New Member Introductions

[rocker2]

Introduce yourself to the team, and meet other dedicated rockers.

Welcome to the community!

Topic

Hello folks. Just found the site and spent over an hour checking things out. I really like the selection of lessons, especially the sample lesson. It is a good way to get a feel for how the instruction progresses and how will I am able to utilize what is presented. I’ve downloaded the level 1 lesson and exercises and will begin working with them in the morning. Wish me luck.

I did notice that the instructions say to practice the Groove Chart. I didn’t see a Grove Chart listed for the sample lesson. Is it located somewhere else on the site?

Thanks for putting together a very interesting web site. I hope to learn from it.

Regards,
Tomtt2

Tommtt2: Welcome to IROCKU! We hope you enjoy the site. The Groove Charts require a knowledge of basic chords so we introduce them with the Level 3 lessons. If you are a beginner, you might want to go to the Tools and Resources link to learn the chords associated with whatever song you are learning. Keep rockin!

Hello all,

Just found this site via that latest issue of Keyboard Magazine. I’ve been looking for a site like this for a long time, and was thrilled to learn that it is a project of one of my top keyboard inspirations, Chuck Leavell.

I’ve been playing keys since 1972, but am just getting back to being serious about music in the last few years. In addition to this site, I’m also studying with a teacher in person, learning jazz and classical styles. I own a Roland RD-700 stage piano and a Nord Electro 4 clonewheel. I’m also beginning the process of purchasing an awesome upright piano, since I don’t have the space for a grand.

I guess I’m living proof that it’s never too late to pick up and dust off an old dream that you might have left by the side of the road earlier in life. Mine was to be an awesome rock keyboardist, play with a tight, driving band and have a lot of fun in the process.

Time to get busy…

Glad you found us and Welcome! You’re in good company. About half of the IROCKUers are 40+ rockers who are dusting off the keys. Too much music, too little time! Enjoy!

Hi. My name is Harry. I’ve been a pro guitarist/saxophonist for 35 years. Most of my life has been dedicated to playing blues and jazz and mainstream rock like the Stones and Santana.

I could never quite cut it with the really modern rock, but each to their own I guess.

2 years ago I quit gigging so I could look after my sick wife. With time on my hands I took up the piano.

My biggest frustration is that I know the music but don’t have the chops yet.
And that’s me. I’m looking forward to getting right into this site.
Cheers

Looks like it’s time to add keys to your arsenal of instruments. Enjoy!

Hi, Not a new but returning member. I had a traumatic injury to my left arm 2 years ago, broke both bones in my lower arm/wrist badly, had surgery, got a plate and pin, but have some disability in my pinky and thumb. It sure set me back, but I can still play an octave, never could play tenths, so i just lost one note. The good news is I am right handed…anyway my pinky drives me nuts because it just kind of buckles, the way it would if I had bad technique. I have just really started playing again…to help my daughter I go to her guitar lessons with her, and what a challenge that is…they are group lessons. I used to play pretty well, but now I’ve had to purchase a 1/2 size and 3/4 size guitar to have any chance of reaching across the frets. And it hurts!

Not intending this to complain, but to encourage. First the piano puts the hand in so much more of a natural position than guitar, second, I know from the hand therapist a couple of years ago that I can only help my hand by pushing it, even if it hurts, and third if I can do it anyone can.

By the way, I’m best at singing, and every piano player and singer should sit in on a group guitar class to hear what guitarists say about us when they don’t know we are listening. Scathing….;). Anyway glad to be back.

Nicole

Nikalette- Welcome back. Hopefully you’ve inspired others to overcome their challenges and keep playing. BTW- Dr. John only plays with 9 fingers, so you might have one up on him!

I have been a member for less than a month, but am really lovin this site! I’ve probably spent more time at the piano this month than any over the past 40 years or so that I’ve played. I can play a decent level 6 on three of the songs so far and can’t wait to get into more. After playing the same types of songs for what seems like forever, these lessons have added a whole new perspective to my music. I’ve tried other self-help jazz and blues piano books/CDs, but haven’t been able to really progress with them. Hope this site is super-successful for you and that by the time I finish these tunes, you have more on tap!
Bruce F

Bruce-we’re glad you are enjoying the site. We are working on two new lessons, Alberta(Clapton version) and Living in a Dream ( Sea Level). Chuck recorded the advanced lessons and there’s some great stuff. Keep rockin