This is a preview of Youth Music Box, a free interactive musical experience, designed to let you create a unique track and video in under 10 minutes.

Youth Music Box is currently living at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

Youth Music Box is a project of Youth Music, the UK’s largest children’s music charity, providing funding for music projects and activities.

He may also be the coolest teacher ever.

He teaches a class called Building Music at Franklin K. Lane and Wingate High Schools in Brooklyn. Students learn to build their own electric guitars, from winding their own electric pickups to designing the guitar body to fretting the fingerboard (Paul has students utilizing a microtonal seven-tone equal temperament scale).

That’s Rubenstein, right. He wants you to know that he’s not holding a monster bong. It’s the Invisitar, one of his many instrument designs.

After building the guitars, the class then creates original music with these instruments through amplifiers also of their own construction. The students bring a sense of improvisational fun that would be expected from a class armed with homemade amplified electric instruments.

Here’s a track that features students Tyrone and Nick on the guitars they made, Ayonde on electric saron, Hector on claves, Angel on doumbek, Rashid on shaker and Mr. R (Paul Rubenstein) on tambourine:

Teaching kids to build their own electronic instruments so that they can rock out microtonally? That’s a teacher that’s interested in opening minds up, instead of closing them.

Check out the smiles on the kids that he’s worked with.

Here’s a slideshow of the kids and their projects:

Don’t you imagine some of these kids are going to be doing some very interesting things in a few years?

via WFMU

Sound Advice’s 3 DVDs encompass:

• Synth programming techniques
• An exhaustive parameter-by-parameter guide
• Digital effects

The DVD’s navigation system allows you to use Sound Advice in many different ways: As a complete master class tutorial, as a work of reference (you can search individual sound parameters), or as an encyclopedia of techniques and sound types (creating pads, modifying sound FX etc).

“All you need to know about oscillators, filters, envelopes, dynamics and effects that will enable you to produce the sound that you are looking for on your synth – totally from scratch,” says legendary producer and 2007 GRAMMY nominee Alan Parsons.

DVD Contents

Using the Yamaha Motif ES as its demonstration platform, Disc 1 starts with how to create simple sounds; breaking down examples into three main categories: decaying sounds, sustaining sounds, and non-pitched sounds. The next section shows you how to tweak a series of classic sound types: brightening up a piano, changing the tone of an electric guitar, modifying the envelope of a brass patch, and many others.

Disc 2 comprises an exhaustive look at all the major analog-style synth parameters from Amplitude Scaling to Velocity Curves. Perfectly watchable from start to finish, with diagrams, text boxes, and plenty of real-world musical examples, Disc 2 is primarily designed as a reference guide.

Disc 3 is entirely devoted to digital effects – now an integral part of the sound design landscape. All major DSP effects – from reverbs and delays, to chorus, flanger, and phaser, to EQ and compression – are examined in minute, parameter-by-parameter detail.

Who Needs It

Talking ‘in plain English,’ Sound Advice is aimed at the novice to intermediate user who has a keen potential interest in sound, but who doesn’t exactly want to study the subject at college. Applications include computer-using musicians of all persuasions, technology-enabled DJs, to students and teachers in music education.

“There’s so much scope for creating new sounds today between powerful workstations like Motif, software applications, and plug-ins,” says KEYFAX founder Julian Colbeck. “But programming has become a dark – or at least lost – art for most people. We hope that Sound Advice will inspire a whole new generation to experiment with sound and unleash the full creative potential of the tools now at their disposal.”

Containing 40 video tutorials and running over 3 hours in length, the collection of video tutorials covers topics such as Mixing, Production and Utilities. The collection reveals techniques used by professional Pro Tools engineer Kenny Gioia to get great sounding tracks, create tight loops and rhythm parts, and create cool effects.

Covers:

• Beat Detective Collection Mode
• Kick Drum Replacement
• Snare Drum Replacement
• Stuttering Guitars
• Scratching in Pro Tools
• Recording Background Vocals
• Comping Vocals
• Using Mono Delays
• -Wah Effect
• Advanced Markers
• Making a Vocoder
• De-Essing Vocals

Pro Tools Tips and Tricks with Kenny Gioia is available on CD-ROM or as a digital download directly from www.grooveboxmusic.com.

The product is expected to ship by July 1st. Order yours before the ship date for $39.99, which is a 20% savings of the regular price. You may also purchase an online membership to view Kenny’s tutorials exclusively for $14.99 a month.

