandolin
Jam	All Instruments	Weekly Beginner Jam Session
LEVEL 3:
Class	Guitar & Mandolin	Intermediate/Advanced Lead Guitar & Mandolin
Jam	All Instruments	Weekly Beginner/Intermediate Jam Session
LEVEL 4:
Class	Guitar & Mandolin	Advanced Lead Guitar & Mandolin
Jam	All Instruments	Weekly Intermediate Jam Session
LEVEL 5:
Jam	All Instruments	Bi-Weekly Int/Adv Jam Session (Level 5)
LEVEL 6:
Jam	All Instruments	Bi-Weekly Int/Adv Jam Session (Level 6)
NO LEVEL:
Class	All Instruments	Wernick Method Jam Class
Jam	All Instruments	Vocal Tune Jam Session
Jam	Guitar & Mandolin	Bi-Weekly Advanced Jam Session

LESSONS

I currently have openings available for guitar and mandolin lessons, in both the Boston area and the Capital District of upstate New York. When at home in the Boston area, I primarily teach in North Cambridge, a half mile from where Rt. 2 hits Cambridge at the Alewife T station. I also sometimes teach at or near Sandy's Music on Mass. Ave. between Harvard and Central Square, and in Brookline between Washington Sq. and Cleveland Circle. If you are interested in lessons in the Boston Area, please e-mail me at tonywatt@gmail.com

I offer private lessons on a per-lesson basis, which means I don't ask students to sign up for a block of lessons up front (although I offer substantial discounts if you pay in advance for multiple lessons). Generally speaking, I am most focused on teaching my students what they need to know so they can a) progress the fastest without developing bad habits, and b) teach themselves on their own as much as possible.

I usually travel to the Capital District twice a month; typically teaching on Thursdays and sometimes Fridays. Because I am often traveling and my students are busy people, I schedule students on a per lesson basis, and before each visit to the Capital District.

I usually send out an e-mail a week before coming to Albany, offering students lessons on a first come, first served basis. I do not ask students to schedule more than one lesson at a time. Instead, I ask that students try not to cancel their lessons with me, as I am coming in from out of town and often have to schedule everything in advance. If you are interested in lessons in the Capital District, and would like to receive my e-mails regarding my availability, please e-mail me at tonywatt@gmail.com

Although they're not for everyone, most of my students ultimately end up enrolling in group classes and jam sessions. Both provide a cost-effective, level-appropriate and supportive environment in which to learn and grow. Generally speaking, my group classes are between five and seven 60 to 90 minute sessions, either weekly or every other week. They typically have between 4 and 8 students, although rarely more or less than that. The cost varies depending on the course, but often includes a book and corresponding CD.

REFERRAL DISCOUNT

I offer a referral discount for current students: for each lesson taken by a new student you refer, you receive $5 off your next lesson. So for example, if you refer a new student who takes two lessons, your next lesson will be $10 off. There are no restrictions and your discounts never expire, so please help spread the word.

SKYPE LESSONS

After multiple requests, I am finally set up to offer lessons via Skype video conferencing. Although we can't play in time together, it is a cool way to get immediate feedback. I have lots of flexibility for scheduling Skype lessons, which means I'm able to offer them at a substantial discount. If you would be interested in setting up a private (or group) lesson via Skype, please e-mail me at tonywatt@gmail.com

GROUP CLASSES

Group classes are among my most popular teaching tools, offering students a cost-effective and supportive social environment in which to learn. I currently offer a wide array of classes in bluegrass guitar, mandolin and jamming (open to all bluegrass instruments). Different classes are offered throughout the year through the Boston Bluegrass Union's Bluegrass Academy. Below are brief descriptions of my most popular courses. If you are interested in any of these classes, or have any questions, please e-mail me at tonywatt@gmail.com

Courses typically consist of 3 to 7 classes, varying in duration from one hour to ninety minutes. The cost varies depending on the course, but typically includes a complimentary book and CD which correspond to the course. Enrollment in any course includes a discounted membership in the Boston Bluegrass Union (BBU), and therefore you should not sign up for BBU membership prior to enrolling in classes.

