FREE Guitar Lessons with Kris Barras!
World-renowned guitar player and blues rock artist Kris Barras has teamed up with AMSonline and musicmasterclass.com to offer a 10 part free lesson series for all the guitarists out there that now find themselves with more time to freshen up their skills.
Part 1
Kris takes take you through the pentatonic scale shapes most commonly used in this style, but makes a point of trying to help get you out of the tried and tested shapes to introduce new licks and vocabulary that will open up your playing to help you find your own voice.
High quality guitar TABs accompany the lessons and can be downloaded from each lesson post.
We will be releasing these videos exclusively every Wednesday, so stay tuned!
Part 2
Kris will show you how to fluently move through the shapes of the minor pentatonic scale that were covered last week. There’s a cool exercise on learning to play on just one string using the same harmonic framework and some new lick ideas that combine pentatonic shapes, and also introduce syncopation for the pick up of a lick.
High quality guitar TABs accompany this lesson, downloadable on this page.
Part 3
This week it’s onto the blues. Kris will guide you through knowing which chord you are playing over in a typical 12 bar blues. You will learn about what chord numbers mean, and how they relate to a 12 bar sequence.
Then there’s a 12 bar study solo, making use of chord tones from the chords used in the backing track, in addition to the minor pentatonic and blues scales studied in parts 1 & 2.
High quality guitar TABs and backing track MP3 accompany this lesson, downloadable on this page .
Part 4
So far the scale we’ve been using is a minor pentatonic scale, this week it’s onto more chordal awareness using dominant 7th chords and the mixolydian blues scale.
Kris helps to introduce the new concepts using the minor pentatonic framework taught in the first 3 sessions.
The mixolydian blues scale introduces a sweet major tonality to the new licks that are studied this week whilst keeping things well grounded in the blues.
High quality guitar TABs and backing track MP3 accompany this lesson, downloadable on this page .
Part 5
This week it’s straight into licks.
Kris will guide you through licks that incorporate the mixolydian blues scale studied last week, but this time we’re in different positions on the fretboard. The focus this week is targeting particular chord tones from the chords of a dominant blues progression.
High quality guitar TABs accompany this lesson, downloadable on this page .
Download the PDF from this lesson here:
Part 6
This week we’re into arpeggios.
Kris will guide you through the arpeggios that relate to each of the chords found within a dominant blues progression and teaches licks that use arpeggios.
This lesson is focusing on helping soloists find notes that are within the chords of a blues using an example solo as the basis.
We really hope you are enjoying this free lesson series! Let us know by commenting in our socials.
High quality guitar TABs and a backing track accompany this lesson, downloadable on this page .
Download the PDF from this lesson here:
Download the backing track from this lesson here:
Part 7
This week our arpeggios are developed into a cool example solo.
Kris play the solo first, along with the backing track that you can download on this page. After a full 12 bar demonstration it’s a note for note walk-through of the solo.
We really hope you are enjoying this free lesson series! Let us know by commenting in our socials.
High quality guitar TABs accompany this lesson, and the backing track, downloadable on this page .
Part 8
This week we’re mixing it up by changing to a minor blues.
This time chords I and IV are both minor, with the turn around using a major 7 chord for chord vi and a dominant 7 chord for the V chord.
Kris has written an example solo to help you change up to the new tonality which incorporates the natural minor, or Aeolian mode, and also some pentatonic minor licks that now change dependant on which chord we are on in addition to chord tones from the progression.
Kris will walk you through the solo bit by bit and high quality PDF transcriptions and backing track accompany this lesson.
We really hope you are enjoying this free lesson series! Let us know by commenting in our socials.
Part 9
This week we’re adding some arpeggios to our minor blues.
Kris has written out the arpeggios that come from the chords covered in last week’s lesson, and runs through them first note by note, the TAB is downloadable on this page.
Kris has written another example solo over the same backing track as last week, this time though it’s incorporating the arpeggios that have just been demonstrated.
Kris will walk you through the solo bit by bit and high quality PDF transcriptions and backing track accompany this lesson.
We really hope you are enjoying this free lesson series! Let us know by commenting in our socials.
Part 10
This week we’re adding some speed!