Additionally, Groovebox is offering several full-version videos from Kenny’s collection free via their website. Registration is required.

This instructional video covers the most important steps when mastering, such as tonal balance by means of Equalization, applying compression to your audio source to tighten up the dynamic range as needed, as well as Loudness maximizing to give your song that punch.

The video also covers additional areas that are sometimes used when mastering such as adding a touch of sparkle with harmonic exciters, a dash of reverb to add space, as well as working to keep your audio in phase.

Since its inception last June, PlayJazzNow.Com has offered downloadable play-along tracks for jazz musicians who want to hone their improvisation skills by working out with a live trio. Now it aims to reach out specifically to drummers and percussionists who want to master the rhythmic, stylistic, and formal elements of jazz.

PlayJazzNow.com has created sets of tracks geared to beginning, intermediate and advanced percussionists. Drummers can now play along with the rhythm team of piano and bass without the clutter of a pre-existing drum track. Students of jazz can practice a wide range of rhythmic styles, including swing, jazz waltz, bossa, samba, 6/8, 5/4 and ballad. Each style is available in a variety of tempos, which employ standard forms such as 12-bar blues, 32-bar AABA form, plus the less common 16- and 24-bar forms.

PlayJazzNow.com offers jazz play-alongs that are different from the CD/book sets of play-along tunes sold elsewhere. PlayJazzNow.com tracks consist of chord progressions – turnarounds and forms that occur in all types of standards and jazz compositions.

With the addition of tracks created specifically for drummers and percussionists, PlayJazzNow.com now has tracks that all instrumentalists can use to improve their skills as soloists and accompanists.

SWA Video, a product of Streamwork Audio, has partnered with Mackie to bring an exclusive offer for all registered users of Tracktion 3. In Tracktion 3’s Ultimate bundle users will find SWA Video’s extensive 4-hour instructional video covering everything from setting up to the Final Plug. SWA Complete Tracktion 3 will allow you to explore the depths of Tracktion 3 like never before to truly maximize your potential with the application.

Users of Tracktion 3 Project Bundle will find a quickstart overview video, also produced by Streamworks Audio, to get you up and running in no time. The Project Bundle also includes an exclusive offer to upgrade the quickstart video to the full-blown 4-hour SWA Complete Tracktion 3.

About SWA Complete Tracktion 3:

With over 4 hours of instructional material, Dan Worrall will take you into the depths of Tracktion 3. From setting up Tracktion 3 for optimal performance on your computer through working with Tracktion 3’s new loop feature, right down to polishing your masterpiece with the Final plug – Dan has not left out any details.

Tracktion has brought to the DAW world the much desired ‘non cluttered’ workspace with the single screen model – everything to can be accessed in just one simplified interface, and with SWA Complete Tracktion 3 you will find all the content you need to master all these functions and features of the program.

Not only does Dan offer clear explanations of the fundamentals of Tracktion 3, he dishes up some helpful tips and tricks when working throughout the program, such as getting the most out Tracktion 3’s looping feature or even tweaking your mix with Mackie’s included plug-ins.

For more information, visit their web site at www.swavideo.com.

Sessions are limited to a maximum of six students. Each student’s workstation is outfitted with the latest technological gear and software including: Serato Scratch Live, a 17-inch Intel iMac, two Technics 1210 turntables, a Digidesign Mbox audio interface, Logic Pro, Reason, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and more. All course fees include supervised lab time, where students can come in to practice production techniques or hone their DJing skills.

The students at DubSpot range from a 10 year-old budding music prodigy to Lisa – the 30-something office professional seeking to fulfill a lifelong desire. In addition, the school has enrolled Sebastian, a bedroom DJ who wants to take the next step into music production, Nick – the NJ high school student looking for an after-school activity with friends, and Aranka, a professional artist looking to make VJ’ing her next medium.

The inspiration for DubSpot came to Founder Dan Giove after attending a music production seminar taught by Thievery Corporation at the Remix Hotel during Winter Music Conference in Miami. Back in New York at DJ Francois K’s Deep Space dub night at Cielo, he and long-time friend and Co-founder, JP Solis talked about learning to produce their own music.

Giove decided to open a place that encompassed all genres of electronic music to help revitalize NYC nightlife and DJ culture. Together with a team of music industry professionals, they launched DubSpot in December 2006 and subsequently the DS14 collective. DS14 is an ever-expanding group of like-minded instructors, DJ’s, producers, musicians, promoters, nightclubs owners, record label professionals, equipment manufacturers, and music enthusiasts, who collaborated to build this centrally located facility (DubSpot) for everything music related.

