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Topic: Has anyone taken Skype lessons with Alan Akaka? |
Peter den Hartogh
From:
Cape Town, South Africa
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Posted 26 Jan 2013 5:21 am |
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Has anyone taken Skype lessons with Alan Akaka?
What are they like? |
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Jerome Hawkes
From:
Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
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Posted 26 Jan 2013 7:28 am
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I feel these are the future of lessons, which is a win-win for both the artist and student. I haven't taken any, but as soon as my music room is renovated and a new iMac on the way, I'm going this route.
I don't feel Skype is the "best" way for a rank beginner - there are just to many micro issues to address that should be done 1-1. But, for someone who can hold the bar, tune and have a basic familiarity with steel, this is a huge opportunity.
The good thing for me is the time difference between HI & NC, which means I could take lessons in the evening after work - you may be at a disadvantage in that area.
_________________
'65 Sho-Bud D-10 Permanent • '54 Fender Dual-8 • Clinesmith T-8 • '38 Ric Bakelite • '92 Emmons D-10 Legrande II |
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Ralph Czitrom
From:
Ringwood, New Jersey
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Posted 26 Jan 2013 8:49 am
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Peter - From personal experience (not with Alan but with John Ely), I definitely agree with Jerome. I've been taking Skype lessons with John for the past several months, and I couldn't happier. Most folks know him through his connection with Asleep at the Wheel, but John is very knowledgable about Hawaiian music and and is a wonderful teacher. After each lesson, he sends me lesson notes regarding what we did that day, as well as tabs and mp3's for the next lesson. This gives my practice a sense of direction. He's also been willing to work with me regarding lesson times.
A couple of things you might to think about, technically:
1) In order to get the most out of every lesson, I have found a very useful program called "Call Recorder", which allows you to record your Skype call. I obtained John's permission to record each lesson, and it is a great tool. I find this to be important in reinforcing the important points of the lesson, and I can continue to work on them as much as I need to;
2) One of the things about Skype that needs work (at least for a Mac user)is the fact that you cannot use two cameras simulataneously. When working in the two dimensional mode of monitors, it can be difficult for the teacher to see (for example)if you're tilting the bar. John and I have talked about the possibility of one camera with a top down view and the other much closer to the guitar (and my hands). I have seen two programs available in Windows, but so far none in Mac.
P.S. There's also something to be said for the personal connection with a teacher, even if it is through Skype... |
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Sebastian Müller
From:
Berlin / Germany
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Posted 26 Jan 2013 11:31 am
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I took a couple of face-to-face lessons with Alan when I was in Hawaii last year.
He is not only a great person and player but also an excellent teacher, you won't be disappointed. |
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Bill Thomson
From:
Ocean City, Maryland, USA
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Posted 26 Jan 2013 9:40 pm
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I have personally experienced one-on-one face to face lessons with Alan. You will not be disappointed, Alan is an outstanding teacher. He will send you the music/tab, plus the audio files necessary to practice each song. Usually 3 files; one with the complete song - melody,backup plus background fills. One with the backup and fills, no melody. One with melody, backup no background fills. Alan has the innate ability to tune his instruction to the individual.
Even though I haven't used Skype lessons with Alan, my experience taking his lessons have all been rewarding. Time well spent. |
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