ArtistWorks

Directions Website Contact the establishment

ArtistWorks 40+ world-renowned master musicians teach at ArtistWorks.com through 150k+ detailed, guided lessons & optionally with Video Exchange.

You can learn bluegrass, blues, rock, jazz, country, & classical music through 130k+ recorded Video Exchanges!

10/14/2026

One of the most important parts of playing saxophone is something you can't see: the air moving through the instrument.

Eric Marienthal explains how he visualizes keeping that air moving forward.

His approach is surprisingly simple. Imagine holding your hand against a wall, maintaining steady support without using overwhelming force.

It's a useful reminder that good airflow isn't necessarily about blowing harder. It's about maintaining a consistent stream of air.

Learn more with Eric Marienthal at ArtistWorks:
https://f.mtr.cool/g1z05j1dwm

10/13/2026

There's something special about hearing a group of great bluegrass musicians play together.

Andy Hall kicks off "Blue Lonesome" on dobro with the ArtistWorks Bluegrass All-Stars at RockyGrass.

It's another great example of the musical chemistry that makes these All-Star performances such a pleasure to watch.

Enjoy this moment from the RockyGrass stage.

Learn more with Andy Hall at ArtistWorks:
https://f.mtr.cool/eoe22o2a7k

10/13/2026

Why is the key of E so common in guitar-driven music?

That open low E string makes it a natural choice for guitar players, and Matt Rollings uses that familiar key to explore some great country piano ideas.

Working through a simple progression built around E, A, and B7, Matt demonstrates how to expand basic chords into more interesting musical phrases.

He incorporates the blues scale, uses drone notes beneath melodic lines, and brings in intervals like sixths to add movement and color.

It's a great example of how a little musical vocabulary can go a long way over a simple progression.

Learn more with Matt Rollings at ArtistWorks:
https://f.mtr.cool/36a2dp21mg

10/12/2026

What's the most important relationship in a rhythm section?

For John Patitucci, everything begins with the connection between the bass player and drummer.

In this ArtistWorks studio conversation with Peter Erskine, Eric Marienthal, and George Whitty, John explains how closely he listens to the drummer's kick foot, ride cymbal, and rhythmic subdivisions.

Those details help him understand where the music is going and how to support it.

John also shares why he enjoys playing physically close to the drum kit. Having wanted to play drums himself as a kid, he loves being able to hear and feel the acoustic sound directly.

Once the bass and drums establish a relaxed, solid foundation, the other musicians have the freedom to create around it.

It's a wonderful perspective on what makes a great band work together.

Explore more at ArtistWorks:
https://f.mtr.cool/6da758s0ou

10/12/2026

How do you get a warmer, darker sound from an instrument that's naturally bright?

Mike Marshall and Adrian Gross discuss the details that influence mandolin tone.

They explore how different strings and picks can help tame the instrument's brightness, along with the importance of developing a picking technique that allows you to change your tone as needed.

One particularly interesting moment comes when they notice a worn spot on the instrument.

It turns out that subtle adjustments in pick angle, especially when tremolo picking on the G string, have left a visible mark over time.

It's a fascinating reminder of how closely a musician's physical technique and sound are connected.

The ultimate goal is flexibility. Rather than being locked into one tone, you want the ability to move between bright and dark sounds depending on the music.

Learn more with Mike Marshall at ArtistWorks:
https://f.mtr.cool/tv1etxjpqa

10/12/2026

If your strumming hand feels like it's working too hard, take a closer look at your upstroke.

Dave Isaacs explains a common mistake guitarists make when they treat upstrokes as separate movements rather than a natural return to the starting position.

Downstrokes benefit from the weight of the arm and gravity, so they naturally carry more energy.

The upstroke doesn't need to match that effort.

Instead of pulling upward with the bicep or lifting the arm, Dave demonstrates how the hand can simply rotate back toward its neutral position.

The same basic motion applies whether you're picking a single note or strumming across all six strings. The difference is how large the movement needs to be.

A useful reminder that efficient guitar technique often comes from doing less, not more.

Explore more with Dave Isaacs at ArtistWorks:
https://f.mtr.cool/w82cf4jrh6

10/09/2026

What happens when you put Paul Gilbert and Nathan East in the same studio and give them Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke”?

You let them trade solos.

Paul takes off on guitar, Nathan answers on bass, and two completely different musical voices get their turn over one of Stevie Wonder’s most recognizable grooves.

Captured in the ArtistWorks studio.

Explore more at ArtistWorks:
https://f.mtr.cool/rvoe9upyoo

10/09/2026

Want to add more country swing vocabulary to your piano playing?

Matt Rollings demonstrates some classic country swing fills and the musical language that gives the style so much character.

Learn the ideas, lock into the feel, and start finding ways to work them into your own playing.

Learn more with Matt Rollings at ArtistWorks:
https://f.mtr.cool/z49w3qu3ie

10/09/2026

Picking and strumming don’t have to feel like two completely different techniques.

Dave Isaacs explains how both can come from the same natural rotational motion.

Picking a single bass note uses a smaller part of the arc. Strumming a full chord simply lets that motion travel farther.

Instead of forcing the pick through the strings, Dave focuses on leverage, arm weight, and the arcs and curves our bodies naturally want to make.

Learn guitar with Dave Isaacs at ArtistWorks:
https://f.mtr.cool/xa5qsmlrt5

10/08/2026

A small rhythmic change can completely reshape the feel of a piece.

Peter Erskine explores moving between samba and the syncopated rhythm of a baião.

The baião opens up and lengthens the rhythmic field, moving away from a repetitive heavy pulse and giving the music a more floating quality.

It’s a great example of how rhythm isn’t just about keeping time. It can change the entire character of the music.

Learn more with Peter Erskine at ArtistWorks:
https://f.mtr.cool/e46kg1yfwm

Address

167 Camino Dorado
Napa, CA
94558

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 6pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 6pm
Thursday 8:30am - 6pm
Friday 8:30am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ArtistWorks posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to ArtistWorks:

Shortcuts

Share