Quotes from students in Tony Watt's previous Bluegrass Academy classes:

"While I have studied bluegrass for a while, I have not taken a lesson or workshop yet where the concepts were so clearly laid out."

"The handouts are great and the mp3's are a nice asset."

"Tony's enthusiasm for the music and for the teaching process is infectious and will inspire any student to become a better picker."

"I now have a set of materials I can work from that are not too overwhelming."

"Tony really CARES about the quality of the course."

"I feel the amount of new material each week was great. It was beneficial to be grouped with appropriate skill levels and work on the tunes."

"Overall this has been the best group or workshop format class I've taken."

GROUP CLASSES BY LEVEL

Classes and jams are ranked by level (from 1 to 5 so far), but not every class and jam fit into this system (namely the Wernick Method Jam Class, the Vocal Tune Jam session, and the Advanced Jam session). After you take a class at a given level, you are ready for the jam and/or class at the next level. For instance, if you took Beginning Bluegrass Lead Flatpicking Guitar (a level 1 class), you are ready for both Beginner/Intermediate Lead Guitar & Mandolin (the level 2 class), and the Weekly Beginner Jam Session (the level 2 jam). Here is a listing of all classes and jams by level:

LEVEL	INSTRUMENTS	CLASS TITLE
Level 1	Guitar	Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar: Basics and Beyond
Level 1	Guitar	Beginning Bluegrass Lead Flatpicking Guitar
Level 1	Mandolin	Beginning Bluegrass Mandolin: Rhythm & Lead
Level 2	Guitar & Mandolin	Beginner/Intermediate Lead Guitar & Mandolin
Level 2	All Instruments	Introduction to Bluegrass Jamming (Slow Jam Class)
Level 2	All Instruments	Intermediate/Advanced Rhythm Guitar
Level 3	Guitar & Mandolin	Intermediate/Advanced Lead Guitar & Mandolin
Level 4	Guitar & Mandolin	Advanced Lead Guitar & Mandolin
No Level	All Instruments	Wernick Method Jam Class

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar: Basics and Beyond

Intended for those who have played at least a little guitar before, and are able to switch between common open chords (such as G, C and D). In this course we'll learn bluegrass rhythm guitar: basic and complex, as well as traditional and modern. We'll cover bluegrass-specific chords, runs between chords, various G runs, and much more. The primary goal is to provide you with the skills needed to play solid bluegrass rhythm and participate in bluegrass jams. Furthermore, we will strive to help students improve their practice and self-directed learning. You don't need to have previous experience playing (or even listening to) bluegrass, or playing with a pick, and you don't need to be able to read music.

Beginning Bluegrass Lead Flatpicking Guitar

Intended for those who can already play bluegrass rhythm guitar, but are new to playing lead, or who have been frustrated trying to learn to play lead before. In this course we'll learn how to read tablature (tab), how to play fiddle tunes and take breaks on vocal tunes (including carter style, crosspicking, and single-string soloing), and get an introduction to improvisation. The primary focus will be on developing fundamental lead guitar skills, as well as helping students improve their practice and self-directed learning. To take full advantage of this course, students should already have some ability to play basic bluegrass rhythm, however you don't need to have previous experience playing any style of lead guitar, or know how to read music.

Beginning Bluegrass Mandolin: Rhythm & Lead

Intended for those who have never played bluegrass mandolin before, or who have been frustrated trying to learn before. In this class we will learn the basics of bluegrass mandolin, both rhythm and lead. We'll begin with bluegrass chop chords and a discussion of right-hand technique. We will then quickly get into playing lead on the mandolin, as we learn to play both instrumental and vocal tunes common in the tradition. In this course we'll learn how to read tablature (tab), how to play fiddle tunes and take breaks on vocal tunes, and get an introduction to improvisation. The primary goal is to provide you with the skills needed to play solid bluegrass mandolin and participate in bluegrass jams. Students do not need to have previous experience playing (or even listening to) bluegrass, and you don't need to be able to read music.

