Sinawali Video Updates

Hey folks!

The new sinawali videos are up, and you can download the charts here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/l5ngcv1runasrk7/AAAaQhYEAeEYmLnincDWWwrsa?dl=0

Part one can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6d7DmIoOHM

And part two here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GSZCrZgY1Q&ytbChannel=Academy%20of%20Renaissance%20Thinking

Mind Map Video

So yesterday I started a new youtube channel to post videos that have to do with my concept of Whole Brain Thinking. I know that a lot of New Agey people have taken over the whole brain market with their newly packaged Transcendental Meditation, (which by the way is exactly the opposite of Whole Brain Thinking, as the ancient Japanese knew well by calling it "No Mind"), but I have a lot to say about the subject.

Being a natural ambidextrous person I use whole brain (using both sides of your brain at the same time) thinking every day. We live in a society that is seriously lacking in logic, but those people who seem to be logical often are missing the artistic part of them. And then the whole world seems to be missing a connection with God that is part of a fully functional system, and then of course there is the physical side of things. So this channel will explore these topics in greater depth.

My first video for the channel is about Mind Mapping. Mind Mapping is a whole brain exercise that helps you figure out a topic you are studying. So I made a mind map of my channel, and what I want to discuss on it. You can see part one of the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUo9dxCZnCA

I hope you enjoy the video and get a lot out of it, and I hope that you too can become a whole brain thinker and become wiser and more intelligent in the process!

Later,

Willy

Sinawali Update

Ok, so after consulting with Wmpyr, I reorganized the previous Sinawali charts. Here are three charts one for 6 count sinawali, one for 8 count and one for 10 count. If you double up on each one you can also use these charts for 12, 16 and 20 count sinawali's I believe.

If you want to print them out from a pdf, I am including a link to both the jpgs and pdfs of the files.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/l5ngcv1runasrk7/AAAaQhYEAeEYmLnincDWWwrsa?dl=0

I am hoping to make a video soon explaining how to use the rhythm chart at the bottom. If you need drum lessons in Winston Salem give me a call, and you too can learn to play drums and wield escrima sticks at the same time! :)

8 Count Sinawali Chart

Ok, so in my last post I wrote about my new fitness program, and I discussed a chart that I designed for the Heaven 6 sinawali, or in fact any 6 count sinawali. In this post, I am including a chart I designed for an 8 count sinawali. Hope you find it useful.

As you can see on the chart, I have listed four grids at the top which will allow you to write in moves from similar sinawali if you want to see them all on one page. The diamond shape in the middle is for strike angles. The man in the middle is for marking target areas. The boxes on either side are the movements of the sinawali, and the lines coming off are for your notes. The outside columns are for add ons that can make the sinawali more complex, while the inner lines are for notes that remind you of proper techniques. The music staves at the bottom are drum staves that allow you to insert whatever rhythmic pattern you want to work on . There is a reminder to put a key signature because a complex key signature can really throw off an opponent. And finally down at the bottom is a color coding system, so you can use markers to color code each strike by coloring in the number or outlining the box, which will tell you where you want that particular strike to land.

Hope this helps. I'll be trying to get a 10 count cart up soon.

Escrima/Arnis/Kali Chart for Sinawali

So this year, I wanted to get into shape. I started a new diet (actually, I've tried four different diets this year) and I've lost about 20 lbs, trying to lose about 40 more pounds total. And one of the things that I've added to help my heart is an exercise program. I am doing a weekly additional exercise program. The first week I started by doing 100 jumping jacks, the second week, I added sit ups/crunches (I alternate) and I'm trying to work up to 100 of those. The third week I added planks, which hopefully will work up to 100 of those a day. And one of the other things I've been doing is adding a martial arts training for sword/stick fighting from a martial art called Modern Arnis (aka Escrima or Kali).

So there's a really cool guy on Youtube who calls himself Wmpyr, who makes great Escrima videos. If you want to learn how to do sword fighting, he's your man. You can check out his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/wmpyr

Anyway, so I came up with a chart that will help me learn my sinawali weaves and I am uploading it for you. I also have included drum rhythm staves, to help develop rhythm when training.