DJ Courses & Workshops – Students are taught DJ fundamentals in a fun, easy to understand, step-by-step approach, using CDJs, turntables and Serato Scratch Live. This vinyl emulation software enables the DJ to use two vinyl records to mix and scratch digital files from his or her iTunes library. Advanced students will perform live at a New York nightclub for their final exam.

Electronic Music Production (EMP) – Whether you’re looking to learn a specific program like Logic or Ableton, seeking a weekend workshop in remixing a track, or want a six-month comprehensive production program in which you create your own music, DubSpot’s EMP director will customize a curriculum to fit your needs.

Visual & Video Production – For new and/or experienced VJs, as well as DJ’s seeking to incorporate visual elements into their sets. Classes are also offered on video mixers, VJ software, DVD authoring, and video post-production.

Current instructors include Dustin Cook (SAE Institute of Technology, System Recordings), JP Solis (Crobar, Satellite Records), Neil Armstrong (5th Platoon), DJ Daddy Dog (5th Platoon), and Chris Biggins (Crobar).

DubSpot also offers unique team-building events for businesses where employees can come in and collaborate to produce a song or learn to DJ. Additionally, their full-fledged recording studio is available for rental use.

A special ‘Intro to DJing’ weekend workshop is being offered for $99 for a limited time.

eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe includes everything you need to learn to play with over 450 audio- and video-enhanced lessons and more than 150 songs in a variety of musical styles. When used with a MIDI controller, eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe provides specific feedback on playing mistakes, including wrong notes and rhythms.

Other features include a metronome, recorder, variable-speed MIDI keyboard tracks, accompaniment tracks, and ear training exercises.
The two-volume CD-ROM set is priced at $99.95 MSRP.

This tutorial, the first of two levels, is designed to take users from installation of the program and get them up and running quickly.

Instructor Kelly Demoline guides the user through the basics of Sibelius, one of the most complete software programs for writing, playing, printing, and publishing music notation. The DVD is ideal for users that are new to Sibelius or as a great refresher for more advanced users.

“Notation programs have to be incredibly deep in order to express the detail inherent in written music,” says Steve Kostrey, CEO of ASK Video. “This DVD let’s a user begin to learn the functions and features of Sibelius in a fun and easy way, taking full advantage of the power of this top product.”

The DVD is now available now for $55 USD.
Available on Mac/PC DVD-Rom, DVD (NTSC) and DVD (PAL) all in one convenient package, the tutorial contains a total of 25 Videos, encompassing more than 2 hours of instruction on Sibelius 4.

Sibelius Tutorial DVD Level 1 begins with Installation on a Mac or PC, recommended Equipment, audio & MIDI Setup and moves to a number of “Getting Started” chapters covering set-up, instruments, and menus. It then guides the user through creating their first score, including adding notes and editing. From there, concepts such as guitar tab, key and time signatures, flexi-time recording and lyrics are covered in detail. Rounding out level 1 are concepts such as transposition, articulations, markers, chords, and codas.

Sibelius Tutorial DVD Level 1 is designed to bring users up to a working knowledge of Sibelius quickly and prepare them for Level 2, which will cover more advanced concepts.

System Compatibility:

This product includes QuickTime 7.x Mac/PC which is required for video playback. DVD-Rom drive required. Minimum screen resolution 1024 x 768.

• PC: Windows XP Home or Professional, Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon 800 MHz or faster, 256 MB RAM. Windows MME or DirectSound Sound Card.
• MAC: Requires Mac OS X v10.2 or higher, Power Mac G4 867 MHz, 256 MB RAM, Sound Card.

eMedia Guitar Method Deluxe features eMedia Guitar Method and Intermediate Guitar Method in a 2 volume CD-ROM set specially priced at $99.95 MSRP. eMedia Guitar Collection features eMedia Guitar Method, Intermediate Guitar Method, Blues Guitar Legends and Guitar Songs in a 4 volume CD-ROM set specially priced at $149.95 MSRP.

The training DVDs include hundreds of audio- and video-enhanced lessons and over 150 songs. Also included are an automatic tuner, metronome, recorder, 250-chord dictionary and a scale-directory.

The programs are Propellerhead Software certified and mark the beginning of formalized education surrounding the award winning software. The certification will enable existing Reason users and those new to the software to gain an industry recognized certification with courses developed and taught by the renowned faculty at Berklee College of Music.