Beginner/Intermediate Lead Guitar & Mandolin (joint class)

Intended for those who already know how to solo on at least one fiddle tune and know how to construct breaks to vocal tunes. In this course we will cover new songs, soloing ideas, licks, etc. and students should consider bringing a recording device of some sort. There are no prerequisite songs, and you don't need to be able to read music. Depending on the experience level of the participants, we will most likely work on the following songs: Red Haired Boy, Nine Pound Hammer, Billy in the Lowground, and more.

Introduction to Bluegrass Jamming (Slow Jam Class)

The Slow Jam Class is open to all bluegrass instruments, both rhythm (backup) and lead (soloing), and is geared towards beginner and intermediate musicians who are interested in learning how to play with other musicians. We will focus on the basics of bluegrass jamming such as keeping time, non-verbal communication and jam etiquette. The primary goal is to provide the students with the skills and experience needed to participate in bluegrass jams. There are no prerequisite songs, and you don't need to be able to play leads on your instrument, sing, or read music. Students should be able to play melodies and/or backup parts (i.e. guitarists should be able to switch between chords comfortably).

Intermediate/Advanced Rhythm Guitar

Intended for those who can already play bluegrass rhythm guitar, such as the boom-chick rhythm, bass runs, and G runs. In this course we will cover new runs, syncopation, swells, etc., and students should consider bringing a recording device of some sort. (No standard notation.)

Intermediate/Advanced Lead Guitar & Mandolin (joint class)

Intended for those who already know how to solo on at least a few fiddle tunes and know how to construct breaks to vocal tunes. For instance, if you feel comfortable taking solos on most of the songs in my Beginner/Intermediate Jam Session, then you should be well prepared for this course. In this course we will cover new songs, soloing ideas, licks, etc. and students should consider bringing a recording device of some sort. There are no prerequisite songs, and you don't need to be able to read music. Depending on the experience level of the participants, we will most likely work on the following songs: Blackberry Blossom, Whiskey Before Breakfast, Wayfaring Stranger, In the Pines, and more.

Advanced Lead Guitar & Mandolin (joint class)

Intended for those who already know how to solo on at least a handful of fiddle tunes and know how to construct breaks to vocal tunes. For instance, if you feel comfortable taking solos on most of the songs in my Intermediate Jam Session, then you should be well prepared for this course. In this course we will cover new songs, soloing ideas, licks, etc. and students should consider bringing a recording device of some sort. There are no prerequisite songs, and you don't need to be able to read music. Depending on the experience level of the participants, we will most likely work on the following songs: Bill Cheatham, Bury Me Beneath the Willow, Cherokee Shuffle, and more.

Wernick Method Jam Class

The Bluegrass Jamming Class using the Pete Wernick Method is open to all instruments, and all levels, and the only requirement is that you're able to switch between G, C, D and A smoothly. Pete's method is helpful for both beginners and more experienced jammers, and the class is sure to cover a variety of skills that I don't normally teach in my other jams and classes. The primary difference between this class and my other classes and jams is that we will be playing only vocals with no handouts (other than lyric sheets if needed). Therefore you'll learn and be able to practice important skills such as how to follow a guitar player's chords, and how to build a basic bluegrass solo by ear. This class is appropriate for people who would attend any of my jams between the Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced levels.

JAM SESSIONS

I offer a wide variety of "teacher-directed" jam sessions for bluegrass musicians in Boston and Albany, where students have the opportunity to learn from each other, from tabs and mp3s I distribute, and from our discussions about how to improve our playing. The jams vary according to the number of tunes the participants know, and both rhythm and lead players are invited. My teacher-directed jam sessions provide a level-appropriate, supportive environment to help students grow their skills and repertoire. If you are interested in any of these jams, or have any questions, please e-mail me at tonywatt@gmail.com

My teacher-directed jams are usually weekly or biweekly. Jams typically last 90 minutes, although some go as long as three hours, and the cost varies depending on the length. Students can also sign up for a block of jam sessions, which guarantees them a spot in the jam of their choice and gives them a substantial discount. Otherwise, students are invited to RSVP to jams on a first come, first served basis at the regular per-session cost.

