I know notation software tends to scare people...well, most software scares people. Finale tends to be the main culprit with this fearful bunch. But I have news for you: Notation software should not be scary to anybody anymore! Finale should not be scary to anybody anymore!
Why? Notation software has gotten to the point that virtually anybody, whether you are a new computer user, master computer user, the creator of the computer, etc, can use it. Seriously! And Finale, the be-all of notation software, has figured out a way to let users do what they want, however they want, without making it overly complicated.
Finale has been around since 1988, and through most of its transitions, it has been notorious for over-complicating tasks. However, it was a very powerful tool, so powerful, most engravers and publishers would (and still) use Finale for their professional needs. However, when Sibelius came into the fray, a good number of Finale users jumped ship and went to the “easy” program.
Special Offer! Buy 1 Yamaha Gigmaker Standard package from West Music and receive a guitar stand for free!*
Ahh, the Yamaha Gigmaker...what a guitar package! I don't think there can be anything added to this package to make it better than what it is...wait! Yes there can be!
For a limited time, we are throwing in a guitar stand with every Gigmaker order on westmusic.com! Just use the promo code GIGMAKER09 and the guitar stand will be added to your cart!*
As the old saying goes, "Practice makes perfect," and the new Wenger Studio Pack combines the tools for perfect practice.
Did you know that correct posture can help promote better performance on your instrument? This is why schools purchase special chairs for their band and orchestral classrooms from companies like Wenger.
Well, Wenger has now made one of those chairs available at a price that makes it easy to add to your home practice studio. Don't have a "studio" at home? That's ok, because this package allows you to create a studio where you have space: your basement, a spare bedroom, in the corner of the living room, etc.
We are approaching our 1 year anniversary on our new line of Westwood guitars and what better way to celebrate but to create a useful, affordable package for you!
"Wait…useful? Shouldn't all packages have useful items in them?"
Yes, useful! There are many guitar packages out there that are full of items that you will never use. Some come with items that would normally be helpful, like a beginner guitar book, but end up becoming not-so-useful because the book wasn't good.
Here is a video of Dick Bozung, inventor of the Guitar Barre, demonstrating how to use this great device.
Basically, the Guitar Barre is a way for students (and teachers and therapists and…well anybody) to learn the basics of guitar without having to worry if your fingers are in the right spot. You just strap the Guitar Barre on your fretting hand (works for both left and right hand guitarists) and use the device to move up and down the fret board (like a guitar slide).
The important thing is your instrument must be in open tuning (meaning the guitar is tuned to a major chord instead of the EADGBE format). It works with basically any string instrument. (However, any learning materials and tunings might not match perfectly).
On April 1, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced that the $44 billion for states and schools is now available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The funds are designed to help save hundreds of thousands of teaching jobs at risk of state and local budget cuts, and pave the way for a generation of education reform.
The announcement included the funding application (for governors) and implementation guidelines for $32.6 billion under the State Stabilization Fund, which represents two-thirds of the total dollars in the fund. This includes $26.6 billion to save jobs and make improvements in kindergarten through grade 12 and higher education, and a separate $6 billion in Government Services Fund to pay for education, public safety or other government services.
Funds in the first round will be released within two weeks of an application’s approval. A second round of stabilization funds will be released later in the year. A third round of funding, the Race to the Top competitive grand program, will reward states that have made the most progress on reforms.
If you have lived in Eastern Iowa within the past year, it's pretty safe to say you've heard about the floods of 2008. It was a tough time for everybody, especially the thousands of people who were flooded out of their homes and are still waiting to get relief.
That's why this story from KCRG.com is so powerful. Roosevelt Middle School was just a few blocks away from where the water finally crested, but 40% of their students' homes were not so lucky, according to the article.
Introducing the StealthPedal, a one-of-a-kind Audio Interface Controller in a compact wah-style pedal! This handy little device combines 2 great ingredients every guitarist should have into one, very stylish and useable item for your rig.
At each conference that we attended this past 2008-2009 season, participants had the chance to drop their names in a box for a chance to win a $ 2,500 gift certificate from us to give their classroom a makeover. We also gave a chance for participants to win $ 200 that was given out at each conference.
So far we had a great turnout of entries and now we are getting to the drawing. The drawing will happen on April 15 (this coming Wednesday). So start looking through westmusic.com and making those wish lists…you could be our lucky winner!!
For a listing of each of the winners at the conventions, click here.
West Music Staff Blogs
I know notation software tends to scare people...well, most software scares people. Finale tends to be the main culprit with this fearful bunch. But I have news for you: Notation software should not be scary to anybody anymore! Finale should not be scary to anybody anymore! 
Special Offer! Buy 1 Yamaha Gigmaker Standard package from West Music and receive a guitar stand for free!* 
We are approaching our 1 year anniversary on our new line of Westwood guitars and what better way to celebrate but to create a useful, affordable package for you! 