450 persons responded to our ear to the ground survey. That's pretty remarkable as these types of surveys go and gives a good sense of how passionate folks are about making music. So thanks to each of you who took the time to respond.

You gave us a boatload of input about new songs to add to the catalog. The team is working thru the list and we'll be adding many of them over the coming weeks and months.

And you gave us some good feedback on things we can do to improve the site. A number of you asked for a forum, so folks could compare notes and share their experiences learning music. A forum has always been on the development list -- now it's moved to the top of the list. Look for its debut early this fall.

We also got some great feedback that speaks to the whole idea of iVideosongs -- overwhelmingly, you told us that having original artists involved helps inspire you, and that the ability to learn a complete and accurate song is very important. Maybe not surprising, but cool nonetheless.

We'll do more surveys from time to time. But don't wait if you have input -- the suggestions box is always open.

We've heard from a lot of folks over the past several months about songs and artists they'd like added to the iVideosongs catalog. And we take it to heart.
Now we're asking for a little more help -- we want to know a little about you and your interests, and what you think we should do to improve iVideosongs. Please take 60 seconds to complete our survey -- it's simple and fast. Just follow this link

Click Here to take survey

Thanks to all for your on going suggestions. We appreciate the feedback very much. Keep em coming.

We take to heart your wish lists and put songs into a cue to be cleared by the respective publishers. Sometimes we get what we ask for and other times certain artists and publishers deny the request. Just the same, we are committed to bringing you the best songs we can. We also send out an email blast whenever we release new titles. If you are not on our mailing list, just click the sign up tab at the upper right of each page on our web site and register. We have a large number of songs coming out in the next six weeks that we are really stoked about.

Regarding the idea of printable tab and chord transcriptions, our rights only allow us to provide a viewable image and not a printable image. At the beginning of each song segment we present the chord grids and tab for the upcoming segment. You can hit the pause button on the player and look at the image as long as you like. For now, that is the best we can do. But, thanks for the suggestion.

Meanwhile, live, love and play your favorite songs.

tim

Some of the folks who download an iVideosongs title or tutorial are happy to play for their own amusement and satisfaction. Others aspire to perform in front of an audience. They've got a need to share what they hear inside their head, and can't wait to get it out. Which is why it was so interesting to learn about a new service that connects musicians and gigs online -- GigMaven -- and because of the natural intersection of our worlds. Check out their post too.
GigMaven is just starting out, but growing fast, with a bunch of musicians and gigs already a part of their community. It's a great idea to match musicians with gigs, and we're pulling for them.

One of the core beliefs we have at iVideosongs is centered around the idea of connecting players with their favorite songs. Working on a technique in a vacuum is a fine way to drill down and focus, but having an application point will make that new technique stick to your ribs. We think the most powerful and inspiring application point is playing your favorite songs.

We continue to add new titles on a regular basis, but we would love to hear from you regarding the songs you want to learn. Chime in and send us your thoughts on your wish list of favorite songs and artists.

We will do our best to add your favorites. Keep on pickin.

tim

Classical guitar is new to iVideosongs, with two new songs from guitarist Sharon Isbin this week. Sharon is well known to aficionados of classical music, having performed with some of the world's top symphonies and chamber music groups, including the New York Philharmonic and the London Symphony.
Sharon's extraordinary lyricism and technique have also touched popular music fans, through her soundtrack work for films including The Departed, and as a featured guest on Showtime Television's The L Word.
Her stunning command of her instrument is clear on this week's titles, Isaias Savio's Batucada and Antonio Lauro's Waltz #3 (Natalia). And while these are not beginner level titles, Sharon makes her approach and technique understandable and accessible to mere mortals. We're honored to feature Sharon as iVideosong's first classical artist.

Attention all "Hazelnuts"...Ryan Newell of Sister Hazel is coming soon! I must say when I first heard that this is what a true Sister Hazel fan was called I had a hard time not picturing an enthusiastic crowd all bobbing up and down to "All For You" in over sized hazelnut costumes. The kind that you'd see on the side of the road advertising a new coffee shop on the corner. Well, the "Hazelnuts" were very present at the June Summerfest in Atlanta, GA, although I didn't see one in a hazelnut costume. It's amazing to me how faithful these fans of Sister Hazel are. The guys deserve it for sure. Not only is this group generous, (Sister Hazel is actually named after a nun, Sister Hazel Williams, who ran a homeless shelter in Gainesville, Florida), they constantly give back to the community and to their fans with their involvement with non-profits like Lyrics for Life (http://www.myspace.com/lyricsforlife) and annual events like The Rock Boat (http://www.therockboat.com/).

A couple of weeks ago Ryan Newell was invited to be apart of the opening ceremony for the new Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Sparing no expense, Ryan Newell was flown in on a helicopter. Hard Rock gave Ryan a custom Hard Rock guitar, and while he played, the gates of the new park were blown open by fireworks and pyrotechnics...talk about a rock show.

We were lucky enough to recently hang out with Ryan when he stopped by our studio to film his instructional videos for "All For You" and "Change Your Mind". You guys, he's is the real deal. What you see is what you get, and what you see is very good. Make sure you check out his interview on the front end of his videos. It's really nice to get to spend time with someone who has had as much success as Ryan and still be so humble and willing to share his experience with us. It's all for the love of music.

Sister Hazel will be releasing a live acoustic album on June 17, "Before The Amplifiers, Live Acoustic". There are 16 tracks, all recorded live in front of just 100 fans. Be sure to check out the new CD out on June 17 as well as Ryan's two instructional videos, "All For You" and "Change Your Mind" that are coming soon to ivideosongs.com.

A newly converted "Hazelnut"
...April