This final lesson is all about how blues players and blues rock players incorporate speed to add some variation to their soloing.
Kris guides you through some example licks, including repetition of a phrase using both double stops and scale ideas from major and minor pentatonic scales.
Next it’s onto sequencing, Kris uses ascending and descending sequences of pentatonic scales to create rising sequences that build in intensity.
Next it’s chromatic runs and how they can inject some creative injections of speed and fluency into your soling, and finally incorporating chromatic runs to link dominant 7 arpeggios.
TAB PDFs are available to download from this page.
We really hope you have enjoyed this free lesson series! Let us know by commenting in our socials.
Students! Submit your Self Isolation Sessions to us
Calling all AMS and AMSonline students! This is an open call. We want to see and share the great stuff you’ve been creating during lockdown.
Been jammin’ during lockdown? Made use of some of this free time to write a new song, or cover an old one? We’d love to hear from you. Lately we’ve been sourcing and sharing some video clips from our students who have been doing some solo-sessions during the pandemic.
Simply email: [email protected] or message our main page on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll re-post and share your self isolation session and include you on our blog post when all this is over!
Happy jammin’
AMS.
AMSonline and FRETMONKEY
AMSonline are now working with the international guitar community of FRETMONKEY to offer online music qualifications.
At the start of 2019, AMSonline had a suite of undergraduate and postgraduate music qualifications validated for supported distance-learning with the London College of Music (University of West London). This meant that courses could be accessed worldwide with no need for conventional college lectures. The courses are delivered 100% online, so anywhere with an internet connection is now a workspace.
What's the deal then?
Traditional academic qualifications come at a premium. Undergraduate college fees average about $10,000 for a state-resident student and $25,000 for a non-state resident per annum. That is before room, board, books and other expenses are taken into consideration.
The tuition fee for the BA (Hons) top-up Music & Sound with AMSonline is £6,150 per annum. That's about $7,600. There is no need to travel to college: All you will need is a DAW (digital audio workstation) that you might already own.
I'm already working in music; I don't need college
Unlike more traditional music qualifications, the AMSonline degree is designed for those working in music that want to develop their skill-set. The courses themselves are flexible; both in the curriculum studied and the mode of study. There are modules on creating content such as music for TV or games, composing library or stock music, songwriting, spoken word and radio broadcast as well as events management, music production and performance. In addition to online course materials, AMSonline students are supported 1:1 by industry professionals that are actually working in the areas mentioned above.
Fast-Track entry
Applicants are welcomed to apply to start directly on the final year of a Bachelor's Degree using their industry experience to 'Fast-Track' the first two years. This means that if you have 5 or more years experience in the music industry, you could apply. This could save you potentially 2-3 years of study time and costs, and gain you an internationally-recognised BA (Hons) degree certified by the London College of Music in just 12 months.
What about FRETMONKEY?
For students participating in this specialized program, FRETMONKEY will deliver additional programming in DIY record label services which includes online opportunities as well as optional face-to-face options at the FRETMONKEY RECORDS STUDIO located in Conway, Arkansas (USA). In addition to this local provision, an AMSonline representative will be specifically provided for you so that, whilst you are studying, you will be supported in a peer-to-peer community. This means you will experience more of a blended learning experience than those that are solely studying online.
How do I find out more?
Applications are being taken now for the next start point, which is September 2020. If you would like to find out more, please complete the form by clicking the link below.
Learning Under Lockdown – Coronavirus moves life online
Here's how AMS Online can help.
Coronavirus has begun to shake the UK – and indeed the world – in a way that was unimaginable even just one month ago. As we self-isolate, quarantine and social distance in the interest of our public health and collective well-being life has shifted online more and more.
Musicians too have been drastically effected by the global pandemic; event cancellations, gig postponements – the very backbone of the musician’s income taken from underneath them in the most unprecedented way.
Thankfully humans are adaptable creatures. Already, artists and creatives are capitalising on their capacity to mobilise online – online streaming of performances and DJ sets, tutors and artists offering classes online, and platforms like Bandcamp wavering fees to support unsigned acts. Our digital world seems more important now, than it ever has been before. Not just as a means to stay connected when people need it most, but as a way to earn and maintain and income stream, as well as learn new things as stay as motivated, entertained and switched on as we can.