JAMS BY LEVEL AND SCHEDULE

My teacher-directed jams are open to all instruments, both rhythm and lead players, however they are primarily intended for mandolin and guitar players who can play both rhythm and lead. You can attend even if you don't know all of the tunes, as I will have mp3s and copies of tab, chords and lyrics (where applicable) for most of these tunes, however I only have tabs for mandolin, guitar and bass at this time. Students are encouraged to sign up for a block of jam sessions, which guarantees you a spot each week and provides a substantial discount. Otherwise, students are invited to RSVP to jams on a first come, first served basis at the regular per-session cost. Enrollment is limited to 8 or 9 for each jam, so please e-mail me at tonywatt@gmail.com if you are interested or have any questions.

LEVEL	JAM TITLE	DAY	TIME	FREQ.
Level 2	Beginner	8 pm	Wednesday	Weekly
Level 3	Beg/Int	8 pm	Tuesday	Weekly
Albany:	Beg/Int	8 pm	Thursday	Bi-Wkly
Level 4	Intermediate	Please	e-mail me	directly
Level 5	Int/Adv	7 pm	Monday	Bi-Wkly
Level 6	Int/Adv	8:30 pm	Monday	Bi-Wkly
No Level	Advanced	Please	e-mail me	directly
No Level	Vocal Jam	8:30 pm	Monday	Bi-Wkly
No Level	Vocal Jam	5:30 pm	Sunday	Weekly

JAM REPERTOIRE BY LEVEL

Here is the list of songs that we play at each jam session, but please note they are cumulative (that is, the repertoire of Beg/Int includes all the Beginner tunes, the Intermediate jam includes all the Beginner and Beg/Int tunes, etc.):

LEVEL	TITLE	KEY	SONG
Level 1	Pre-Beg.	G	Man of Constant Sorrow
Level 2	Beginner	A	Old Joe Clark
Level 2	Beginner	G	I am a Pilgrim
Level 2	Beginner	A	Red Haired Boy
Level 2	Beginner	A	Nine Pound Hammer
Level 3	Beg/Int	G	Fireball Mail
Level 3	Beg/Int	C	Billy in the Lowground
Level 3	Beg/Int	G	Blackberry Blossom
Level 3	Beg/Int	D	Whiskey Before Breakfast
Level 3	Beg/Int	A	Gold Rush
Level 4	Intermediate	G	Blue Ridge Cabin Home
Level 4	Intermediate	Em	Wayfaring Stranger
Level 4	Intermediate	A	Bill Cheatham
Level 5	Int/Adv	D	Bury Me Beneath the Willow
Level 5	Int/Adv	D	St. Anne's Reel
Level 5	Int/Adv	D	In the Pines (waltz time)
Level 5	Int/Adv	A	Cherokee Shuffle
Level 6	Int/Adv	G	Big Sciota
Level 6	Int/Adv	G	Sitting on Top of the World
Level 6	Int/Adv	D	Beaumont Rag
Level 6	Int/Adv	A	Little Maggie
No Level	Vocal Jam	n/a	No Set Repertoire
No Level	Advanced	n/a	No Set Repertoire

OTHER JAMS

VOCAL TUNE JAM (corresponds to the Wernick Method Class)

The vocal tune jam is modeled after the Wernick Method Jam Class, but please note that you are welcome to attend even if you didn't attend the class. This jam is open to all instruments, all levels, and the only requirement is that you're able to switch between G, C, D and A smoothly. The primary difference between this jam and my other jams is that we will be playing only vocals with no handouts (other than lyric sheets if needed). Furthermore, this jam has no set repertoire, and we will try to play as many new songs each week as possible. Therefore you'll be able to practice important skills such as how to follow a guitar player's chords, and how to build a basic bluegrass solo by ear. Because of these core differences, this jam is appropriate for people who would attend any of my jams between the Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced levels.