The four certification programs; Sound Design using Reason, Electronic Music Production using Reason, Music Creation using Reason and Music Production using Reason offers students a directed study plan that addresses practical approaches to music production, sampling, sequencing, sound design and arranging in various genres. The online courses enable students to study with Berklee College of Music’s production faculty and collaborate with other musicians and producers from anywhere in the world. In addition, Berkleemusic offers nine individual online courses using Reason and has taught over 5000 students worldwide over the past four years.

“This certification provides an excellent learning platform for existing Reason users as well as musicians new to the software,” says Barry Kelly, Director of Marketing, Berkleemusic.com. “Not only will they gain industry recognized proficiency but they will walk away from these programs with core skills and new music production techniques. The online courses also bring Reason users far and wide together in an collaborative environment to share and exchange ideas.”

“We are excited to be working with Berklee College of Music and their innovative approach to teaching music theory, engineering, and production,” comments Robert Pointer, Propellerhead’s Director of U.S. markets. “The Reason certification program will enable artists around the world to get closer to their creative potential by acquiring the certification. One of our goals as a company is to provide the tools and the path towards making music a reality for all artists, and the Reason certification program is a valuable step towards that goal. We can’t wait to see this be available to Berklee’s online students.”

The Music Production using Reason program consists of eight courses, five core and three elective courses that let students customize their own specific educational goals in music. Elective courses are offered in songwriting, film scoring, remixing, arranging, performance, composition, orchestration, music theory, production, and music business.

“Learn writing and production considerations unique to hip-hop, how to analyze and recreate different styles of hip-hop, and how to use this foundation to produce your own songs using Propellerhead’s Reason software.”

Students learn to:

• Use writing and production criteria to analyze and recreate hip-hop songs
• Program drum beats and loops using Propellerhead’s Reason software
• Create bass, guitar, keyboard, and horn parts for hip-hop arrangements
• Use proper mic placement and production techniques for recording rap vocals
• Apply hip-hop mixing and mastering techniques to songs

The class is a 12-week, 3 credit class.

More information is available at the Berklee site.

The new course, Production Mixing & Mastering, is the latest distance learning audio course in a continuing line of new initiatives the school has to offer. The expansion at Audiocourses.com shows continued dedication to the student base, offering courses for everyone’s needs. Production Mixing & Mastering is a 100% practical course, offering top quality software plugins from waves.com, at a significantly reduced educational rate.

Included in the package are the session files (audio) for mainstream audio production platforms such as Pro Tools, Logic Audio, Cubase, Nuendo, and Sonar along with the Waves renaissance bundled software.

The course is set up so school students log in and chat live with their instructors (Production Advisors), and other like minded students weekly. The advisors assess the student productions and set up personalized learning programmes based on the students needs.

“We find our students cherish the interaction we offer at Audiocourses.com and we are certain that no other online school offers the kind of ‘vibe’ we have available. Our Production Advisors are dedicated and passionate in their field and this ‘rubs-off’ on our student cohorts”, states audiocourses.com Director Christopher Hambly.

Production Mixing Mastering Course Syllabus

• Week 1 – School Induction: Course Orientation, Systems and Methods, Communication Medium, Upload Center.
• Week 2 – Dance Music Production: Drums, TX81z Bass, Synthesizers, Vocals, Vocal FX, Buss Effects.
• Week 3 – R&B Music Production: Drums, Rhodes Piano, Strings, Lead Guitar Track, Accompanying Guitar Tracks, Downbeat Loop and Bass Scratch, Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals.
• Week 4 – Country / Rock Music Production: Drums, Electric Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, String Orchestra, Organ Pad, Vocals.
• Week 5 – Rock / Punk Music Production: Drums, Bass Guitar, Verse Guitar, Chorus Guitar, Solo Guitar, PAD, Lead Vocals.
• Week 6 – Urban Remix Production: Drums, Bassline, Weird Guitar, Lead Vocals, Mixed FX, Reverb and Delay Send Effect Busses.
• Week 7 – CD Mastering: Mastering of each of the 5 songs using techniques such as Compressing, Limiting, Ultramaximiser.
• Week 8 – Promoting Your Music: getting your songs out there and listened to, networking.

The complete interactive training course featuring a 7 CD set and 200 page hardback book is set to be a popular choice for those students wishing to develop their production techniques to a whole new level, with regular feedback and a creative vibe to get the juices flowing.

For more information, check the Audiocourses site.