Archive for June, 2009

Bolton LA gets Gigajamming

Posted in Education, News on June 11th, 2009 by Brian Greene – 1 Comment

Gigajam’s award winning Essential Skills Course has been chosen for Bolton LA’s Learning Platform. This means that all students in Bolton will be able to learn guitar, bass, keyboard and drums at school and at home.

Bolton joins the growing number of local authorities who are keen to develop the use of their Learning Platforms to harness technology for more music making opportunities.

There will be four mentor centres working together to begin the roll out of Gigajam and training will commence shortly after the Bolton LA ICT conference on June 30th 2009.

More details will follow shortly so that all Bolton Schools, their teachers, and students can make the most of the resources which will be available free at the point of access.

For more information on Gigajam and how we help create more musicians with our partners then please contact:

Email Brian Greene or phone 07976 208859. [vCard]

Email John Hillier or phone 07956 466440. [vCard]

Families given chance to play instruments

Posted in Education, News on June 11th, 2009 by Brian Greene – Be the first to comment

IN TUNE: Youngsters were given tips on how to play a variety of musical instruments at a free event over the weekend.

‘Strum It, Bash It, and ICT’ gave young people and their families the chance to learn how to play the electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboards and drums.

The lessons were taught through some of the latest online music software, Gigajam, which teaches individuals at their own pace.

It took place at the Bridge Centre, in Birches Head Road, Birches Head, on Saturday.

Stoke LA – Music suite using hi-tech hook-ups for lessons

Posted in Education, News on June 11th, 2009 by Brian Greene – Be the first to comment

A NEW music suite has been created offering residents the chance to learn how to play electric guitars, keyboards and drums.

The facility, at the Bridge Centre in Birches Head, is available to everyone in Stoke-on-Trent.

Using new “Gigajam” software, the City Music and Performing Arts Service will be able to teach people how to get involved in music and play different instruments with the aid of cutting-edge computer programmes.

Instruments are plugged into each of the suite’s 16 computers. Those playing the instruments are able to record a piece of music before Gigajam tells the musician which sections of the music they got wrong, and helps them to correct any mistakes.

Lord Mayor Councillor Jean Bowers said: “This is a wonderful facility for young and old alike to use, and the tuition they receive is also excellent.”

In addition to Gigajam, the City Music and Performing Arts Service is also hosting classes using popular “Wii Music” and “Rock Band” games for budding musicians.

Ruth Steele, ICT and music specialist at the service, said: “We’ve found it’s a really exciting and useful way of teaching people how to play, especially if they’re familiar with the games themselves.

“We can put the game screens on a big screen meaning we can have a whole class of people learning at the same time.”

For more details, call 01782 233794 or 233796.