Repairing instruments does not bring the same fulfilment as building new instruments from scratch. But there is satisfaction in working out what conditions and events in the past lead to the present problem on the workbench - in some ways it is similar to archaeology or forensic science. That's what this month's Workshop is about. ...more

Attempt all of these exercises with a hand to hand approach as well as variations. ...more

Something that is absolutely essential to soloing is the technique of string bending. ...more

This is a very important topic that a lot of bassists tend to skip over. The old interval studies. ...more

I've previously mentioned NZ Idol and the point of difference between its focus and that of the professional industry represented by record companies. To recap: Idol focuses on performers who are not expected or required to be songwriters, whereas the industry expects artists to be both singer and songwriter. ...more