https://www.ancient-future.com/newsmarch2021.html
March 2021 Issue:
Alternate Reality Concerts from the Ancient Future
•Dedicated to a Better Future Through World Fusion Music
https://www.ancient-future.com/newsmarch2021.html#concert
Watch and Share the First Video from the Alternate Reality
•Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort
https://www.ancient-future.com/newsmarch2021.html#video
Alternate Reality Concerts from the Ancient Future
Scalloped Fretboard Guitarist Matthew Montfort
Dedicated to a Better Future Through World Fusion Music
Subscribers to the Ancient Future Times wrote to suggest that Ancient Future offer virtual concerts during the pandemic and beyond. A new series of Alternate Reality Concerts from the Ancient Future was created in response. Matthew Montfort was the inaugural performer with a 30 minute live concert on his birthday, February 12, 2021. His improvisational scalloped fretboard guitar performance was streamed and recorded on Zoom.
More solo performances and call-and-response round robins are in the works featuring master musicians such as Pandit Habib Khan (sitar), Aditya Kalyanpur (tabla), Shenshen Zhang (pipa), and Faisal Zedan (Syrian percussion).
To sign up for upcoming shows, simply send your email address to info@ancient-future.com. Put "Alternate Reality Concert" in the subject. You will receive a link to participate before each performance.
Watch and Share the First Video from the Alternate Reality
Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort
Sympathetic Serenade Video
Share Link:
https://ethnocloud.com/Matthew_Montfort/?y_video=14646&b=943
When Matthew Montfort was working on his debut solo recording for scalloped fretboard guitar (a special guitar modified to enable ornaments characteristic of the sitar), he recorded a number of spontaneously improvised serenades. Were it not for some serendipitous sequencing coupled with the allure of alliteration, it's likely that Sympathetic Serenade would have been released as the eighth improvisation on what became Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar.Instead, this evocative serenade was released as a mini EP to rave reviews, prompting his addition to DigitalDreamDoor.com's 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists list. Inclusion on the list is based on originality, innovation, technique, and influence on other acoustic guitarists. In this live recording from the inaugural performance of the Alternate Reality Concert Series from the Ancient Future, he revisits the piece with a new interpretation on his custom Martin scalloped fretboard guitar in which he expands on the original's use of the melodic elements of Rag Bhairavi and mixes in chordal structures from Spanish guitar music.
New Years 2020/2021 Issue:
Alternate Reality Concerts from the Ancient Future
•Matthew Montfort Performs Inaugural Recital
Seven Steps of Sound Support
•Help Musicians Through Tough Times
Reading, Rhythm, and Raga
•Matthew Montfort's Masterclasses
Private Online Music Lessons
•Winter Bloom on Zoom
The Cowboy and the Yogi
•Book by Music Writer Teed Rockwell Features Reviews of Ancient Future
Vote to Help Ancient Future Play Here Somehow
View Online With Photos:
http://www.ancient-future.com/newsnov2020.html
November 2020 Issue:
Vote to Help Ancient Future Play Here Somehow
•Alternate Reality Concerts from the Ancient Future?
http://ancient-future.com/newsnov2020.html#coronavirus
Reading, Rhythm, and Raga
•Take a Break from Election Coverage with Matthew Montfort's Masterclasses
http://ancient-future.com/newsnov2020.html#workshop
Private Online Music Lessons
•Winter Bloom on Zoom
http://ancient-future.com/newsnov2020.html#lessons
Matthew Montfort's Masterclasses at Blue Bear School of Music Online
Ancient Future leader Matthew Montfort taught music at the Blue Bear School of Music for over two decades. This fall, he returns to teach three virtual masterclasses!
https://bluebearmusic.org/classes/online-rhythm-training/
1. Learn to Read Music by Studying Classical Guitar Technique
Rise Above Reliance on TAB!
November 3 to December 8, 2020, Tuesdays from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, Have Fun Learning to Read Music through Classical Guitar Technique, Blue Bear School of Music Online. Guitarists are often good at reading TAB, but poor at reading sheet music. This six week class by Matthew Montfort will get you started learning to read standard music notation, while at the same time introducing foundational classical guitar technique that you can also apply to other styles of playing. You'll learn simple etudes and classical pieces, great for boosting your fingerstyle skills while actually having fun learning to read music!