We've also been trying to adapt.
We understand a lot of artists might be out of work at the moment, or failing that, slightly more bored than usual, working (or isolating) at home for the foreseeable future.
We're happy to be able to offer a few small things to musician's during these trying times...
Free Songwriting & Creative Lyric Approaches short course
Firstly our FREE online songwriting short course (creative lyric approaches) is available to enrol onto now. You can expand your skills for free, and try and make the most of that time social distancing.
The syllabus for this course is set out over four weeks, with each week focusing on different areas of lyric writing. Each week provides helpful, practical, creative conversations and activities in order to help you grow as a songwriter and musical communicator. The course is suitable for beginners through to experienced songwriters; anyone who wishes to invigorate or reinvigorate their lyrical output.
Free online short courses from AMS
Our Edinburgh and Glasgow centres recently announced a new series of free short courses, which were originally programmed to take place at both centres over the coming few months. Now sadly, due to the situation dates for the physical workshops will look to be moved, while provision for the courses to be made available online has now been approved and will be available soon!
Fast-Track an online degree
Plus, a lot has been interrupted during the strange period, but if you're feeling like being quite productive during this time, you might be interested in our Fast Track Degree scheme. The scheme allows music industry professionals with relevant experience the chance to 'fast-track' to the final year of a BA degree in music, sound, production etc (see our courses here), and you could get a degree for a third of the price, for a third of the time – and all from the comfort (or confines...) of your home.
Interested? Sign up here.
Stay safe.
AMS Online x
AMS Online is back, open to applicants for January 2020 starts
Online music courses for flexible distance study. The Academy of Music and Sound’s online music teaching platform AMS Online is taking applicants for a January 2020 start, and encouraging those who already have industry experience, to fast-track to the final year of a BA.
In January AMS Online will be kicking off the winter term with a host of new students. There are still spaces, and we’re encouraging new applicants from all locations, ages and backgrounds (although some previous musical experience is required).
AMS Online offers professional teaching in aspects of music production, performance and business to those interested in a career in the industry or those with existing industry experience seeking to hone their skills. They provide the facility to study flexibility, at your pace, wherever you are in the world, making this the perfect facility for touring or busy musicians.
“My time with AMS has added so much to my professional and personal life and it’s an experience I would recommend to any musician.”
– Beth Goudie, Winner of the AMS Songwriting Graduation Award 2019
13 different countries are now home to AMS Online students, making the school an international music educator. Students learn from industry experts via Skype, online tutorials and individual sessions.
Those with MUSIC INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE are encouraged to fast-track the first year of a BA in Music and Sound and skip straight to the final year – you could get a degree in half the time. Plus no need drop existing commitments, online study means you can take your degree with you on the road. This is a great opportunity for working musicians to get the most out of study and work in a competitive sector.
AMS understand that it is not just about having performance skills to succeed in the music industry. They specialise in teaching multifaceted aspects of the music industry, giving students the skills to succeed in a range of careers in a competitive industry.
Find out about the range of courses we offer here, and head to our apply page to put in an application.
Student Beth Goudie wins Songwriting Prize at Academy of Music & Sound
AMS Online student, Beth Goudie has won the Academy of Music and Sound Songwriting Award at the annual AMS Graduation Awards. The awards, which take place every year, are open to both AMS Online and AMS (Academy of music and Sound) UK students, and give out awards for Songwriting, production and performance.
Beth studied BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance) with AMS Online, and is set to graduate this summer. Her debut album out in July, adding to an impressive set of recent achievements. After receiving the news of her win, Beth commented: "Receiving the AMS Graduation Songwriting Award has been such a special addition to what was already an incredibly rewarding year. As a songwriter, an award like this is a real honour and encouragement as it gives me a new level of confidence as I move forward in my career. My time with AMS has added so much to my professional and personal life and it’s an experience I would recommend to any musician. Thank you so much to everyone at AMS for providing such an enriching opportunity, it’s one I will be forever grateful for.”
