I've narrowed the field down to the following four videos. One of them will be the winner. The final decision is one I'll have to make, but I'd love to hear comments. The videos in each group--finalists, then runners-up--are in no particular order. One of them is something that I received just under the deadline but in the form of a video sent directly to me rather than a YouTube upload. It's from a Bosnian named Pedrag Antic. I'll start with that. And please remember: I'm not necessarily seeking the best player--although good playing doesn't hurt--but the video most likely to convince a beginner or intermediate player to check out my teaching materials.
One more thing: If you think that one of the videos in the second group should really be in the first group, please don't be shy about telling me which one. I like 'em all, frankly. Each of them has something to recommend it.
This next set, in my opinion, don't quite equal the four videos above, but they all made the semifinalist list. The first two were very close indeed:
Finally, there was the wild one. Two wild ones, actually, both by the same Finnish madman:
Last Edited by kudzurunner on Mar 18, 2016 3:48 PM
Must be very gratifying Prof. You've helped stacks of people learn to do something that they really wanted to do. Something that feeds their souls and drives their passion. I tried for years and couldn't play for crap. Your demystification and explanation made it all possible for me. I think I might have thanked you before, but thanks again... ---------- Lucky Lester
Some great submissions there, well done to all who entered.
As a beginner myself, I would probably be more inclined towards the people who mentioned how long they've been learning and what level they are at now; some have mentioned playing in bands (one even added some footage, which speaks for itself).
I think the first Finnish guy (the non wild one! ) was very good, he should be a finalist in my opinion. The video presentation was clear, he seemed affable and articulate and most importantly his playing level was what I felt was attainable.
Maraboy should get the People's Choice Award, that guy cracks me up. Great to see such creativity also. Attaboy, Maraboy :) ---------- Forum Search Direct Link
Wow. I can't believe how many came from different parts of the world. That's really cool.
Personally my vote goes for #4. Giovani, i believe. From Italy. He had a pretty funny rap and played well also. I think he hit the nail on the head for what the competition was about.
Maybe once the competition is over you could kinda leave an open ended invition for these types of short testimonials. Ofcourse this could present problems (such as a flooding of your email with nutty videos) but its just a thought. ---------- "Trust Those Who Seek The Truth. Doubt Those Who Say They Have Found It."
If I'm a beginner looking to see what I can learn, I'm going to be most impressed by someone who plays decently after a couple of years, not 6 years like the second video.
Giovanni and the first Finnish fellow give the international community a feel for the capability to learn anywhere.
The second semi-finalist was a good regular guy type.
They are all pretty inspiring. Objectively I think Giovanni's is the best. Light hearted, well constructed and attractive playing.
But you asked specifically '...which video would have spoken most forcefully to YOU?' For me it's Pedrag's (the first one). Simple gut reaction to the music, because I'd like to sound like that.
