Author: mikeslayen

Guitarist/Instructor

No Fear!

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No Fear!

Well, maybe some…but that’s ok. Its more than OK its human.

Performing can be a tough gig for seasoned musicians. How about for successful career oriented adults who just wanted to learn to play the guitar?

This Friday, four of my ‘successful career oriented adult’ students ARE taking the stage. Not only taking the stage but it is in front of their peers at a large Qualcomm function!!

These four deserve HUGE props in my book. Going out of their comfort zone and grabbing their guitars in front of millions…well not millions but it doesn’t lessen the accomplishment at all.

I am not sure they even want their names posted so I won’t do that  but PR, RS, GJ, OS I am really proud of you all!

Try to enjoy the performance cause it will go quick! And after that no one can ever take it away from you!!!

Serious props to you all for even agreeing to do this!!!!

Your Fearless Leader 😉

Mike

Lighten Up Francis, Give Geddy a Break!!

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Here is one of the lamest arguments in rock in roll.

 

Geddy Lee is often criticized as a singer because he doesn’t write his own lyrics. Critics ask, ‘How can he put his heart and soul into words that he didn’t write? Umm…Classical musicians/opera, jazz standards, great cover tunes in all genres…and of course actors too. How can anyone expect an actor to put emotion into his script if he/she didn’t write it?

Another sign of music critics who take themselves a bit too seriously.

TheGuitarAces.com New Studio in Poway

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My new studio in Poway, CA

mikeslayen's avatarThe Guitar Aces

20150330_162403 Our New Studio

Welcome to the first blog post from TheGuitarAces.com

We are super excited to be in our new studio in Poway located at 13117 Quate Ct., Suite B.

In the heart of Poway sandwiched between the library, sheriff station, skateboard park and El Armando’s Taco Shop(The Barn).

Although I’ve taught guitar for over 16 years in the area at two great family oriented music stores it was time to move on! Time to get our own space and ability to offer more to our students.

iF3mdv_TpL0qQUsVOOJrmxFOlF8KVcQZNEKvfRKMvco Two Aces at Work

Thank you to so many great families taught over the last 16 years. It is a privilege to be a part of your children’s development, a responsibility we do NOT take lightly!

If you are new to TheGuitarAces.com we specialize teaching small-sized group lessons to kids 6 and up. However, we also teach teens and adults. Additionally, we offer corporate classes at the work…

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Randy Rhoads

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A fitting way to kick off the blog on GuitarGuys.com with a tribute to guitar legend Randy Rhoads. Today marks 32 years side he was killed in a plane crash. Impossible not to wonder what music he would have offered up. With only two huge releases as Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist there was not a lot of material. However, what an impact he had on all the guitarists of my generation and those who have followed.

RIP RR

Randy-Rhoads(1)

Best Original Score 2014

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Are you still scrambling to get your 2014 Oscar picks in and win that pot of gold or at least bragging rights among your friends?

I am here to offer some help…at least in the music department.

Sadly, I have to say my favorite was not even nominated…   Mark Orton for Nebraska his music made the movie. I love the sounds of Americana. Coupled with the cinematography Orton hit the nail on the head!! The harmonies and orchestration had more depth than any of the nominees in my humble opinion.

Following is my breakdown of the nominees for Best Original Score…

The Book Thief, John Williams

I thought John Williams deserved the Oscar last year for, “Lincoln.” Perhaps the Academy is looking away from the maestro just to get some new blood…well that theory doesn’t hold weight regarding perennial winner Meryl Streep. For this film Williams went back to more of the Romantic Period style we expect although a bit more pastoral than Wagnerian.

Gravity, Steven Price

Should have been John Williams penned! Williams and outer space = Oscar!

Her, William Butler, Owen Pallett

The soundscape is kind of cool and fits the quirkiness of the film. Although minimalist and slightly boring. Nice sounds though!

Philomena, Alexandre Desplat

Compositionally strong although a bit repetitive. We’ll see how the Academy reacts to the film in general, could take home the gold!

Saving Mr. Banks, Thomas Newman

Another minimalist, new-agey piano score. I think it will suffer from comparison’s to the mega hits of the Sherman’s legendary Mary Poppins songs.

My pick;         Philomena, Alexandre Desplat

Click for past Oscar Picks and 2014 Best Song

Best Song 2014

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Are you still scrambling to get your 2014 Oscar picks in and win that pot of gold or at least bragging rights among your friends?

I am here to offer some help…at least in the music department.

Following is my breakdown of the nominees for Best Song…

Happy-Pharrell Williams, Despicable Me 2

Pharrell Williams is as hot as it gets since the Grammys. Could strike Oscar Gold while the fire is hot. “Happy,” is a cool funky groove song.

Let it Go-Demi Lovato, Frozen

Lovato may sell to the younger female crowd which would hurt her chances for an Oscar. Although “Frozen,” was created for the same demographic and this song drives the mega popular film home with said audience.  A good song and worthy of Oscar buzz.

Ordinary Love-U2, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

A match made in heaven. An aging supergroup with world-wide mass audience appeal. A movie with a cause and one that U2 has held dear since the 80’s. Won the Golden Globe.

The Moon Song-Karen O., Her

The movie is a bit campy and so is the song. In my opinion the least deserving of the four nominees.

You could make a good case for “Happy,” and “Let it Go,” but I don’t see them beating the mighty U2 and Mandela.

My pick;         Ordinary Love-U2, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Click for past Oscar Picks and 2014 Original Score

Paco De Lucia, RIP Maestro

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Fell asleep on the couch last night. Woke up to head up to bed but checked my iPad first and saw the extremely sad news. One of the guitar world’s heroes has passed away.

Paco De Lucia IS an amazing legendary guitarist. A flamenco guitarist who crossed many boundaries which furthered the genre’s cause. He played with Al Di Meola and John McLaughlin in THE Guitar Trio, marking his crossover into the jazz/fusion world. His long hair and rock look, coupled with his amazing guitar chops, piqued the interest of the heavy metal and rocker guitarists. And his association with greats like Los Romeros gave him notice in the classical realm.

I was lucky enough to see him in the 90s in San Diego. We had front row seats(directly in front of the Romeros) and will never forget that show!

RIP the guitar world has lost a giant…

(Paco is not the one pictured in the video capture below, he is on the left of your screen)