Nick comes to us as a student looking to further his talents and education while applying his knowledge of music, and specifically the guitar, to help Sound Board better serve you. Nick hails from Stow and has been expanding his love for the guitar for more than half of his life. He got his first guitar from right here at Sound Board 10 years ago, and has been a customer ever since.
Nick, where and what are you studying?
I am a student at Kent State University, and I'm studying Entrepreneurship in the Business College.
How did you decide to get into that subject?
In high school I was taking a marketing class, and my teacher thought that it would be a good idea to go into entrepreneurship because it touched on a lot of bases that would help me promote and create a brand for my band.
Oh, you're in a band? That's interesting, tell me more.
I sing and play guitar, the band is called Chil. We've recorded and released two EPS, and have are sponsored by Audio Technica. We're a pop-punk band based out of the Stow-Kent area. We recorded our last single with Austin Bello from Forever the Sickest Kids. They've been featured on the Warped Tour several times.
What excites you about playing music?
I like writing and playing live shows. It's cool to see everybody be involved in something that you put so much time into. It's always changing and progressing, which means you have to adapt to the scene that you are in, and that there is always more stuff to learn.
What do you hope to bring to Sound Board's tradition of musical excellence?
Guitar expertise. I know a lot about guitars, in fact I'm a guitar nerd. I know what it's like to play live, and record so I have a lot of experience using a lot of different gear. I can help point people in the right direction given their situation.
Any wise words for aspiring, returning, or retired guitar players out there?
Aspiring- Get a good manager.
Returning-Glad you realized that once you're a musician, it never stops.
Retired-There are always opportunities to pass on what you know. Dust off the old axe and teach someone something new.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for the next part of our Meet the Staff series!
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
The nature of gift-giving
As you are no doubt aware (and scrambling to accomplish) this is the big gift-giving season. Huge retailers are putting their seasonal help to good use by keeping three registers open all the time instead of the customary one and a half, and many are also marking up their prices right before marking them down in time for the holidays.
Of course we are an exception, but this post isn't about telling you how our low prices only get lower throughout the holiday season. This post is about giving.
We all just gave a lot of thanks for what we've received this year. We also ate too much turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other various foods before passing out on the couch and missing half of a football game. Despite that, we think now about what we can give to those we care about in order to make them even happier than they are by just having us in their lives.
The giving of gifts, no matter what the reason, can be very different depending on who you are dealing with. Parents give their grown children practical gifts, significant others can go all-out on some crazy gift giving adventure, and friends struggle whether to put a lot of time and thought into a gift, or to simply hand out VISA gift cards. The gift that gives you exactly what you want.
No matter who you are, or to whom you are giving gifts this time of year, I think the most important thing is to do so gladly, and with the expectation that, no matter what you receive in return, the act of giving something feels great enough as it is.
Whether you purchase a brand new guitar for yourself, or give your Dad who always wanted to learn but never had time a gift certificate for bass lessons, be happy that you have brightened up that person's day, and/or life.
I know it sounds cliche, but really, the most important thing about giving gifts is to make someone else happy, and to be fulfilled and happy because of it.
Be safe out there!
Of course we are an exception, but this post isn't about telling you how our low prices only get lower throughout the holiday season. This post is about giving.
We all just gave a lot of thanks for what we've received this year. We also ate too much turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other various foods before passing out on the couch and missing half of a football game. Despite that, we think now about what we can give to those we care about in order to make them even happier than they are by just having us in their lives.
The giving of gifts, no matter what the reason, can be very different depending on who you are dealing with. Parents give their grown children practical gifts, significant others can go all-out on some crazy gift giving adventure, and friends struggle whether to put a lot of time and thought into a gift, or to simply hand out VISA gift cards. The gift that gives you exactly what you want.
No matter who you are, or to whom you are giving gifts this time of year, I think the most important thing is to do so gladly, and with the expectation that, no matter what you receive in return, the act of giving something feels great enough as it is.
