Dan Sindel - 29 Jan 09

Who is this symphonic guitarist named Dan Sindel?

He’s the maestro of symphonic sound reviving classical compositions by Beethoven, Mozart and Schubert on guitar. He dazzled fans with instrumental imagery of Anitra’s Dance and Ole. He triumphed with his version of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and other Messiah excerpts. Then he had others marching to a different beat with his tribute to John Philip Sousa. Now, you can call him teacher. Using technology to his advantage, Dan Sindel is off to conquer cyberspace with his online guitar lessons. And according to him, this venture is taking off quite well. Recently, the wizard granted SouthSide an all-access pass to find out what’s happening in his realm.

This year at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Dan had a purpose. It was to promote his new site, www.ezgtr.com, and video guitar lessons. His site is sponsored by GHS / Rockton, Notion Music, Levy Leather Straps and The Guitar Wheel. Currently this site only targets beginners and immediate players but there are future plans to create lessons for advance players. What makes this site so helpful for users is that it’s not a pre-recorded lesson. You get the symphonic maestro teaching the lesson himself. As a test, Dan launched the idea with a couple of YouTube video lessons at the end of 2008. Now, he has quite a number who have signed up for his lessons.

Like any medium using technology, the advantages and disadvantages are about the same. The advantages of taking Dan’s lessons online the person doesn’t have to waste gas and money especially if the weather is bad. Another advantage is that it saves time. You can take a lesson anytime you want. On the flipside, the disadvantages would be choppy video and breaks in net connection. Dan told SouthSide that this did get some response from a few representatives during NAMM. At the time of this interview, he was still in talks with software companies about online and lesson tutorials. Some of the ideas like downloadable lessons for a reasonable price are being tossed around.

According to Dan, music has changed alongside with technology. The amount of exposure an artist can have is astounding because of the connection with many around the world. Though the recording industry hasn’t caught up, musicians still have to promote themselves the old fashion way. The internet is great for beginning bands and artists but they have to put the effort in getting their name and music to the willing listener. To quote Dan, “it’s hard work in this business.” SouthSide understood that statement all too well. She has seen many bands rise and peak to the top only to falter in the end. “With a little bit of practice and patience, you can go far”, Dan said.

It wasn’t all talk about online guitar lessons with my friend Dan. He asked SouthSide what was new in the Blagojevich scandal. Besides making headlines here around town, it was big news in Los Angeles. Talk about him sparked an impromptu song by Dan dedicated to the embattled (now former) governor. He did treat this reviewer a few riffs of everyone’s acoustic request, Freebird. Dan was very excited over the press and write-up he has received for his Marching In CD, The interview ended with this piece advice for all musicians - love what you do and don’t get caught trying to be a superstar.

Wise words, Fearless fans, from the maestro himself. For more information about Dan Sindel and his online guitar lessons, check out www.ezgtr.com, on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/ezgtr and on myspace at www.myspace.com/ezgtr.

Until next time, Fearless fans, support local indie artists and music.

Peace
SouthSide