Beth was nominated by AMS Tutor Kimwei McCarthy, who spoke about Beth’s songwriting portfolio: "An astoundingly crafted EP of songs, which appear simple of first listen, but are in fact meticulously arranged, so that every note and every syllable fuse and ignite. These songs sound ancient and yet current, showing that they speak to something timelessly human in us".
Listen to Beth play her song Bouncy Castles live on BBC Radio Wales below.
'Bouncy Castles' in a particular felt perceptive and wry and encapsulated the song writers dream of making the personal global. All in all a very rewarding and enriching listening experience with the beautiful recording of the voice adding both poise and fragility"
Judge, Rev Hammer
Each year the AMS Graduation Awards, which cross over both AMS Online and the wider Academy of Music and Sound centres, give out awards for the best performer, producer and of course, songwriter from all the BA students.
AMS Principle, Rev Hammer, was the judge this year for the Songwriting award, he was looking for a song with a strong chorus or hook line, a memorable melody, a song which has both universal and personal appeal, in essence a song which may be around in twenty years and still sung then.
It’s fair to say then, that Rev was impressed with Beth’s talent. Of Beth’s recordings, he had this to say: "Utterly charming recordings. The sparseness of the approach works perfectly with the lonesome feel and longing of the message. I particularly liked the lyrical content of songs such as 'Hiraeth', 'Bouncy Castles', 'Ashes' and 'Home'. 'Bouncy Castles' in a particular felt perceptive and wry and encapsulated the song writers dream of making the personal global. All in all a very rewarding and enriching listening experience with the beautiful recording of the voice adding both poise and fragility".
Beth is set to be awarded her prize, which includes a free recording day at Studio54 in Exeter, at her graduation ceremony. Two other awards, one for Performance and another for Production up for grabs, though details on winners are yet to be announced. Stay tuned to AMS UK's main site for updates.
"As a songwriter, an award like this is a real honour and encouragement as it gives me a new level of confidence as I move forward in my career. My time with AMS has added so much to my professional and personal life and it’s an experience I would recommend to any musician."
- Winner, Beth Goudie
Read more about the awards on the AMS UK website, and follow Beth music on her social channels and Spotify Artist Profile.
Student gets offer to compose music for a William Friedkin film
A current student of AMS Online has recently been offered an exciting deal to compose music for a film by William Friedkin, the American "New Hollywood" director, best known for The French Connection and The Exorcist.
Mik Davis, who is studying with AMS Online for a BA Hons in Music Production, spoke with us recently about his career progression since AMS, revealing exciting new plans to produce his first feature length film score for an independent film, financed by Universal Studios and produced by a Lancashire based film and media company.
The opportunity shortly after Mik completed his final 'Production Project' with us, submitting three tracks he used on this very assignment to the film company, who made him an offer within days. He's had to keep stum about the films title, but he can certainly tell us a lot about how he got there.
See Mik's piece for us below.
"Having worked in the music industry as a musician and music producer for the last fourteen years (at varying levels), I have had many wonderful and rewarding experiences, whether on stage or in the control room.
In recent years I had fallen out of love with performing and music production, this was mostly due to the simple fact that the music industry is a hard industry, and it’s increasingly difficult to earn a living from an industry, that changes so rapidly from day-to-day, where geographical location and expensive equipment is key to ‘getting ahead’ – or so I thought.
Instead, I chose to pursue a split career as a person-centred counsellor and as a tutor, teaching ESOL English - both rewarding experiences, both very far away from music.
An opportunity arose September 2018 when I was offered a BA Hons in Music Production (fast-track) with AMS, based on the vast portfolio I had built over the years, this meant that I entered as a non-traditional student and only had to complete the third and final year.
At first, I was cynical as to what I would get out of the course? Whether I would learn any new skills? Or if I even needed the degree at all?
In fact, it wasn’t until I recently completed the course where I could reflect and see how much I had actually gained and developed over the academic year.
