Rob's School of Music – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mark Lettieri—guitarist extraordinaire, Snarky Puppy member, and solo artist—to talk all things guitar, music, and life on the road! 🎶

🔥 Topics we cover:
✅ Mark’s PRS Fiore signature guitar – the inspiration, design, and why it’s a game-changer
✅ The story behind and recording of his track "Shimmy Tiger" 🐅
✅ The epic PRS 40th Anniversary Party & what it was like jamming with John Mayer 🎸
✅ The highs and realities of life as a touring musician

🚨 Quick heads-up! I was under the weather when we recorded this, so I had to do the interview from home instead of my studio—which means my audio isn’t quite up to my usual standard. But Mark’s insight and playing more than make up for it!

If you're a guitar geek, a PRS fan, or just love killer musicianship, you don’t want to miss this one!

Check out my Beginner Guitarist Online Course, "I Can Play Guitar"  and start playing NOW https://www.icanplayguitar.com/


#MarkLettieri #PRSFiore #JohnMayer #SnarkyPuppy #GuitarInterview #MusicGear #ShimmyTigers #PRS40th #rsmagic

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Caffery—legendary guitarist for Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Savatage—to dive deep into his incredible career, musical influences, and life on the road.

We cover:
🔥 The evolution of Trans-Siberian Orchestra and what it's like being part of one of the biggest touring acts in the world
🎸 Savatage’s legacy and their impact on the metal and progressive rock scenes
🎶 His approach to songwriting, guitar playing, and stage performance
💥 Behind-the-scenes tour stories and what it takes to put on a world-class rock show

Chris is a true rock veteran, and this conversation is packed with insights for guitarists, metal fans, and aspiring musicians alike!

🚀 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with world-class musicians!

#ChrisCaffery #TransSiberianOrchestra #Savatage #GuitarLegends #MusicInterview #RockAndMetal #RSMagic

Tone Chaser - Understanding Edward Van Halen

In this insightful conversation, Steve brings us closer to the legendary Eddie Van Halen as never before, sharing intimate anecdotes and life-altering moments that underpinned their bond. The conversation traverses Eddie's unparalleled talent, his innovative approach to guitar playing, his indelible impact on rock music, and personal life glimpses that will make you see him in a completely new light.

From roaring arenas to quiet backstage moments, "Tone Chaser" is not just a recounting of years spent in the company of a musical genius; it's a poignant story of a unique friendship that shaped and defined both men's lives.

As a renowned music journalist and intimate friend of Eddie, Steve's perspective will offer fans a rare, profound look into the life of a rock icon. If you've ever tapped your foot to a Van Halen track or ever wondered what drove Eddie's groundbreaking guitar techniques, this interview is a must-watch!
https://www.tonechaserbook.com/
https://www.icanplayguitar.com/
https://www.thisbookshreds.com/

Welcome to the world of progressive metal, creativity, and much more with our exclusive interview featuring the multi-talented musician Jake Bowen!

In this video, we sit down with Jake Bowen, an essential component of the pioneering progressive metal band, Periphery. Jake shares his experiences as a guitar player, songwriter, and electronic music producer. With his diverse background, he provides an enriching perspective on the music industry and the ever-evolving nature of the progressive metal genre.

From his early days in music to becoming a renowned guitar virtuoso, Jake delves deep into his journey, inspirations, and the many layers of his musical creativity. We also discuss his role in Periphery, his solo projects, and his use of technology in making music. Additionally, Jake offers some insights into the band's dynamic, their writing process, and what it's like to be a part of one of the most influential bands in the genre.

Whether you're a fan of Periphery, an aspiring musician, or just a music enthusiast, this interview has something for everyone!

For the last 6 months, I've been working on a secret project. I took every story, theory, experience, and philosophy I have about music and life and started compiling extensive voice memos. Now with the help of an amazing writing coach I am proud to announce the release of "The Book Shreds". 20% stories, 30% music education (in a very digestible way), and 50% how to make music part of your life. In this video, I chat with my writing coach about the book and answer all of the questions I normally ask my guests during my interviews. 