Whether you purchase a brand new guitar for yourself, or give your Dad who always wanted to learn but never had time a gift certificate for bass lessons, be happy that you have brightened up that person's day, and/or life.
I know it sounds cliche, but really, the most important thing about giving gifts is to make someone else happy, and to be fulfilled and happy because of it.
Be safe out there!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
What is Music?
Seems like there is a pretty obvious answer here, right? 'What is Music?' who is this guy?
Does he think we don't know the definition of what we love enough to read blog posts from a guy running a music store? Puh-leeze.
Okay, that's fair, but I ask the question more to point out something: music doesn't have one definition to every person.
In the most basic sense, music can be described as 'organized sound.' It was put that way to me by a college professor once and that specific definition stuck with me. It helps every genre fit. From rap to rock, from Broadway musicals to Stomp, and from Blue Man Group to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, music is easily recognized when referred to as organized sound.
Why are there so many types of music though? I mean, surely one kind should suffice shouldn't it? I feel as though the various types and genres of music not only reflect our cultures across the globe, but also help to express the different ways in which we all think and enjoy the world. If we only had one kind of music, only one kind of person might be happy. I mean, in the long run, most music satisfies some part of our needs and makes us enjoy our lives that much more.
Music, then, is an important part of most everyone's lives and has an impact on all of us. If it didn't, why would so many people want to tune in to watch the aging Rolling Stones perform at the Super Bowl?
Making and listening to music offers much to the human condition. Many Greek and Roman philosophers have spoken to the power of music and how it separates us from the other creatures on this planet.
As an art form, it exists to challenge us to understand emotion without clear expression. As musicians we attempt to convey our thoughts through the use of notes and scales, many times without the words everyone may be able to understand more clearly.
Though people say that music is a universal language, I disagree. Music is created many different ways, and I would argue that each type has it's own language that needs to be understood to make or master it.
We can and should understand music as more of a universal constant. It exists across all cultures in all forms, and although it sounds different in every case, music works to provide the same things everywhere: entertainment, meaning, catharsis, and inspiration.
I mean, if music weren't inspirational, why would it be a cornerstone of modern sporting events? Why would it be used to accentuate important or moving parts of most films? Why would we put so much meaning into a specific song while in different relationships?
Overall, no matter how you enjoy music, you should do so with as much excitement as you can muster, and we should support those who make music, who want to learn to make music, or who teach others to make music. After all, without helping to create new music makers, we won't end up with anyone else to make music!
Does he think we don't know the definition of what we love enough to read blog posts from a guy running a music store? Puh-leeze.
Okay, that's fair, but I ask the question more to point out something: music doesn't have one definition to every person.
In the most basic sense, music can be described as 'organized sound.' It was put that way to me by a college professor once and that specific definition stuck with me. It helps every genre fit. From rap to rock, from Broadway musicals to Stomp, and from Blue Man Group to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, music is easily recognized when referred to as organized sound.
Why are there so many types of music though? I mean, surely one kind should suffice shouldn't it? I feel as though the various types and genres of music not only reflect our cultures across the globe, but also help to express the different ways in which we all think and enjoy the world. If we only had one kind of music, only one kind of person might be happy. I mean, in the long run, most music satisfies some part of our needs and makes us enjoy our lives that much more.
Music, then, is an important part of most everyone's lives and has an impact on all of us. If it didn't, why would so many people want to tune in to watch the aging Rolling Stones perform at the Super Bowl?
Making and listening to music offers much to the human condition. Many Greek and Roman philosophers have spoken to the power of music and how it separates us from the other creatures on this planet.
As an art form, it exists to challenge us to understand emotion without clear expression. As musicians we attempt to convey our thoughts through the use of notes and scales, many times without the words everyone may be able to understand more clearly.
Though people say that music is a universal language, I disagree. Music is created many different ways, and I would argue that each type has it's own language that needs to be understood to make or master it.
