If you're new to the site check out the videos here as well as any other links on this page. It will help get you familiar with everything!
Most of your learning will center around the resources and in the book section, esp the 'Good Vibes Book'.
Here's a video where you can watch me play from above. You can check out my technique and also see how I approach solo playing.
Check out the 'Cats' that are on the scene and playing the instrument and keeping it going!
Don't know what CD to get? Want to find out about more players? Players you don't know about? Look through the picks here! There should be plenty of new ideas for you!
In this section you will learn all about music theory.
This section will cover grooves. Ethnic and other grooves. When it comes to ethnic grooves like Latin and Brazilian ones, I don't consider myself an expert. This is mainly for the reason that I didn't grow in Brazil or Cuba. Those musicians are the real experts!
However I have played with many great musicians who were truly experts in these styles. They gave me tips and advice and ways to learn and adapt the music to the vibraphone. This is what I can pass along to you.
When I write etudes I really try to work on aspects of live playing. Most of my etudes will be centered around tunes and focus on accompanying yourself playing a melody and soloing. Some of the etudes attempt to show how little you really have to play to accompany yourself and make the harmony work. There's a real misconception in my opinion about how much you have to play to accompany yourself in a solo setting. I don't think the vibes should be played like a piano. They're not a piano, they're a vibraphone. I try to reflect that as much as I can in these duets.
Play along with the duets. Play vibes or even marimba and add your part and then upload it for others to check out!
I created these so you can get some ideas on how to comp for other instruments. Also this will help you're solo playing.
A couple things to consider:
1. If you can accompany me in this setting then when you play with a bass things will be even simpler. In this setting your voicings have to be very clear, you have to do all the work.
2. If you are in settings when you have to accompany another soloist with the support of a bass working like this will help you.