Tuition: $160.
Tix: https://bluebearmusic.org/classes/online-rhythm-training/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/375544510493414/
2. Got Rhythm?
World Beat Workshop Returns to Blue Bear Online
November 4 to December 9, 2020, Wednesdays from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM, World Beat Workshop, Blue Bear School of Music Online. Matthew Montfort’s Got Rhythm? six week workshop is presented in an easy to follow, entertaining, yet educational format for all music lovers. African polyrhythms, Balinese kotèkan and Indian classical music are presented because these traditions cover the major types of rhythmic organization used in most of the world's music. This training from Montfort's book Ancient Traditions -- Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India can help anyone with a desire to improve their rhythmic skills.
Tuition: $200.
Tix: https://bluebearmusic.org/classes/online-rhythm-training/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1293998794277679/
Get Rhythm!
Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India by Matthew Montfort.
Info: http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html
This classic "world beat bible" by Matthew Montfort takes the student on a musical voyage through the ancient rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of exercises that require no instruments to perform. Interesting, imaginative and fun, these rhythm exercises will be of immense help to all music lovers, not just percussionists. The new downloadable companion set of MP3 audio guide and MIDI groove tracks of the exercises in the book is set up for playback on Mac and PC computers, tablets, and smartphones.
3. Indian Raga for Western Musicians
Improve Your Improvisation Skills Through Melodic Training
November 5 to December 17, 2020, Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:30 PM, Indian Raga for Western Musicians, Blue Bear School of Music Online. This six week masterclass by world fusion pioneer Matthew Montfort will help you improve your soloing in any music genre from rock to jazz to free improv through melodic training. Learn the emotional power of each interval and how to construct meaningful melodies through the tradition of Indian raga. Open to all instruments and voice.
Tuition: $200.
Tix: https://bluebearmusic.org/classes/online-rhythm-training/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1166034547144381/
WORLD RHYTHMS NEWS
Issue 17. Fall 2020:
http://www.ancient-future.com/worldrhythms17.html
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In this issue:
South Indian Vina Music
•In Western Notation with Guitar TAB
https://www.ancient-future.com/worldrhythms17.html#vina
Blue Bear Masters
•Masterclasses at the Bear Online: Read Music Through Classical Guitar, World Beat Workshop, Indian Raga
https://www.ancient-future.com/worldrhythms17.html#workshop
==========================================================
South Indian Vina Music
In Western Notation with Guitar TAB
Pallavi
https://www.ancient-future.com/worldrhythms17.html#vina
Ragam: Valaji (1,3,5,6,b7)
Talam: Adi (8 beats)
Arranged by Matthew Montfort
Notation of South Indian Vina Music:
https://www.ancient-future.com/images/pallavi.gif
Matthew Montfort is a pioneer of the scalloped fretboard guitar (an instrument combining qualities of the South Indian vina and the steel string guitar). Montfort spent three months in intensive study with vina master K.S. Subramanian in order to fully apply the note-bending techniques of the South Indian vina to the guitar.
Those who wish to study South Indian gamaka (note embellishment) on guitar need not have a scalloped fretboard guitar in order to play this arrangement: an electric guitar with light gauge strings or an acoustic guitar tuned very low will work. It can also be sung or played on any instrument that can slide between notes.
This example from Montfort's studies with K.S. Subramanian is in a simple pentatonic raga (a melodic recipe for a mood involving ascending and descending scale patterns), which uses the root, major third, perfect fifth, major sixth, and minor seventh. The tala (rhythmic cycle) is a common 8 beat cycle known as adi tal, which is expressed with a hand clap on beat 1 (sam), a finger count with the pinkie on beat 2, a finger count with the ring finger on beat 3, a finger count with the middle finger on beat 4, a clap on beat 5, a wave on beat 6, a clap on beat 7, and a wave on beat 8.
Pallavi MIDI Files
GM Standard MIDI files of this South Indian gamaka exercise are presented here, arranged for General MIDI guitar and conga and bongo:
Pallavi MIDI File (chromatic): https://www.ancient-future.com/midi/pallavi2.mid
This arrangement of the above example is offered to play along with. The file has no note bends, so it functions well as an intonation guide.