We can and should understand music as more of a universal constant. It exists across all cultures in all forms, and although it sounds different in every case, music works to provide the same things everywhere: entertainment, meaning, catharsis, and inspiration.
I mean, if music weren't inspirational, why would it be a cornerstone of modern sporting events? Why would it be used to accentuate important or moving parts of most films? Why would we put so much meaning into a specific song while in different relationships?
Overall, no matter how you enjoy music, you should do so with as much excitement as you can muster, and we should support those who make music, who want to learn to make music, or who teach others to make music. After all, without helping to create new music makers, we won't end up with anyone else to make music!
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Meet the Staff: Store Manager-Christian Shoemaker Pt 1
We want you to know us like we want to know you. Follow this series of interviews as they unfold to learn some more about our friendly and fantastic staff.
Today we start off with a person you have likely interacted with if you have called or come to the store over the past several months. Meet the Store Manager, Christian!
How long have you been working at Sound Board Music?
I started as a private lesson instructor about 3 years ago. I was teaching violin, flute, percussion, practically anything anyone needed. I like to think I am the very least a Jack of all instruments, and that is a badge I proudly wear. Over the years I've taught clarinet, saxophone, drum set, cello, guitar, banjo, and trombone, among other things.
Why did you take on the role of Store Manager?
Well, when you work somewhere for a while, you get invested into it a little bit. I was talking with the owner and he said that they were looking for someone to take over the reins as Bob had to leave to pursue some other objectives in his life. I have a bit management experience, and I wanted to work a little more closely with music, because I have this music degree, and it doesn't get a lot of use in the restaurant industry.
You said you have a degree in music, what sort of experience does that help you bring to running a store like Sound Board?
Something that Sound Board has always been good at is bringing in musicians from all levels of ability, and a wide range of interests. I bring a large amount of knowledge on education materials, trends in music teaching, and general information about what musicians going through a public school or college band or strings program will need to be successful.
Sound Board has always been popular as a guitar store, with plenty of fantastic guitarists moving through, who later learned about how to help students in other areas. With me starting in the band world and adding guitar knowledge to my repertoire, I feel I help to round out not only my own knowledge of music, but the knowledge of those that I work with or come into the store. I'm sure many folks could tell you how easy it is for me to go on when I get on a roll about music.
What has been the most enjoyable experience you have had so far during your time working at Sound Board?
I would say the most enjoyable experience has been how much students can improve once given the right tools to do well. For example, I am currently working with a trombone student who was struggling at first. I don't consider myself an overly harsh teacher, but I do like to have high standards. Looking back on it, I feel at least partly responsible for his early frustration because I was tough on him. Now, however, he is a thriving young musician who loves playing his trombone. This is only after about a year, maybe less, of taking lessons. He is miles ahead of his classmates and is playing music that I would not have dreamed to have him playing at this point.
The moment he turned around was in one of our lessons. I had been pushing him hard to improve his sound, and he was working so hard, but was hitting a wall. Suddenly, one day he had it. He was able to do it all. Whether this was from constant practice on his part or a sudden "A-ha!" moment about playing the trombone I may never know, but he sounds great, has a huge range for how young he is, and now challenges himself outside our lessons to explore music, and get better. It's fantastic, and as a private teacher, it makes me smile every time I think about it. I really hope he continues playing for years to come, even if he outgrows me as a student.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
Today we start off with a person you have likely interacted with if you have called or come to the store over the past several months. Meet the Store Manager, Christian!
How long have you been working at Sound Board Music?
I started as a private lesson instructor about 3 years ago. I was teaching violin, flute, percussion, practically anything anyone needed. I like to think I am the very least a Jack of all instruments, and that is a badge I proudly wear. Over the years I've taught clarinet, saxophone, drum set, cello, guitar, banjo, and trombone, among other things.
Why did you take on the role of Store Manager?