Here it is!

I'm also working on an 8 count sheet that can be used as well.

New Album Available on Band Camp Today!!!

My new album is being released today on Band Camp! Of all the albums I have recorded, I think I am the happiest with the sound of this album. The band camp version will have 6 un-mastered bonus tracks (including Sloop John B) that will not appear on the CD version that is coming out at the end of march. It isn't completely a mandolin album, but I do play a lot of mandolin on many of the songs. Check it out and feel free to snag the downloads today! I'll let you know when the CD comes out! https://willyminnix.bandcamp.com/album/wayfarers-saints-rogues

How to Play Mandolin In Other Keys Part 3

Hi Everyone,

As you know the topic we are focusing on this month is how to play in how to play the mandolin in other keys if you are tuned to Open D tuning. 

If you haven’t already, you are going to want to check out this week’s video. In this video we are continuing to move the boxes up and down the neck, and are tackling the key of A! I think you will feel ready to play at any bluegrass jam after you get this week’s lesson mastered!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8R-EO22jNA

We also have a new lick of the week video out which you can check out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ1N_0yFCCc

And if you are also a guitar player, or have a guitar player in your circle of friends who might be interested in slide techniques, you can check out the new slide guitar video for the Open D tuning here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKVpu5dDx4I

For those of you who are members of the newsletter, you are already aware that you are getting access to lots of tips and tricks that aren’t covered anywhere else. And if you are not a member, consider joining so you too can get the most out of this month’s topic. You can join here! http://eepurl.com/cAk3dj

You’re also going to want to check out my books, videos and CDs to get the most out of your lessons. If you look around on the blog, you will see links to all of my books, links to other videos that you may not have seen yet, and tons of other info that should help you as you strive to be the best musician you can be!

I hope you have a great week. Thanks for checking out my new material!

God bless,

Willy

How To Play Mandolin In Other Keys Part 2

Hi Everyone,

As you know the topic we are focusing on this month is how to play in how to play the mandolin in other keys if you are tuned to Open D tuning. 

If you haven’t already, you are going to want to check out this week’s video. In this video we begin our discussion on how the five pentatonic boxes can be moved around on the neck. The video for this week delves into what you can do to play in the key of G. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_aDuJUIAmM

You can also check out the new lick of the week video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OUHAau3bEQ

For those of you who are members of the newsletter, you are already aware that you are getting access to lots of tips and tricks that aren’t covered anywhere else. And if you are not a member, consider joining so you too can get the most out of this month’s topic. You can join here!

Introducing Guitar Videos:

This month Minnix Music is also rolling out a new line of videos. This series will be focusing on how to play slide guitar in Open Tunings. The first tuning we are discussing works great with ADAD mandolin: Open D tuning. If you want to check out that video, or know a guitar player who might enjoy it, you can find it here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKVpu5dDx4I

You’re also going to want to check out my books, videos and CDs to get the most out of your lessons. If you look around on the blog, you will see links to all of my books, links to other videos that you may not have seen yet, and tons of other info that should help you as you strive to be the best musician you can be!

I hope you have a great week. Thanks for checking out my new material!

God bless,

Willy

How to Play in Other Keys Part 1

Hi Everyone,

As you know the topic we are focusing on this month is how to play in how to play the mandolin in other keys if you are tuned to Open D tuning. 

If you haven’t already, you are going to want to check out this week’s video. It covers playing the mandolin in ADAD tuning in the key of E using a Capo. I know, I know, real mandolin players don’t use capos. At least that’s what the snobs say, but I say do whatever it takes to learn, and make you a better player.  You can access the video here.

For those of you who are members of the newsletter, you are already aware that you are getting access to lots of tips and tricks that aren’t covered anywhere else. And if you are not a member, consider joining so you too can get the most out of this month’s topic. You can join here!

You’re also going to want to check out my books, videos and CDs to get the most out of your lessons. If you look around on the blog, you will see links to all of my books, links to other videos that you may not have seen yet, and tons of other info that should help you as you strive to be the best musician you can be!

I hope you have a great week. Thanks for checking out my new material!

God bless,

Willy