Pallavi MIDI File (with gamaka): https://www.ancient-future.com/midi/pallavi.mid
This file will not playback properly online, so download the file first and then load it into your MIDI sequencing program. This arrangement includes all of the note bends, but since many of the bends are more than a full step, this file requires that the pitch bend function on the playback module be set to +-12 half steps. The tempo should be set at about 30 beats per minute.
==========================================================
Blue Bear Masters
Matthew Montfort's Masterclasses Return to the Bear Online
https://www.ancient-future.com/worldrhythms17.html#workshop
Matthew Montfort taught music at the Blue Bear School of Music for over two decades. This fall, he returns to teach three virtual masterclasses:
1. Learn to Read Music Through Classical Guitar Technique
Teenage Student of Matthew Montfort Performs RecitalAdult Student of Matthew Montfort Performs RecitalAdult Student of Matthew Montfort Performs Recital
September 29 to November 3, 2020, Tuesdays from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, Learn to Read Music through Classical Guitar Technique, Blue Bear School of Music Online. This class by Matthew Montfort will get you started learning to read standard music notation, while at the same time introducing foundational classical guitar technique that you can also apply to other styles of playing. You'll learn simple etudes and classical pieces, great for boosting your fingerstyle skills while actually having fun learning to read music! Tuition: $160 for six weeks.
Buy Tix: https://bluebearmusic.org/classes/online-rhythm-training/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/782220905869020
2. Got Rhythm?
World Beat Workshop Returns to Blue Bear Online September 30 to November 4
September 30 to November 4, 2020, Wednesdays from 7:30 PM to 8:45 PM, World Beat Workshop, Blue Bear School of Music Online. Matthew Montfort’s Got Rhythm World Beat Workshop is presented in an easy to follow, entertaining, yet educational format for all music lovers. African polyrhythms, Balinese kotèkan and Indian classical music are presented because these traditions cover the major types of rhythmic organization used in most of the world's music. This training from Montfort's book Ancient Traditions -- Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India can help anyone with a desire to improve their rhythmic skills. Tuition: $200 for six weeks.
Buy Tix: https://bluebearmusic.org/classes/online-rhythm-training/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/608710749816299/
Get Rhythm!
Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India by Matthew Montfort.
http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html
This classic "world beat bible" by Matthew Montfort takes the student on a musical voyage through the ancient rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of exercises that require no instruments to perform. Interesting, imaginative and fun, these rhythm exercises will be of immense help to all music lovers, not just percussionists. The new downloadable companion set of MP3 audio guide and MIDI groove tracks of the exercises in the book is set up for playback on Mac and PC computers, tablets, and smartphones.
3. Indian Raga for Western Musicians
Scalloped Fretboard Guitarist Matthew Montfort
Improve Your Improvisation Skills Through Melodic Training
October 1 to November 5, 2020, Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:30 PM, Indian Raga for Western Musicians, Blue Bear School of Music Online. World fusion pioneer Matthew Montfort will help you improve your soloing in any music genre from rock to jazz to free improv through melodic training. You'll learn the emotional power of each interval and how to construct meaningful melodies through the tradition of Indian raga. Open to all instruments. Tuition: $200 for six weeks.
Buy Tix: https://bluebearmusic.org/classes/online-rhythm-training/
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/350847699296657/
==========================================================
Private Online Music Lessons
With Ancient Future Bandleader Matthew Montfort
Private Online Lessons with Ancient Future Bandleader Matthew Montfort. Study any of the musical traditions featured on the Ancient Future web site, all styles of guitar (and other fretted instruments including ukulele, bass, mandolin, charango, and sitar), record production, composition, world rhythms, music theory, and repertoire for all instruments.
60 Minute Lesson- $75. (Sale $60 for new students): Custom private one hour online lesson.
45 Minute Lesson- $65. (Sale $50 for new students): Custom private 45 minute online lesson.
30 Minute Lesson- $50. (Sale $40 for new students): Custom private 30 minute online lesson.
http://www.ancient-future.com/skype.html
There are many advantages to online lessons. The lessons can easily be recorded, and it is easier to evaluate a student's technique with a camera than from behind a music stand. The main drawback to online lessons is that recording software is needed to perform duets due to internet latency issues. But duets are possible online via file exchange, digital audio workstations, and a free browser-based multitrack recording platform.
==========================================================
© 2020 Ancient Future Music. All rights reserved.