BEGINNER SLOW JAM (goes with the Slow Jam Class)

These jams correspond with the Introduction to Bluegrass Jamming (Slow Jam Class), however the class is not required to participate in the jam. We will play through songs from the BEGINNER Jam repertoire (above) as well as other songs brought to the group by the participants. Intended for all bluegrass instruments, both melody and backup, there are no prerequisite songs, and you don't need to be able to play leads on your instrument, sing, or read music.

ADVANCED JAM (dozens of songs)

These jams are intended for mandolin and guitar players who know at least a few dozen fiddle tunes. In addition to fiddle tunes, we will also be working on breaks to vocal tunes, as well as general concepts of improvising, practicing, etc. These jams sometimes meet on Tuesday evenings at Sandy's Music at 896 Mass. Ave. in Cambridge, between Harvard and Central Square. When we meet at Sandy's Music, we finish up in time for folks to head over to The Cantab Lounge (about 4 blocks from Sandy's) in time to catch the featured act upstairs or jam in the downstairs.

WORKSHOPS

BLUEGRASS MANDOLIN FOR BEGINNERS - FAST TRACK!

The Education Directors of the Boston Bluegrass Union are proud to announce that once again, master classes will be offered the day that the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival begins, Friday, Feb. 12th. We are pleased to present a mandolin fast track class for beginners taught by Tony Watt. Class size is limited to 12- 15 participants and the class runs from 11 AM - 4 PM with a one hour break for lunch. Fees are as follows: $75, $70 for BBU members

This mandolin fast track workshop is geared towards total beginners, or those who would like a review of the fundamentals. You do not need to have previous experience playing (or even listening to) bluegrass, and you don't need to be able to read music. In this one-day workshop we'll learn the basics of bluegrass mandolin, both rhythm and lead. We'll begin with bluegrass chop chords and then quickly get into playing lead on the mandolin. The primary goal is to provide you with a strong foundation of the skills needed to play bluegrass mandolin and participate in bluegrass jams.

Students should bring a playable mandolin, a pick, and a three-ring binder and pen (handouts will be provided). If you don't have a mandolin, let us know when you preregister at least a week in advance, and we'll try to get you a loaner for the day. Sorry, we can't do the same if you register later than that. To register: contact Tony at tonywatt@gmail.com

WORKSHOP WITH LINCOLN MEYERS IN BROOKLINE, MA

I'm very excited that I'm going to be giving a bluegrass guitar workshop with one of my musical heroes (who is also my former teacher), Lincoln Meyers (bio below). The workshop will be on Saturday, June 13 from 1 until 4 pm in Brookline. The workshop is open to all levels, and will cover both rhythm and lead. The cost is $30 and if you know anybody who might be interested, please feel free to pass this message along to them. Pre-registration is strongly recommended, which you can do by e-mailing me at tonywatt@gmail.com
The guitar workshop will be held at 59 Windsor Rd. in Brookline, MA 02445, near the Mass Pike exit 17. There is plenty of free street parking on the opposite (even numbered) side of the street. Parking on the odd numbered side results in a parking ticket. It is also less than 5 blocks from stops on the B, C, and D Green Lines. If you have any questions about our bluegrass guitar workshop, please let me know.

Lincoln Meyers

Lincoln Meyers is native to the mid-west but has been established in New England since the early '90's. Over the years he has been a part of numerous bands and recording projects throughout the region. Lincoln has played and toured with The New England Bluegrass Band, banjo extraordinaire Tony Trischka, The April Verch Band and is currently playing with Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen. Lincoln has won several guitar competitions over the years including the New England Flatpicking Championship. He was selected to record for the well respected Seacoast Guitar Society compilation, and as a host band member for National Public Radio's nationally-syndicated program Says You. While one may hear influences of legendary flatpickers, Lincoln has an instantly recognizable style that is very much his own.

