12 Reasons Why Registering for Music Lessons at ASO Music is the Best Decision You'll Make

Are you looking for a way to express yourself creatively and improve your mental wellbeing? Do you have a passion for music and want to take your skills to the next level? Look no further than ASO Music! Our expert instructors offer online lessons for a variety of musical instruments, including mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo, and more. Here are 12 reasons why registering for music lessons at ASO Music is the best decision you'll make:

• Personalized Instruction: Our one-on-one lessons provide personalized attention and tailored instruction to help you achieve your musical goals.
• Convenient Scheduling: Our online lessons offer flexible scheduling, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
• High-Quality Instruction: Our experienced instructors are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction that will help you improve your skills and achieve your goals.
• Mental Health Benefits: Playing a musical instrument has been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Creativity: Learning to play a musical instrument can enhance your creativity and allow you to express yourself in new and unique ways.
• Community: ASO Music offers a welcoming and inclusive community of music enthusiasts from all backgrounds.
• Personal Development: Learning to play a musical instrument is a form of personal development that can help you build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
• Passion: Pursuing your passion for music can be a life-changing experience that brings joy and fulfillment.
• Talent: Developing your musical talent can set you apart from others and make you stand out in a crowd.
• Cultural Expression: ASO Music is committed to preserving the cultural heritage and artistic expressions of different communities through music, allowing you to explore the world through music.
• It's Fun!
• Play with your family and friends!

By registering for music lessons at ASO Music, you'll not only improve your musical skills but also experience personal growth and community building. Our online lessons offer convenient scheduling, personalized instruction, and a supportive community of music enthusiasts. Don't let distance or scheduling conflicts hold you back from pursuing your passion for music. Sign up for ASO Music's online lessons today and take the first step towards achieving your musical goals!

#MusicEducation #PersonalDevelopment #MentalHealth #Creativity #Community #Passion #Talent #OnlineLessons #CulturalExpression #WorldMusic

Copyright 2023 ASO Music.

How To Register For Online Lessons

Registration for online lessons is easy!

• Contact me by email - sweetmusic@mm.st put "registration" in the subject field, and your name, cellphone#, the instrument you want to study, and any biographical information you feel will help me place you.
• Visit https://linktr.ee/sweetmusicstudio and fill out the registration form there.

Once you have registered, I will send you an invitation to join my Slack community, Sweet Music.  I will also ask you what days/times work best for you.  In your initial contact, you can also mention this to save additional delays.

Slack is an easy program to use both on your desktop (it works in any browser, there's no special software to download unlike Zoom), and there's also an app in the App Store and Google Play.  All you will need is a microphone and webcam.  Most laptops come with them these days.  Some students are also using their phones to connect.

Payment is contactless through Venmo, an app that is similar to PayPal, but much easier to use.  I'm @sweetmusiconline on Venmo.

That's it!  I will connect with you on Slack at the agreed upon time.  There's nothing else that you need to do except tune up your instrument and be ready to start learning!

How To Register For Online Lessons

Registration for online lessons is easy!

• Contact me by email - sweetmusic@mm.st put "registration" in the subject field, and your name, cellphone#, the instrument you want to study, and any biographical information you feel will help me place you.
• Visit https://linktr.ee/sweetmusicstudio and fill out the registration form there.

Once you have registered, I will send you an invitation to join my Slack community, Sweet Music.  I will also ask you what days/times work best for you.  In your initial contact, you can also mention this to save additional delays.

Slack is an easy program to use both on your desktop (it works in any browser, there's no special software to download unlike Zoom), and there's also an app in the App Store and Google Play.  All you will need is a microphone and webcam.  Most laptops come with them these days.  Some students are also using their phones to connect.

Payment is contactless through Venmo, an app that is similar to PayPal, but much easier to use.  I'm @sweetmusiconline on Venmo.

That's it!  I will connect with you on Slack at the agreed upon time.  There's nothing else that you need to do except tune up your instrument and be ready to start learning!

NEW Online Lesson/Group Class Rates, Communication, Platforms and Misc

Adam Sweet

As you know, all lessons and group classes are now online.  I use Slack.com for 1/1 lessons and all communications with students.  I teach mandolin, violin/fiddle, viola, mandocello, mandola, guitar, electric bass, octave mandolin, Irish bouzouki and Irish banjo.  I specialize in classical/chamber music from the Renaissance period up til the Classical period, Celtic, Bluegrass, Klezmer and Folk genres.  All payments and donations are accepted through Venmo.  Please consider becoming a Patron, and sponsoring the work I do through Patreon!

• 30 minute weekly lessons - 1/1 private lesson with me on your instrument of choice, unlimited weekly Q&A and option to participate in online group classes: $40/ea
• 60 minute weekly lessons - 1/1 private lesson with me on your instrument, unlimited Q&A during the week and option to participate in online groups offered: $75/ea
• 15 minute "tune up" - any time we both have time, scheduled in advance.   This is an opportunity to check in online and go over something specific related to weekly practice, gear questions/tutorials, software questions/tutorials, etc.: $20
• 60 minute weekly group class - $10/ea, minimum 3 people per group
• Weekly Workshops - Free/Donations Accepted
• Master Classes - TBA
• "Live" Performances - TBA

an early mandolin class performance!