Click here for info about the book and a FREE music lesson.
https://go.robsschoolofmusic.com/landing-page

We're hanging with Periphery and Haunted Shores Guitarist Mark Holcomb! We will be discussing the new Haunted Shores record Void, progress on P5, gear, touring, practice routine, and his amazing PRS Signature Model. 

We are hanging with Smashing Pumpkin's Guitarist Jeff Schroede! Jeff has been playing with The Smashing Pumpkins since 2007. In this interview we discuss life, gear, touring, joining an iconic band, and Jeff's story as a musician.

#jeffschroeder #billycorgan #smashingpumpkins

Click here for a FREE sample lesson - https://www.playmusictoday.com

Learn to Play Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Ukulele or Sing Now with Virtual Music Lessons. We offer 100% custom-tailored one on one virtual music lessons. Everyone gets a lesson program designed just for them. We give you the skills to play music today!

We offer online virtual lessons worldwide! All ages and skill levels are welcome! www.robsschoolofmusic.com 

Check out this interview Rob did with PRS Guitars
https://www.prsguitars.com/index.php/artists/story/qa_with_rob_spaminato_new_music_from_heatedxchange

Enjoy!!

We're back! This week we are chatting with Halsey and Olivia Rodrigo guitarist Arianna Powell! Arianna has played in the house band of American Idol and performed with Halsey, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Will.i.AM, Lauren Jauregui and more on late night and daytime TV shows including SNL, Ellen, Seth Meyers, Graham Norton, and James Corden. 

In May of 2017, Arianna was featured in Guitar Player Magazine’s “50 Sensational Female Guitarists” cover story. Arianna is also a session guitarist and is most notably featured on Halsey’s Manic (Deluxe) album playing guitar on her stripped song versions.

Learn to Play Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Ukulele, or Sing Now with Virtual Music Lessons. We offer 100% custom-tailored one on one virtual music lessons. Everyone gets a lesson program designed just for them. We give you the skills to play music today and forever.

We offer in-person and online virtual lessons worldwide! All ages and skill levels are welcome! www.robsschoolofmusic.com 

Click here for a FREE sample lesson - https://robsschoolofmusic.com/freelesson/

Check out this interview Rob did with PRS Guitars
https://www.prsguitars.com/index.php/artists/story/qa_with_rob_spaminato_new_music_from_heatedxchange

#ariannapowell #halsey #oliviarodrigo

Whenever I discuss songwriting with students both at Rob’s School of Music in Suffern, NY, or virtually around the world, I’m generally met with the same response, "I have no idea what to write about. “ Writing a song isn't about trying to create the most amazing perfect timeless story ever created; writing a song is about discussing an emotion or moment that you feel strongly enough about to share with the world. I often reference a song I wrote in the late 2000s. This song, titled "never be alone, “is a tale of love lost. The person telling the story conveys to an unattainable love interest that no matter where she is in her life, she will always have a part of him; hence she will never be alone. During the bridge section, the song’s narrator realizes in forever dedicating a part of his heart to an individual who didn't love him back that the outcome is he will always be alone. The outro features a complete 180 on the chorus going from "you'll never be alone "to "I'll always be alone.” In reality, this song was never about a specific moment in my life, more of a combination of feelings, emotions, and observations from things around me. Every night my band performed this song, I would dedicate it to a different random girl in the audience. That girl always would become very emotional at the thought of a love song being dedicated to them. It didn't matter that the song wasn't about them; it didn't even matter that it wasn't about anyone; the sentiment and story are universally relatable. Have you ever loved a pet? A stuffed animal from your childhood? Have you lost a family member? Have a favorite food? We all feel these emotions, so grab your guitar or piano, throw some chords together, and just start rambling out a story about any of those emotions. Before you know it, you will have written a song.

Click here for a FREE sample lesson - https://robsschoolofmusic.com/freelesson/

Learn to Play Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Ukulele, or Sing Now with Virtual Music Lessons. We offer 100% custom-tailored one on one virtual music lessons. Everyone gets a lesson program designed just for them. We give you the skills to play music today!

We offer online virtual lessons worldwide! All ages and skill levels welcome! www.robsschoolofmusic.com 

Check out this interview Rob did with PRS Guitars
https://www.prsguitars.com/index.php/artists/story/qa_with_rob_spaminato_new_music_from_heatedxchange