WORKSHOP WITH LEIGH GIBSON IN SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY

Leigh Gibson, guitarist of The Gibson Brothers, and Tony Watt, award-winning flatpicking guitarist, to teach Bluegrass Guitar Workshop in Saratoga Springs, NY. The workshop will be held at Saratoga Guitar on Saturday, March 14 at 10:30 am, and the cost is $20. The workshop will be limited to Bluegrass guitar styles, however both rhythm and lead will be covered, and all levels are welcome. Pre-registration is strongly suggested; to sign up call Saratoga Guitar at (518) 581-1604 or e-mail Matt McCabe at songman@saratogaguitar.com. Saratoga Guitar is located at 438 Broadway in Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Leigh Gibson

As one half of the vocal powerhouse bluegrass band, The Gibson Brothers, Leigh Gibson has made a name for himself as one of the finest purveyors of traditional bluegrass music today. The Gibson Brothers' last four albums have all gone to #1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Chart, an overwhelming achievement due in large part to Leigh's song-writing and singing.

KIDS' ACADEMIES

I have been lucky enough to be involved in some of the best Kids' Academies in the country. I have taught literally hundreds of kids, including some incredibly talented folks who have gone on to become established players.

My primary role in most Kids' Academies is as the Senior/Advanced Band instructor - working with some of the most talented kids in bluegrass. I have led the Senior/Advanced Band for years at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival and the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival.

I have also been tapped as Kids' Academy guitar instructor at both the Joe Val Bluegrass Festival and the Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival. More recently, I was honored in 2008 to be hired as the Kids' Academy Program Director at Jenny Brook Family Bluegrass Festival. I look forward to continuing my work in Kids' Academies throughout the northeast.

Below are a couple videos from recent Kids' Academy performances; I couldn't possibly be more proud of these very talented young musicians!

miscellaneous and free stuff

Instrument Purchasing Advice

Quality bluegrass instruments can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and it helps to have some advice you can trust. For years now I have been advising students and friends on their instrument purchasing decisions with some fantastic results. I have general advice, such as what to look for in a beginner guitar, or what kind of mandolin to look for (A-style vs. F-style, f holes vs. oval hole).

I also have a market-tested strategy for purchasing more valuable instruments, and I'm happy to share it with you. I am willing to review on-line listings of instruments you're considering purchasing, and help answer any questions you may have. I have even spent time with my students at instrument stores comparing potential options. This service is generally free for my current or prospective students (for instance, if you're interested in taking my introductory mandolin class, but don't have a mandolin yet), or we can arrange a payment scheme if you require additional advice.

Finally, I often have guitars and mandolins for sale, usually on consignment from friends and students. I try only to offer instruments that I would consider playing myself, at prices I would be willing to pay. Please feel free to check with me about what I have for sale currently, or just to put a bug in my ear about something you might be interested in for the future.

Links to Some Favorite Products

Below is a list of links to some of my favorite products; please note that you may be able to find lower prices than those listed here (in fact, I often have some of these items for sale at a discount):

- my favorite inexpensive tuner (works for all instruments depsite the name)
- a favorite capo of mine (clips on the headstock)
- another favorite capo (fastens behind the nut)
- my favorite guitar strings
- my favorite mandolin strings
- my favorite humidifer that fits in your case
- my favorite humidifer that fits in your sound hole
- the Tone-Gard makes your mandolin 20-30% louder (when standing)
- the Tone-Rite is well worth the price if you've got a new instrument
- my favorite strap for heavy cases

Download my Microsoft Excel templates for guitar and mandolin tablature:

Guitar Tablature Template

Mandolin Tablature Template

Directions to North Cambridge from the B.U. Bridge

Although the North Cambridge location is very close to two divided highways (Rt. 2 and I-93 via Rt. 16), here's a neat way to get across Cambridge (from the BU bridge to the Cambridge/Arlington border). This route should take about the same amount of time during rush hour as it does at any other time of day. But be warned that if you don't know the area, this route may be nearly impossible to navigate without a co-pilot; I'd suggest you keep a close watch on your odometer, and probably count out some of the turns.

View BU bridge to Cambridge/Arlington border in a larger map