Firstly, the course allowed me to submerge myself in music and creativity for a whole year. As a result of now completing the course, I have managed to re-establish my own music career as a producer and found my passion for music once more. I have a legitimate music studio ‘Atelier Noir’, which was developed as part of the ‘Independent Study’ assignment, without this assignment and the criteria I had to meet I would never have been able to realise my full potential as a producer and that producing music wasn’t about money, geographic location or owning expensive equipment – instead it was about producing good work, being enterprising and creative with the space and the equipment I had built up (no matter how dated), focusing on the unique selling point of the studio and myself as a producer, also entertaining a variety of recording opportunities that were offered and available on a day-to-day basis.
This approach has lead to securing a number of avant-garde recording sessions, that I would usually not have entertained, this includes producing a concept album for international best-seller Joanne Harris (Chocolat) and her progressive folk band ‘Storytime’ – I’ve also taken on a permanent contract recording voiceovers for and organisation called Gatehouse Awards for their international ESOL speaking and listening qualifications, although this project isn’t music based I have enjoyed the editing process and helped the organisation to build a library of recordings.
Furthermore, the most exciting news came May 2019 when I was offered a contract to produce my first film score composition for an independent movie financed by Universal Studios and produced by a Lancashire based film and media company, this opportunity came after submitting the tracks created and produced as part of my final ‘Production Project’ assignment. I submitted three tracks created as part of my final assignment for AMS – the film company pretty much got back to me the next day with an offer. I cannot disclose the title of the movie as I’m bound under strict confidentiality regulations - but I’m looking forward to writing and producing this project.
I would highly recommend AMS to any music producer of any age and level, who’re looking to focus on a music project and build a body of work – ok, so the writing elements of the course can be tedious at times, I personally found the written assignments particularly frustrating, but overall, the pros of completing this degree outweighed the cons. AMS have a great team of mentors that offer lots of sound advice, help and support throughout the academic year – my own mentors Robin and Kimwei were extremely helpful, encouraging and were always at hand with a solution, should any question or problem arise.
To conclude and reiterate, completing this degree has certainly helped me to realise my own potential and to identify areas for improvement and further development. For the first time in four years, having rediscovered my love and passion for music, I’m once again optimistic about the future, my own music career and where it may lead."
Songwriting, arranging and composing with Suyog Sotang
This week on our semi-regular student interview series, I chat to Suyog Sotang, an AMS Online student based in Nepal, who has taken a route in music production as a result of studying a BA with us Online. He chats about the benefits of studying an English course in another country without the additional living costs, and flexibility to work alongside it.
"The art of making a soundtrack beautiful whether an instrumental or vocal music has been cultivated in me with the help of this course"
What do you study with AMS Online?
I study the BA (Hons) in Performance Industries.
Where are you from, or (where were you) studying from?
I am based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
What is your instrument / skill / profession?
I play the piano, guitar and sing. I was not classically trained however, I got the opportunity to learn and explore various different styles of music.
What drew you to study with AMS Online?
The course being a top up while everything was compressed to a year and the option for distance learning attracted me towards completing the course.
What do you do alongside your music degree?
I am a full time music specialists at The British School Kathmandu. I am also a songwriter, music arranger and composer of songs for films.
What have been the benefits of online distance learning for you
The fact that it was a distance learning made things very easy as I could still work at the same place and did not have to worry about the living expenses on a foreign country.
How has the course itself helped your musical development?
Producing my own tracks would not have been possible if I was not taking the route for music production on the course. The art of making a track sound beautiful whether an instrumental or vocal music has been cultivated in me with the help of this course.
Are you in a band or currently working on any cool projects?
I am currently working as a film composer on a Nepali feature film dated to be release this summer and the course has definitely enhanced my knowledge and skills.
What is on the horizon for you - in the near future, or after finishing your degree?
I am currently enrolled on a postgraduate programme at the University of Nottingham which shall be completed in few months and I aim to further study for a masters degree and this would not have been possible without AMS online.
Follow Suyog on Instagram to follow his musical progress, or check out his amazing recent work below....
Latest blog posts
Music, Mental Health and Creating a Safe-Space with Online Learning
It might seem like a paradox. The use of an online space as an area of solace and recuperation for those with mental health issues, when so much of the online world and modern technology has been criticized for contributing to today's mental health crisis. However the reality is that an alternative online education often strikes a perfect balance for those who wish to study at their own pace, in whatever location is best suited to them, on their own terms.
