Music City vs. Blues City (Nashville – Memphis)

Nashville & Memphis…rivals for sure but they have at least one thing in common…music. I was given the opportunity to take lessons in both cities courtesy of my Groupon Overlords. First, I took a couple vocal lessons at Brett Manning Studios (BMS), located on the World Famous Music Row in Nashville! I heard a rumor that the house converted into the studio used to be Keith Urban’s home.

My lessons with Shelby Rollins were unbelievable. At first it seemed like just a bunch of silly noises and funny faces but in no time she managed to turn those exercises into applicable technique.

Shelby had me make silly faces #alltheprosdoit

I learned so much in just 2 lessons…I can only imagine what she could do with my voice if I could go back regularly.

Shelby & I laid down the track for our single #werock

As a parting gift, Heather, CEO of BMS gave me a bag full of their Singing Success DVDs so I can continue my training on the road! I was also informed that next year I can continue my lessons with Shelby even if I’m living in Chicago via Skype.

THE Brett Manning...he has coached Keith Urban, Miley Cyrus, Hayley Williams & Taylor Swift

After my lesson, Ethan, Marketing Guru for their Singing Success website invited me up to the game room AKA his office.

Ethan broke out the old school NES and we started with a game of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles before moving on to Mike Tyson's Punch Out!

At some point I noticed the white board in the corner with a monkey drawn on it. Naturally I asked…and thus started a rousing game of their own creation…Monkey Plate

Just throw the magnetic bananas at the monkey's face for points...careful...certain areas will subtract points. The plate on the floor is a top secret element.

Fast forward a couple days to Memphis. I made my way to the World Famous Memphis Drum Shop. I explained to my instructor Ben White that I’m an expert at Rockband so I’m sure we could skip the basics and get right to the good stuff.

Back to the basics #notrockband

Apparently I was a little rusty after just a couple month hiatus from my daily videogame drumming regimen, but Ben encouraged me to keep practicing and it would come right back.

Tried out the electronic kits #reallywantone

I wasn’t ready to call it quits even though my lesson was over so we took a walk over to their electronic kits…one of which is connected to a laptop that will teach you how to play. I think a little time with this thing and I’ll be playing like my idol, Neil Peart of Rush, in no time!

This new software even gives instant feedback!

You can say what you want about either city, music is one of my favorite things in the world and between the music lessons and a couple of chances to see live acts in each city I have found a fondness for both. I hope that next year I can find the time to continue my musical training and who knows what could happen…Phil Collins is a singing drummer after all.

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