Generally speaking, western music is comprised of three primary elements: melody, rhythm, and harmony. Most of us, regardless of our experience level as musicians, understand the concepts of melody and rhythm. A melody is a song’s linear musical theme, and rhythm is the pattern in which notes fall in time. Harmony, however, is a slightly more complicated concept to grasp, and perhaps requires a bit more investigation to understand.

AritstWorks was founded in 2008 with a vision of providing anyone, anywhere in the world with affordable, interactive access to some of the greatest music teachers on the planet. Our mission is to "Teach the World Music," and through our comprehensive online music lessons, patented Video Exchange Learning® platform, and faculty of master musicians, we believe we’re succeeding.

This morning, award-winning master guitarist, former member of the Stanley Turrentine Quintet, and ArtistWorks jazz guitar instructor, Dave Stryker, released his 34th record as a bandleader entitled As We Are. While there are very few musical feats that Dave hasn’t conquered in his 40-plus year career as a professional jazz musician, Dave broached new territory with As We Are, blending a more traditional small jazz ensemble with the ethereal aesthetics of a classical string quartet.

In this week’s episode of the ArtistWorks Music Series podcast, our co-founder Patricia Butler sits down with legendary jazz guitar player and ArtistWorks fingerstyle guitar instructor, Martin Taylor, for the latest installment of our Artist Bio Series.