AMS Online provides a digital learning resource which has all the academic benefits of a conventional, physical University, but instead is delivered on a personal, one-to-one basis where students can learn in an untapped variety of locations. Being an Online Music University means that our students can study from whatever location best suits their needs or existing commitments, not having to travel at all for one-on-one tuition with industry professionals. For working musicians, who make up a large proportion of AMS students, the flexibility of online learning means that they can take their work with them on the road, on gigs and tours no matter where they are in the world (check out our recent student interviews on this). However, the comfort, flexibility and adaptable nature of online learning also has huge benefits for music students suffering with mental or physical health issues.
YouGov.co.uk has stated that “one in four students suffer from mental health problems” and while a mental health crisis in young people is evident, new flexible, low-pressure and versatile learning spaces can work to combat this. The Independent claims that University lifestyle itself can often induce anxiety in young people - “studying combined with life changes can lead students to feel overwhelmed and stressed – and many students report high levels of anxiety and distress.” In the modern world, flexible and mobile study might provide a healthy antidote. Or at least an attractive alternative.
The online learning community can provide a low-pressure, all welcoming, and inclusive environment for those who work best from home, in a space which is comfortable and suited to their needs.
Study from home can be comfortable and convenient, providing a digital safe space not just for mental health sufferers, but for anyone seeking an alternative to convention University lifestyle. For those who suffer from mental illness, such as anxiety or other - online learning can be a versatile way to learn within a familiar environment already adjusted to a student’s personal needs, one that also included direct and regular contact with course tutors via Skype tutorials or message communication.
"The one learning community can provide a low-pressure, all-welcoming, and inclusive environment for those who work best from home"
Music can often be an independent and cathartic process - traditional education methods or facilities simply do not suit everyone. AMS Online promotes the ability to learn on your own terms at your own pace, with reflective and personal tuition.
Although it is important for students with disabilities to be fully aware of both the benefits and considerations of online learning, before deciding if it is the best fit for them or not, it is arguable that in the modern world, where online facilities are becoming more and more popular anyway (stat and example), provision, one-on-one teaching and flexibility can be found more readily in online resources.
Online Education provides:
Convenience & Flexibility
So long as you have a laptop, you can study anywhere. An online degree means that you can study at your own pace, at whatever time of day suits you. Deadlines still need to be met, but unlike conventional study, you can dip in and out of lectures and readings, and take the work at your own pace. At AMS Online we exist to support those who already have a busy music work life, are touring, or simply need some extra time to create their best work possible (try our Part-Time study options).
Learn in a comfortable environment
For students with physical or mental disabilities, the option to study within a familiar or adaptable environment is often a huge plus.
One-on-one tuition
Expert tuition from working professionals and musicians is delivered through Skype and online, giving you person one-on-one tuition from the comfort or convenience of your desired location. Our industry professionals work with us to deliver the most personal, specific feedback possible, and are always at hand to address or talk about your needs - musical or otherwise.
Break away from convention
Many universities have recently been criticized for not offering adequate mental health support to it’s students, University lifestyle itself often contributes to the problem, but there are also social pressures to remain in a physical university structure. The growing success and popularity of Online degrees suggests that there is another option. Learn and achieve on your terms, with the time and space to include degree level study in your life whilst not sacrificing a lifestyle that best works for you.
Disabledworld.com claims that “An online education might be preferable to an 'in-person' education for a student with disabilities for many reasons. One of the main reasons being that the school will be able to accommodate the student better. From a more suitable student/faculty ratio, so they can get more one-on-one help, to the fact that the student will have to do less traveling, there are a large number of factors that can make an online education a better choice for these students.”
The music industry needs to do its bit and adapt to mental and physical health needs of fans and artists. It’s #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and we’re upping the ante on our social media to broaden the discussion around this. Recently Academy of Music and Sound (Edinburgh) Alumni and chart topper Lewis Capaldi announced that he was introducing support workers, gig buddies and an 'escape room' to his gigs. Plus AMS Online and our counter-part The Academy of Music and Sound have been posting a lot on gig accessibility, mental health within the music industry on our social media, so keep your eyes peeled, and keep the conversation going.
7/05/2019
Words: Izzy Trott