Well, when you work somewhere for a while, you get invested into it a little bit. I was talking with the owner and he said that they were looking for someone to take over the reins as Bob had to leave to pursue some other objectives in his life. I have a bit management experience, and I wanted to work a little more closely with music, because I have this music degree, and it doesn't get a lot of use in the restaurant industry.
You said you have a degree in music, what sort of experience does that help you bring to running a store like Sound Board?
Something that Sound Board has always been good at is bringing in musicians from all levels of ability, and a wide range of interests. I bring a large amount of knowledge on education materials, trends in music teaching, and general information about what musicians going through a public school or college band or strings program will need to be successful.
Sound Board has always been popular as a guitar store, with plenty of fantastic guitarists moving through, who later learned about how to help students in other areas. With me starting in the band world and adding guitar knowledge to my repertoire, I feel I help to round out not only my own knowledge of music, but the knowledge of those that I work with or come into the store. I'm sure many folks could tell you how easy it is for me to go on when I get on a roll about music.
What has been the most enjoyable experience you have had so far during your time working at Sound Board?
I would say the most enjoyable experience has been how much students can improve once given the right tools to do well. For example, I am currently working with a trombone student who was struggling at first. I don't consider myself an overly harsh teacher, but I do like to have high standards. Looking back on it, I feel at least partly responsible for his early frustration because I was tough on him. Now, however, he is a thriving young musician who loves playing his trombone. This is only after about a year, maybe less, of taking lessons. He is miles ahead of his classmates and is playing music that I would not have dreamed to have him playing at this point.
The moment he turned around was in one of our lessons. I had been pushing him hard to improve his sound, and he was working so hard, but was hitting a wall. Suddenly, one day he had it. He was able to do it all. Whether this was from constant practice on his part or a sudden "A-ha!" moment about playing the trombone I may never know, but he sounds great, has a huge range for how young he is, and now challenges himself outside our lessons to explore music, and get better. It's fantastic, and as a private teacher, it makes me smile every time I think about it. I really hope he continues playing for years to come, even if he outgrows me as a student.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
Friday, November 21, 2014
It's a brand new day!
Wilkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome!
This is the first in what we want to become a daily blog not only about the goings-ons in the store, but music in general. The content you find here could be commentary on a hit YouTube video, a review of different products, information about music in general, or the random music-related thoughts that tend to enter the head of music store Managers throughout the day.We want you to be involved in the conversation so that we can offer better content to you!
As far as our main post for today: Holiday Season.
Yes, the time has come to shove aside the pumpkins, turkey, and cranberry sauce, and start thinking about the insanity that is Holiday Shopping season.
Now you may be thinking: "Mr. Manager, it isn't even Thanksgiving yet! Why should I worry about the Holidays?"
My response to that is simple: time moves faster when you don't keep track of it. One moment you are filling up on turkey and potatoes, and the next you are rushing around the mall right before it closes on December 24th wondering why you didn't get your shopping over with sooner.
I am that person. I wait until the last minute, or the very latest gift comes out, or I get caught up watching Guardians of the Galaxy too much and then bam! I'm running out of time. I don't want you to end up like me and have too little time to enjoy yourself this time of year.
Don't forget about the snow either. That can really put a damper on your shopping experience. I mean, it's super tough to get out to your favorite music store (*ahem*) when the snow is high enough to cover your girlfriend's Yorkie when it goes outside. That's why I am attempting (and so far failing) at getting all of my shopping done before things get too crazy around here. I mean, Ohio winters are an entirely different conversation to have anyway, aren't they?
I say to you, don't worry about any of that! Join us at Sound Board to take care of all of those holiday needs. No reason to push and shove, we have plenty of gifts in store to meet everyone's needs.
If you haven't had the chance, check out our Facebook page and look at some of the pictures we've posted! We have a lot of great music to make your holiday season brighter. Give your loved ones the gift of music and you will certainly put a smile on their faces. I mean, if you get your book now your gift can be a concert (which is way less expensive than that necklace/video game/motorized tie rack your loved ones were asking for, and definitely creates a better memory for everyone involved!)!
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