News

Dec 28, 2009

We Were Hacked! (But We’re OK Now!) Treat Included!

Posted by Thom in Blog, News No comments

You may have noticed either a Google warning blocking you from accessing Stringsavvy.com or just plain seeing a spam/virus installer page. According to my host this was due to an exploit in a piece of software on one of my computers. Unfortunately it did take about a week to figure out how to solve the [...]


Oct 22, 2009

Being a Musician Improves Your Hearing!

Posted by Thom in All, News No comments

Mark at Parttimemusician.com linked an interesting article from National Public Radio relating playing music to hearing ability.
Another cool study showing the growth of our most incredible muscle- the brain! Apparently musicians will hear and distinguish sounds better because the brain, having had more exposure, will have more tools to interpret with. This includes discerning specific [...]


Feb 25, 2009

More Lessons Coming Soon!

Posted by Thom in All, Blog, News 15 comments

Hey everyone!
It has been a while! I hope everyone is practicing and playing and having fun! I wanted to write a post to let you all know I haven’t dropped off the face of the earth, I just simply started a very full and involved school semester. As a business major right now I have [...]


Dec 2, 2008

I’m Trying out for the Youtube Symphony! (But I Need Your Help!)

Posted by Thom in All, Blog, News, Videos 1 comment

“We invite musicians from around the world to audition for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra. Your video entries will be combined into the first ever collaborative virtual performance, and the world will select the best of you to perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in April 2009.” – Youtube.com
Somewhat similar to last year’s Foo Fighter’s [...]


Nov 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Posted by Thom in All, Blog, News No comments

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for all of you visitors who help make my site worthwhile. Teaching others is often another way to really re-teach yourself, and I have definitely picked up a few new things and some reminders along the way. Thanks everyone, and have fun today [...]


Oct 31, 2008

Happy Halloween! New Addition!

Posted by Thom in All, News No comments

Happy Halloween everyone! In the spirit of things I threw together a quick arrangement of Sally’s Song from The Nightmare Before Christmas. I have also included a quick recording I made so you can hear what it sounds like. The first time through I played more to what is on the page, while the 2nd [...]


Jul 5, 2008

Fox Valley Philharmonic Gala Successful!

Posted by Thom in All, Blog, News No comments

The orchestra I perform with, The Fox Valley Philharmonic, had its opening Gala at the Paramount Arts Theater after a year of performances! The performance was made up entirely of American compositions- everything from John Williams to John Sousa. Through the auctions of the painted violins, ticket sales, and donations, we raised money to help [...]


May 24, 2008

School (College) Semester is Over!

Posted by Thom in News 2 comments

The semester is over- I can finally focus on myself and my projects again! Thanks for sticking through the dry period- for all my special students and viewers- I plan to record several lessons over the next couple weeks.
You guys make this site what it is and I am so grateful that you watch, ask [...]


Mar 21, 2008

I’m sorry guys! Sick AGAIN!

Posted by Thom in All, News, Videos 2 comments

We have been having some crazy polar weather in Chicago and I guess my body doesn’t like having to go from 50ยบ to below freezing every couple days
Watch your feeds for the delayed Lesson 8.
For your viewing and listening pleasure, I have included 2 (well 3, one is split into two parts) videos [...]


Mar 9, 2008

8 Bit Trio Photo in Local Paper!

Posted by Thom in Blog, News No comments

(Left to right): Andrew Pearson, Thom Zolghadr, Jason Peters
On Saturday, March 1st, my group, 8 Bit Trio performed a short set consisting of jazz standards Red Clay, Recordame, and popular video game theme Mario. Although we weren’t mentioned in the article, this fantastic photo above is featured on the page alongside our names!
The Open Mic [...]