Lessons From The Teachers

We have told you previously that Dancing Dragon Music provides music lessons that are affordable, yet at the same time, do not lack in substance.  We have amazing teachers who can handle novice musicians or even gigging musicians who are looking for an edge, a new riff or two or would like to learn theory.  In short, whatever the need, we can help.

Guy Ragland is the owner of Dancing Dragon Music and teaches guitar, piano and theory.  Guy suggests an approach to lessons that is quite insightful.

"When I am approached by a prospective student about lessons, I take some time to find out what the student wants to get out of the lessons.  Does he/she want to learn the whole instrument, or are they simply looking to be able to pick up a guitar and play a few tunes?  What the student desires initially gives me an idea as to what environment needs to be created to get the most out of each lesson."

Wayne Duncan, percussion instructor, also likes students to feel comfortable in their surroundings and to know that percussion instruments are what drive most bands.

"I have had students of all skill levels and without exception, enthusiasm is key to being a good percussionist.  Students who understand their critical role in a band or an orchestra become more comfortable and when a student is comfortable, lessons become easier and productive.  I want my students to embrace their talent level and my goal is to bring out their best."

Dancing Dragon has to additionally awesome guitar instructors in Will Galbraith and Craig White.  Will suggests an approach to guitar centered around musical styles suited to the student:

"An individual interested in being a country musician may not need to spend countless hours learning songs and melodies in drop-D tunings."

Craig believes that getting to know the student and their musical background helps a great deal as well:

"When a student comes to me, I like to know their influences.  Perhaps their parents are musicians, maybe they have an uncle or cousin who plays.  Some students play oboe in school, but want to learn acoustic guitar - those are all critical in creating lesson plans that enhance the learning experience."

Taking music lessons doesn't have to be a chore and neither should students feel as though they are merely a "number."  At Dancing Dragon Music, we make sure each student is valued and their desires are met.  Give us a call today at 405.605.6900 and talk to us about our teaching methods.  Or, stop by the store at 4220 North May Avenue, Oklahoma City.

Washburn Guitars - A New Feel

If you've been into Dancing Dragon Music, you know that we carry the line of Washburn guitars that really is second to none.  Washburn has truly come a long way in their development, including the use of Grover tuners and custom Duncan USM pick ups.

They have their "Idol" series, their RX and MX series and their incredible hollow body guitars as well.  The RX and MX series are surprisingly lightweight, comfortable and produce warm, welcoming tones with the neck pick up and bright tones with the bridge pick up. 

Local blogger, former radio guy and musician Ron Black recently grabbed one of the RX80's (pictured) and had this to say about it:

"I was surprised and delighted at how light the guitar is, which makes it great for gigs, but at the same time, the tones are warm and none of the sustain was lost at all because of the weight.  The style of music my band plays includes southern rock and the Duncan pick ups provide a solid tone.  I am very impressed and love the heck out of my RX80."

Fans of the exceptionally ahead-of-their-time band, Extreme, are familiar with the shredding licks of Nuno Bettencourt, who recently featured the Washburn N7 on American Idol.  Any guitar good enough for Nuno, is good enough for us.

We invite you to come to Dancing Dragon, 4220 N. May Avenue in Oklahoma City and check out these Washburns for yourself.  You'll be pleasantly surprised.

DDM

Heat Can Be Hell On Gear

In case you haven't noticed, the heat is a beast right now in Oklahoma and next to water, there isn't much more on the planet that can cause severe damage to your gear than the heat. Here are a few tips and tricks to help keep your gear in great shape, even if Mother Nature has other plans...

Guitars and bass guitars are made of wood and are susceptible to heat and humidity. High humidity may be good for cigars, but not stringed instruments. Of course, you knew that already. Keep your gear in moderate temperature environments as much as possible.

Never leave your gear in your car or any location void of air conditioning for extended periods of time. If it's 100 degrees outside, it can reach up to 150 degrees in your car - almost hot enough to cook a turkey.
If you have a case, use it. If you don't have a case, come by our store and we have plenty for you to choose from.

Another tip is to wipe down your guitar every time you perform to avoid build-up of body oils and moisture and in this heat, the damage those oils can cause increase. Do your guitar or bass a favor and give it a good rub-down with some premium guitar polish - also available at Dancing Dragon Music.

This is the season for outdoor gigs and one thing you'll notice is that at the Zoo Amp, each of the performers have an entourage making sure their guitars are in tune and in peak condition. Chances are, you don't have the entourage so take the time and make sure you have plenty of towels, extra strings and the like handy. Guitars are made of wood, but the strings aren't - but that doesn't mean they aren't prone to hot weather malfunctions.

And by the way, while you're gigging, emotions often run high so unless you're Pete Townshend and can afford to replace gear after every performance, don't impersonate him.

Stop by Dancing Dragon Music soon and check out some of the merchandise we have to help keep your instruments working the way you want them to at those critical moments. 4220 North May Avenue in Oklahoma City!

A Different Drummer

Percussion is the heartbeat of any and every band. Whether it be the thundering double-bass stylings of Lars Ulrich or the performance and showmanship of Tommy Lee, performers understand the importance of having drummers who not only understand the soul of the music they are performing, but who are reliable and consistent.

At Dancing Dragon Music, we carry two of the premier lines of drums to satisfy every style of playing and ever budget. They are a great value and will suit the needs of the hairiest head-banger to the smooth jazz afficianado. We carry both Drum Workshop and Pacific Drums and yes, we'll let you try them out.

DW Drums has created a website that is amazing. It includes product reviews, a full line of merchandise choices as well as their "Kitbuilder" page (here). On the Kitbuilder page, you can select the style, the colors, customize to any number of levels of accessories and then, check the sound. Great site, great selection. Come to the shop and check out our inventory and if you don’t see what you want, DW will build it for you.

Pacific Drums also has a website similar to DW, and they include some of their product reviews. Serious percussionists know the great value, quality and durability of PDP, which is one of the reasons Dancing Dragon carries this line of drums.

We also carry a full line of both Zildjian and Sabian cymbals.

So, it's true - Dancing Dragon dances to the beat of a different drummer and we believe that you are that drummer. Come see us today at 4220 N. May Avenue in Oklahoma City and dance with us.

Don't forget - we also provide lessons for the next Tommy Lee in your house.

New Television Commercial

And they say it's only the "big box" stores that can promote themselves.  Dancing Dragon Music has a new television commercial!

Check it out:

Guitar/Piano Lessons - Now Is The Time

As you have probably already learned, even the Oklahoma City Public Schools are now offering guitar for a select number of students.  There is good reason for it because studies have indicated that music education helps in other areas of learning including math, science and the arts.  It enhances creativity and inspires young people to express themselves in a manner that is healthy and very enjoyable.

At Dancing Dragon Music, we offer guitar, drum and piano lessons to all ages and experience levels.  If your child is interested in learning guitar, piano or drums, we can help.  We'll evaluate their experience level and create a lesson program specifically for your child.  Or for you yourself! 

Music education is often one of the elements of public education to go when budgets are tight.  We're fortunate thus far in Central Oklahoma because we have leadership who understands the importance of the arts in educating our children.

Give us a call today, or send us an email, and we'll get you or your loved one started on lessons immediately!

Thanks!