BMS Backstage: Celebrating National Get Out Your Guitar Day
For over a century, Brooklyn Music School has instilled musical knowledge in the minds of its students. However, BMS' most important philosophy has always been to encourage a lifelong love of music.
BMS Backstage
BMS Backstage is a new monthly series that takes our community behind the scenes and on a journey through BMS, the history, the community and by celebrating historical and contemporary aspects of music and the performing arts . Anika Rahman our new and brilliant marketing intern explores contemporary and historical subjects through the lens of the building, programming, events and our local and global community connections.
For over a century, Brooklyn Music School has instilled musical knowledge in the minds of its students. However, BMS' most important philosophy has always been to encourage a lifelong love of music. Few things bring people together more than music, and few things are more rewarding or enjoyable than learning to play an instrument. It's for this reason that we're so excited to recognize National Get Out Your Guitar Day with this month’s installment of Backstage.
The guitar has come a long way from the first plucking of string to the entrancing, melodious chords we recognize today. Its roots can be found in a variety of ancient instruments dating back as far as 4,000 years. Though it is most often traced back to 16th century Spain. Since then, the guitar has been adapted and changed to meet the needs of musicians and audiences.
Photo Credit: Mario La Pergola @mlapergolaphoto
Photo Credit: Wes Hicks @sickhews
The guitar is known for its versatility and ability to transcend genre. As well as its accessibility and ease of learning. At BMS we offer both group and individual lessons to learn such a versatile instrument. Group guitar lessons cover fundamentals, including picking hand techniques, playing in a group environment, note reading, introduction to chords, etc. While private lessons provide students at all ages of experience to work in a highly tailored, one-on-one environment with world-class guitar educators across a range of musical traditions. Instruction covers musical styles including rock, jazz, classical, blues folk/Americana, and Bluegrass.
Experience the guitar at BMS
National Get Out Your Guitar Day is the perfect opportunity for everyone, regardless of skill level, to grab their guitar and play. If you don't know how to play, or it's been a while since you've picked up the instrument, consider signing up for group or individual lessons at BMS. Our highly skilled instructors will have you playing the music you love in no time. So what are you waiting for? Grab your guitar and let's celebrate!
Get Out Your Guitar Day
February 11, 2023
INTERVIEW: Nels Cline
In anticipation of his upcoming sold-out Jimi Hendrix Tribute concert at BMS on February 24, 2018, we asked Nels Cline of Wilco, a few questions about what inspired him to join BMS's Artistic Advisory Board, and what Jimi Hendrix means to him.
This past Autumn, the Brooklyn Music School (BMS) welcomed several new members to its Artistic Advisory Board. Each member of the Artistic Advisory Board brings a unique perspective, insight, and experience that is sure to support the Brooklyn Music School as it continues to grow and offer inspiring programming for music and dance students of all ages.
In anticipation of his upcoming sold-out Jimi Hendrix Tribute concert with the Brooklyn Music School on February 24, 2018, we asked Nels Cline of Wilco, a few questions about what inspired him to join BMS's Artistic Advisory Board, and what Jimi Hendrix means to him.
Here's what he had to say.
Q: What about the Brooklyn Music School Inspired you to get involved?
Nels: I was approached through the gentlemen Seth Rosner, who run the excellent jazz record label Pi Recordings, to meet the school’s administrators about being on the advisory board, and as a fairly recent resident of Brooklyn and as one who is usually out of town playing, I thought that involvement on some level would offer the opportunity to contribute to my new community in some way. When I met with everyone and got a feel for what the school is about, I immediately loved it. The aim of providing music education for people of all ages and backgrounds is a noble one. I hope I can help in some way to make people aware of what the school is doing and to keep it thriving.
Q: What perspective or experience do you look forward to sharing with the Brooklyn Music School Community?
Nels: My musical background is not particularly academic, but my age (I am now 62!) and rather diverse stylistic impulses may make me an interesting voice to add to those already on staff at the school. My personal trajectory as a late-bloomer/late “success” could be a very encouraging story for musicians of all ages. It’s very hard to “make it” in music, and my consistent message has been to persevere and to try to follow one’s inner voice and not be deterred by disappointments and/or non-artistic pressures.
Q: What inspired you to want to do a Jimi Hendrix tribute?
Nels: Well, it was really the school’s idea! It was suggested because they knew that my decision at age twelve to play guitar for the rest of my life happened when I heard Jimi back then, in 1967. I agreed to the idea right away. I sure hope I can do the music justice!
Q: What significance does Jimi Hendrix have for you in your life?
Nels: See my previous answer. Beyond that statement, Jimi still embodies the most potent, colorful, innovative, personal, exciting aspects of music - for me and, quite obviously, for millions of others the world over. The work still gets me revved up and inspires not just guitar expression/histrionics but creativity at its most electrifying. And at the core of it all: the Blues...
Q: Do you have a fun fact to share about you or your instrument?
Nels: When I was young and thrilled by music and by Jimi, I never tried to play like him at all, thinking it was A) impossible, and B) almost sacrilege - Jimi seemed like pure magic, superhuman or something. I designed to be modest, un-flashy. Now, look what’s happened!