Dave's Guitar Instruction allows aspiring musicians to learn guitar in a unique and immersive training environment. See what owner Dave Milliken says about integrating IK gear into his curriculum, as well as his thoughts on music technology and the future of mobile recording.
Dave's Guitar Instruction has been a staple institutional partner of IK Multimedia. It has become a destination spot for learning guitar through using IK gear, including AmpliTube, iRig, iKlip, and more. Dave's Guitar Instruction combines the atmosphere of a live musical performance setting with a number of multimedia experiences to engage students interactively.
Here's the full interview and AmpliTube demo video:
How did the idea of Dave's Guitar Instruction come together?
Since I had decided to pursue guitar instruction as my livelihood, I knew I had to create something that would be attractive and innovative. In general, Guitarists enjoy the performance atmosphere, inspiring gear, quality music, and playing with other musicians. The group format is also a great way to meet new people who enjoy the common interest of music and the guitar. Through the implementation of those concepts, Immersive Instruction was born and designed to attract aspiring guitarists.
How does a product like AmpliTube on the iPad help you to teach guitar?
Amplitube is essentially a virtual environment where a guitarist gets to experiment with, what seems like, limitless amounts of gear that would normally cost tens of thousands of dollars to own. The quality of the sounds are excellent and when a guitar sounds good, it's inspiring to play. This, of course, motivates students to play and learn. The software also provides an effective way to teach students the in's and outs of guitar gear as well as dialing in the perfect tone for the type of guitar playing they are interested in. Many of my students run the app and resources neatly in the background while they practice with the online resources I provide with my lesson curriculum.
What functions within the app do you find most useful?
The main function of the app is the modeling technology which allows me to provide high quality guitar sounds for my students. This is the most useful by far, but, add to that the multitrack recorder and Drum Looper and you've got a powerhouse of resources right at your fingertips. Every feature has it's usefulness. The media player, for example, isn't the main function of the app but being able to access music from iTunes and then slow it down without changing the pitch is a pretty awesome tool on it's own. Functions like the metronome and tuner make Amplitube a complete teaching tool.
How does having a product like iRig help your students?
Most of my student's haven't yet gotten into guitar gear when they show up in my studio for lessons. However, once they experience it, it doesn't take much to sell them on the benefit of having a software based setup to help them with their development as a guitarist. With the iRig interface, they have an economical way to access the app and soon they'll be able to have a completely digital sound with the new iRig HD.
What value do you see in having access to the incredible models of Amps, Cabinets and Pedals for your students/you?
I don't know if young guitarists appreciate just how amazing it is that they can have access to all of these models in one device. There's a taste of everything in there from jazz tones, to twangy country' to grungy blues and metal. Every setting allows the student to experiment with a completely new genre of music with the touch of a button. Add to this the functionality of playing with your iTunes library, there's no style of music you can't get a taste of. It's great for gigs too! No more hauling around a giant amp and a pedal board, 'cause it's all right there!
Where do you see the future of Mobile Recording headed?
The world is becoming more decentralized in so many ways and recording technology is no exception. It's becoming easier to produce pristine recordings outside of a studio which can be emailed or dropped in a cloud for use by another musician laying tracks in a hotel room on another continent! Mixing and mastering tools are becoming more portable as well which means we can complete a project on the road and begin distribution within moments of completion. The portability of high quality input and recording devices is making this possible which is really cool and a lot of fun too!