Gruber Update! – Any Requests?

Hey everyone!

TL;DR: Are there any songs you’re interested in hearing in Pico-8 or MilkyTracker?  I'm open to suggestions!

I’m postponing Music Masterclasses until there’s more demand.  In the meantime, I’m still here to help, answer questions, give feedback - whatever you need to support your practice.  Send me a message, leave comments, be in touch!

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First of all, hi!  Hope you’re well. Thanks for reading, and thanks for being here. 

Most importantly, here’s a picture of our new puppy, Levi.  5-month Yorkshire Terrier.  He’s the best. 

And here are somethings you can expect from me in the next couple months!

Pico-8 Tutorials 

I thought about producing two new tutorials.  The first about using the instrument editor to create more interesting “drum” sounds.  The noise instrument (6) is one of the least expressive instruments.  With the instrument editor though, there’s more variety and control over pitch, length and volume.  It can used to create a wider variety of sounds to suit your song. 

The second tutorial will be about creating buzzing effects using the instrument editor.  A few months ago, I was playing around with buzzing sounds and made this helicopter SFX.  I thought I’d break down this sound, and show how it can be modified to create other effects like engines and ambience.

Pico-8 & MilkyTracker Music

In the last couple months, I’ve been trying to find ways to incorporate my piano practice into making Pico-8 & chiptune arrangements.  Hence, these arrangements of Quasimodo, Donna Lee and Visa.

I understand though that unless you’re a jazz enthusiast, you might not know, or be interested in these tunes.  So, I’m trying to balance this out with more recognizable songs (hence, these arrangements of Cybernoid 2 and the Animal Crossing Theme. 

Are there any songs you’d be interested in hearing in Pico-8 or MilkyTracker?  Open to suggestions!

Jazz Piano Articles 

I’m almost finished the monster article on Jazz Counterpoint.  Only about 2000 words to go!  After that, I was thinking about taking a writing break and posting some Bud Powell or John Taylor transcriptions. Years ago, I transcribed a lot of their solo piano recordings, but it’s all hand written.  The work here is inputting everything into Finale, which is a big job, but something I’ve been meaning to do for the last 10 years!

Also on the horizon are voicing exercises, specifically using pentatonic scales and quartals.

Streaming, Masterclasses and Feedback

I’m currently taking a break from practicing and playing on stream.  The reason for this is a combination of a new routine that involves the doggie, and focus. I’m still practicing every day, but my sessions are more complex, involving Ableton and the keyboard. I’m able to stay more focused and productive this way.  When I get some new repertoire together, I might hop back on stream to play, we’ll see!

I’ve enjoyed hosting Music Masterclasses, but I’m going to postpone them until either my routine gets more stable, or there’s more demand for feedback. Of course, I’m still here to help, answer questions, give feedback - whatever you need to support your practice.  Send me a message, leave comments, be in touch!

That’s it for now. Be well!

Chris / Gruber