If you are a current student, but are not using Slack, please contact me right away to get your invitation!  For those of you who don't know what Slack is, it's kind of like Facebook Messenger on steroids...it's a robust communication platform that allows for phone and video communications, text, messaging, all kinds of media sharing, discussion and social networking within our community.  The #general channel is for communications with the whole studio.  Each member has an individual channel which is private and end-to-end encrypted, so it cannot be "hacked".  The other community channels are

• beginnermandolin - this is the channel for people who are participating in the Monday night workshop for mandolin beginners, YouTube LIVE at 7pm.  Look to this channel and the Sweet Music Studio Facebook group for invitation URLs.  Free to join, donations accepted
• introtofiddle - this is the channel for people who are participating in the Tuesday night workshop for fiddlers, YouTube LIVE at 7pm.  Look to this channel and the Sweet Music Studio Facebook group for invitation URLs and other information.  Free to join, donations accepted.
• klezmer - this is the channel for discussions relating to Klezmer music, a potential group and master classes offered by professionals.  Free to join.  Master classes will have a fee TBA.
• testing - this is the channel for members who are helping me test various platforms and networks to find the optimum equipment and software for online meetings, classes and groups.  feel free to join if you are interested in gear and computers
• celticgroup - this is invitation only for our weekly Thursday at 7pm Celtic Group Class.  You should be a weekly student in good standing to participate.  There is a $10/person/week fee to participate
• mandolingroup - this is invitation only for our weekly Wednesday at 7pm Classical Mandolin Group Class.  There is a $10/person/week fee to participate.  This class is the core of Mandolin New England, our 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that forms a couple times a year for concerts in western Mass., and Providence, RI.  Obviously due  to COVID19, there won't be any concerts any time soon, but we are working on online performance/concert options.  Stay "tuned"!

Mandolin New England @ Hawks & Reed, Greenfield MA

For group classes, meetings of more than 2 people, I use Google Meet.  If you are familiar with Zoom, then you will find Meet easy to set up and use.  You don't need a Google account to use it.  I will share the URL with the appropriate channel prior to the group time.  All you have to do is click the URL in the channel, wait for the Meet platform to load in your browser, and then click the JOIN button.  Make sure your gear is optimized: microphone, webcam, computer, etc.  Ask if you have questions.  We use Google meet for the Classical Mandolin Group (Wed at 7pm) and the Celtic Group (Thu at 7pm).

Jim Bunting (Irish bouzouki), Claudine Langille (Irish banjo), Adam Sweet (Irish fiddle)

For workshops, masterclasses and other "live" performances, I use YouTube LIVE.  You don't need a YouTube account to watch the events, but if you want to chat with me during the workshop, ask questions, you will need a YouTube channel.  Don't worry, they are free.  Ask me how to set it up.  Soon I will be announcing a master class series featuring professional musicians from all over the world.  Watch this website for links and other information!  Workshops are free, donations accepted. Masterclasses with professional musicians will be fee-based as will live performances.

All Lessons and Group Classes haved moved online

Online Lessons through Slack and YouTube Live

Due to Governor Baker's closing of all schools and events as well as the possibility of tracking COVID19 into the studio, I have closed until further notice.

ONLINE LESSONS

Private lessons are still available online through Slack.  If you are scheduled for a private lesson here at the studio in Granby, I will expect you online at the same time.  Simply log in (on your desktop/laptop) and I will contact you through Slack at the pre-determined time.  If I'm a little late it's because I'm finishing up with the previous student.  I will be there!

You may now pay me through Venmo at no additional charge.  The PayPal fee is 4.5%, but because Venmo goes directly to my bank, there is no fee.  The way it works is, download the app to your phone (available on Android and iPhone).  Once you have it set  up, simply click the little icon in the lower right to pay, enter my name (Adam Sweet - if I'm not there, it means I'm not set up in your contacts list, which you will have to do ahead of time), enter the amount, a description, and click send.  That's it.  Let me know if you're having difficulty, and I'll walk you through it next time I see you online!

GROUP CLASSES

Group Classes are still available online.   If you are scheduled for a group class, Klezmer on Tuesdays, Classical Mandolin on Wednesdays and Celtic Music on Thursdays, I will expect you to log into the Live class. I will post the link to the Live classes in the appropriate Slack channel, not on my website as I previously stated. 

These classes are now open to the public, so if you haven't registered for a group class, but would like to participate, please do so now by sending me your information through the contact us form on the sidebar, or by emailing info@sweetmusicstudio.net.  

The cost of the group class FREE for the duration of the coronavirus, and may continue to be free after that.  I am asking that if you an afford it, you  make a donation either through my Patreon page (link on the sidebar), or PayPal.me/SweetMusic.  Any amount is fine.  I suggest $10 but the amount is up to you.

