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 The Steel Guitar Forum
 Steel Without Pedals
 Steel in Public School?
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| Author | Topic: Steel in Public School? |
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Alan Rudd Member From: Franklin, Tennessee, USA |
posted 28 November 2006 08:30 AM
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I am embarking on a project to get steel guitar in my guitar class. Interest is high when you let these guys get a slide in their hands, so what I am looking for is a way to get some lap steels, dobros, or just some raised nuts for some acoustics that I could set up to get these kids going in the right direction. Any suggestions or help? |
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Edward Meisse Member From: Santa Rosa, California, USA |
posted 28 November 2006 09:32 AM
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It seems to me that the raised nuts would be the least expensive way to do things. That way just about any old guitar could be used for the class. When the class is over, a person who decided that steel was not for him could go back to standard guitar. I think you can still get them very cheap at Elderly instruments. I think I may have a couple around that I could send you. Perhaps I could even put in a gift order for you. I'd love to help out. Tell me what you decide to do. Then I'll see what I can do. You may find that an all of the above aproach would be the ideal way to go. |
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Alan Rudd Member From: Franklin, Tennessee, USA |
posted 28 November 2006 10:00 AM
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Thanks, Edward. That would be great. Anything you could do would be appreciated. Please send to: Attn: Alan Rudd Hillsboro Middle School 5412 Pinewood Road Franklin, TN 37064 [This message was edited by Alan Rudd on 06 December 2006 at 08:18 PM.] |
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Gary Lynch Member From: Creston, California, USA |
posted 28 November 2006 10:11 AM
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The raised nuts are often available on eBay and on the National Reso-Phonic web site. The beauty of playing slide with a raised nut, is that guitars that are not really good players because of their action, will work fine as long as the neck and bridge hold up. I am betting some school in Hawaii has a lap or console steel in it's group. If you could find who the teacher is, you two would have a lot in common. I've recently been playing non pedal and after over 30 years playing an acoustic guitar, the very first week I started I realized the steel guitar is an instrument that needs to be shared with the younger generation. It's just too beautiful not too have in schools and/or lessons available in many more areas. The legacy needs to not only survive but grow. |
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Don Kona Woods Member From: Vancouver, Washington, USA |
posted 28 November 2006 11:37 AM
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quote: Sadly enough, you would be hard pressed to find it. Frankly, I do not think it exists. John Auna on the Big Island was giving more lessons to students than any one that I know of, but it was not done in public schools. He is in ill-health now and so I do not know if he is still doing it. In Honolulu, Jerry Byrd, while he was living, was grooming a dozen or so musicians to play professionally. Alan Akaka did some teaching of steel guitar at Kamehameha schools, but there was few students. As well, Kamaka Tom, HSGA president, has done some teaching at Kamehemeha schools but very few students. A few others would have a student occasionally. I do believe that the steel guitar needs to be introduced at a young age. It will always catch on with a small percentage of students. Just as when we heard that sound of steel and grew to love it, others will do the same if exposed to it. Aloha, |
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Ron Randall Member From: Dallas, Texas, USA |
posted 28 November 2006 01:01 PM
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Good luck! I wonder about slide guitar. Lots of cool sounds. Anyway, I would be glad to donate some bottle-neck slides, a Stevens type bar, and a 3/4 round bar. Assorted picks also. This is a wonderful thing to be doing. Pass it on. Ron |
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Mike Ihde Member From: Boston, MA |
posted 28 November 2006 11:56 PM
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I know you all are talking about grades K through 12 but just so you know, I teach a lap steel class at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Each semester I have 8 students in my "Steel Guitar Lab" who either own a lap steel, buy a Artisan from Musician's Friend or put a nut raiser on their regular guitar. Towards the end of the semester when they have some chops, I bring in my PSG and let them try it. They all love it and many have gone on to buy one. I think starting on lap steel gives them the hand knowledge about vibrato and blocking etc etc and then the transition to PSG isn't so hard. Harmos donated a 7 string to the class and Buddy gave me one of his old 10 and 9 D10 years ago to help as well. I've tried to get Carter interested but it hasn't happened yet. There's a real interest in both lap and pedal and I think the future is bright, if my students are any indication. |
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Edward Meisse Member From: Santa Rosa, California, USA |
posted 29 November 2006 10:53 AM
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A care package is on its way via today's priority mail.  |
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Alan Rudd Member From: Franklin, Tennessee, USA |
posted 29 November 2006 08:15 PM
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Thanks, Edward! Thank all you guys so much! I spoke with Gene Cotton today and he was really excited about bringing the steel into our guitar class. He told me to do what I needed to do and even suggested that he might get us a workshop with Rick Vito and I am going to hit up Al Perkins to see if he might give us a touch of his extensive knowledge, too. I believe I will follow the suggestion of using raised nuts on a few of our acoustics at first. Thank you guys for your suggestions and generous contributions to the future of the guys (& a girl) in my class and the future of the steel guitar. God Bless! [This message was edited by Alan Rudd on 29 November 2006 at 08:16 PM.] |
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Alan Rudd Member From: Franklin, Tennessee, USA |
posted 04 December 2006 02:13 PM
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Got the package today! Thanks again, Edward! These kids are jazzed! I can't wait to get these guitars set up. We'll be using this stuff in the next day or two. I'll let you know how it goes. |
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Kay Das Member From: Singapore and Irvine CA |
posted 04 December 2006 02:28 PM
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Alan, Yours is a noble and great initiative! Keep us posted on how the young keep up, their likes and dislikes..the future of steel guitar lies with them... Good luck! Kay ------------------ |
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Edward Meisse Member From: Santa Rosa, California, USA |
posted 04 December 2006 11:43 PM
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Alan Kirk Member From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA |
posted 05 December 2006 07:17 AM
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I don't mean to throw water on the fire, but after teaching music in elementary schools for a number of years, I must say that the factor of TUNING is a major issue with stringed instruments. One school I worked at had a bunch of cheap 6-string nylon-string student guitars. Guitar class consisted of tuning, and not much else. You need instruments that will stay in tune, and you will need to tune them prior to class, if you want to get anything done during class. |
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Bill Thomson Member From: Ocean City, Maryland, USA |
posted 06 December 2006 11:40 AM
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Noble effort on your part. Introduce steel guitar to young people in the public school system. Keep us posted. |
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Alan Rudd Member From: Franklin, Tennessee, USA |
posted 06 December 2006 08:17 PM
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Yes, tuning is a great concern. Our first lesson is always on tuning and many times I will check them first thing and some of them know how to use the chromatic tuner. Thanks for all your encouragement. They loved it today and tomorrow will be even better! Thanks! |
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