Really Attracting New Players

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 7 Oct 2012 12:42 pm

Aaron, try a lap steel with palm levers. Takes no set up, gives you everything you can already do on lap steel, plus allows the basic subdominant change that you get with pedals A+B on pedal steel.

Roger Miller · Post by **Roger Miller** » 12 Oct 2012 4:58 pm

Ok, Chuck, thanks for bringing this up. The Jumpstart Program mentioned in the front post about Lefty, Dale, Craig put together was to involve younger people to play Steel. So this program is working greatly, even though we have some who find out it's harder to play or not the practice time. Yes a few have backed out, just as we have successes also. We are attracting the younger folks, as on our video on the first post. But the question is why is it not sought after. Because of the price of the initial investment of a guitar, seat, amp, and pedal? a band to play in? Not enough exposure, well read on and I'll explain our program. The students make a request to be in the program, we loan them a pro guitar, seat,amp, and pedal. Along with this is free lessons and this is for a whole year. The guitars are pro guitars,
Williams, Zum, MSA, LTD and such. The program has monetary donations and equipment donations to help with the cost. This program is unbelievable, FREE LESSONS for a whole year. I have had the most fun with students who dedicate themselves to this instrument because there is no cost to see if you want to learn the steel.If you can believe it, I have students who call me for lesson time. The students have since bought there own guitars and continue every week for lessons and play stuff I can't play. Also I prod them along to play what they want to play, and write they're own songs. All of them have they're own songs and that is also a big boost. Please watch the video on the first page about the jump start program and watch the faces of the students when they finish their songs. Unbelievable!!! We are moving the steel guitar right along here in Iowa, Wish we were all across the nation. We could, lets talk, exchange ideas and methods, maybe you can get more players in your area to put together a jumpstart program of your own and get more interested. Play on boys and girls 'the steel guitar could die off if you let it, we aren't here in Iowa.

Chuck Thompson · Post by **Chuck Thompson** » 12 Oct 2012 11:58 pm

Roger I salute you guys. What you're doing is tires on the road work and it's awesome! That's why I mentioned the program at the head of this thread.

Roger I also sent you a pm. I know a young guy in your area that is interested.