Online Lessons Available: Celtic music, Bluegrass music, Klezmer and Classical music on fiddle and mandolin

All Lessons and Group Classes have moved online

Online Lessons through Slack and YouTube Live

Due to Governor Baker's closing of all schools and events as well as the possibility of tracking COVID19 into the studio, I have closed until further notice.

ONLINE LESSONS

Private lessons are still available online through Slack.  If you are scheduled for a private lesson here at the studio in Granby, I will expect you online at the same time.  Simply log in (on your desktop/laptop) and I will contact you through Slack at the pre-determined time.  If I'm a little late it's because I'm finishing up with the previous student.  I will be there!

For private lessons, you may pay me through Venmo at no additional charge.  The way it works is download the app to your phone (available on Android and iPhone).  Once you have it set  up, simply click the little icon in the lower right to pay, enter my name (Adam Sweet - if I'm not there, it means I'm not set up in your contacts list, which you will have to do ahead of time), enter the amount, a description, and click send.  That's it.  Let me know if you're having difficulty, and I'll walk you through it next time I see you online!

GROUP CLASSES

Group Classes For the duration of the coronavirus (and maybe beyond, we'll see), my group classes are donation only.  That means basically that they are free.  If you an afford something, please make a donation either through my Patreon page, or PayPal.

• Tuesdays: Klezmer group 7pm
• Wednesdays: Classical mandolin group 7pm
• Thursdays: Celtic music group 7pm

You do not need to play an instrument to participate in the classes!  There will be lots of discussion, presentation of materials including links to download sheet music and other information, watching/listening to music and of course playing and sharing music together.  Singers and dancers are encouraged to participate.

Please RSVP by emailing info@sweetmusicstudio.net.  I will invite you to my slack page sweetmusic.slack.com and from there you will be able to join the klezmer channel.  Instructions will follow.  Thank you!

My thoughts on teaching online

I'm offering Online Lessons using a variety of online tools and apps including Zoom, Google Meet and Slack.

Online Lessons are very similar to local or in-person lessons.  The only difference is if you have a slow connection, there may be a slight delay in transmission, which can take a little getting used to.  This is very rare, however, as most people have high-speed connections and don't have a problem with delay or degradation.

Click here to register for online lessons

Beginning students will learn the basics: music theory and how to read music, how to count, meter and rhythm, keys and chords; how to hold the instrument and pick (or bow for violin players); how to practice scales, arpeggios and exercises; how to play basic melodies.  At some point, usually within a few weeks, beginning students may be ready for more advanced material which will be assigned at that time.

Advanced students that can already read and understand the basics of their instrument will study more advanced theory including the modes, advanced timing and rhythm, advanced chords, harmonization, improvisation, and will be introduced to a wide variety of music depending on the genre and style they have chosen to study.  For example, Classical musicians will be exposed to a variety of composers from the Renaissance Era up to the Romantic Era and everything in between.  Folk musicians will be exposed to a wide variety of western European traditional dance music styles including Celtic, Quebecois and Cape Breton music as well as American styles such as Bluegrass, Country, Western Swing, Jazz, Blues, and more.

Online Lessons

Online Lessons

I'm offering Online Lessons using a variety of online tools and apps including Skype, Google Hangouts and Slack.

Online Lessons are very similar to local or in-person lessons.  The only difference is if you have a slow connection, there may be a slight delay in transmission, which can take a little getting used to.  This is very rare, however, as most people have high-speed connections and don't have a problem with delay or degradation.

Click here to register for online lessons

Beginning students will learn the basics: music theory and how to read music, how to count, meter and rhythm, keys and chords; how to hold the instrument and pick (or bow for violin players); how to practice scales, arpeggios and exercises; how to play basic melodies.  At some point, usually within a few weeks, beginning students may be ready for more advanced material which will be assigned at that time.

Beginning students may want to also join the Adult Beginner's Group Class.  Check it out here.

Advanced students that can already read and understand the basics of their instrument will study more advanced theory including the modes, advanced timing and rhythm, advanced chords, harmonization, improvisation, and will be introduced to a wide variety of music depending on the genre and style they have chosen to study.  For example, Classical musicians will be exposed to a variety of composers from the Renaissance Era up to the Romantic Era and everything in between.  Folk musicians will be exposed to a wide variety of western European traditional dance music styles including Celtic, Quebecois and Cape Breton music as well as American styles such as Bluegrass, Country, Western Swing, Jazz, Blues, and more.

Advanced students may be eligible for either the Classical Mandolin Class (Tuesdays at 7pm), the Celtic Group (Thursdays 7-9pm) or the Bluegrass Group (Fridays 7-9pm).  Some advanced players may want to play in all three.  There is a $5 discount per class for students that wish to join more than one as long as they attend on a weekly basis.  The discount does not apply for one-offs or trial periods.