Ancient Future Times
This Moment
June 2020 Issue:
This Moment
•The Veil Has Been Lifted
http://www.ancient-future.com/newsjune2020.html#moment
Got Rhythm?
•World Beat Workshop Returns to Blue Bear Online July 8 to August 12
http://www.ancient-future.com/newsjune2020.html#workshop
Concertless Cash Crunch
•Help Ancient Future Stay Here Now
http://www.ancient-future.com/newsjune2020.html#coronavirus
Online Music Lessons
•Zoom Through Summer
http://www.ancient-future.com/newsjune2020.html#lessons
==============================================================================
This Moment
The Veil Has Been Lifted
The veil has been lifted and systemic racism should now be painfully obvious to everyone. There is much social and personal work to be done to make a more just world. Racism and tribalism have always existed, but we need to change now.
This doesn't mean that there isn't great value in local cultures keeping their history and traditions alive and creating new ones. Wonderful things happen when people work together as a community. The mission of world fusion music is to show how ideas from these different cultures can work together, helping us create greater understanding and tolerance between cultures and races. It's not an easy path as we confront our own biases while learning from each other, but it's a necessary one.
==============================================================================
Got Rhythm?
World Beat Workshop Returns to Blue Bear Online July 8 to August 12
Matthew Montfort taught classes at the Blue Bear School of Music for over two decades. This summer, he will return to teach a virtual world beat workshop from July 8 to August 12. His Got Rhythm World Beat Workshop is presented in an easy to follow, entertaining yet educational format for all music lovers. African polyrhythms, Balinese kotèkan and Indian classical music are presented because these traditions cover the major types of rhythmic organization used in most of the world's music. This training can help anyone with a desire to improve their rhythmic skills. Melodic aspects will also be explored through vocal chanting and instrumental call-and-response in a supportive setting.
Get the Beat. 7:30 to 8:45 PM, July 8 to August 12.Tuition: $200 for 6 weeks, online:
https://bluebearmusic.org/classes/online-rhythm-training/
Buy Tix:
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=301846&stype=-8&sTG=50&sView=day&sLoc=0
Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/190232459011349/
Get Rhythm!
Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India by Matthew Montfort:
http://www.ancient-future.com/atfp.html
This classic "world beat bible" by Matthew Montfort takes the student on a musical voyage through the ancient rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of exercises that require no instruments to perform. Interesting, imaginative and fun, these rhythm exercises will be of immense help to all music lovers, not just percussionists. The new downloadable companion set of MP3 audio guide and MIDI groove tracks of the exercises in the book is set up for playback on Mac and PC computers, tablets, and smartphones.
==============================================================================
Concertless Cash Crunch
Help Ancient Future Stay Here Now
Live concerts will be among the last activities to return because they won't be safe until there's a vaccine or effective treatment for COVID-19. Efforts to reopen the economy are causing outbreaks, further delaying the next concert season. Musicians in Northern California were already suffering from very high housing costs, decreasing support for the arts, and absurdly low payments from the music streaming platforms. With all of this, we very much need your support to continue the music and survive until concerts return, hopefully by 2022.
If you've been able to return to work or have the means, below are three ways you can help.
1. Make a Tax Deductible Contribution
Ancient Future was accepted for fiscal sponsorship with InterMusic SF, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, and now donations made through them on behalf of Ancient Future are 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law!
Make a Tax Deductible Donation:
http://www.ancient-future.com/donation.html#intermusic
2. Push A.F.A.R. Past the Finish Line
The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings, Ancient Future's fun fan funded recording project, has over 86 minutes of music in it so far. Another set of studio tracks that will expand the project by over 50% is in production. With all of the concert cancellations, now is a good time to record remotely. But remote recording can't be done in real time, so hundreds of extra hours of production are required to make MIDI mock ups and tempo tracks for the musicians to perform to. Because many of the master musicians in Ancient Future's collective don't have home recording equipment, we need to raise money for a few professional stereo audio recording interfaces and studio microphones.
Please consider becoming a supporter at one of the levels below, starting at just $15. And if you are already a supporter, you can still upgrade to higher quality downloads until each supporter level is sold out. Once you become a supporter, you will receive all of the tracks in the archive (and all of the tracks that will be added in the future), and you will be eligible to buy a limited edition CD-R of the Best of A.F.A.R. So Far, which includes all of the best tracks that will (barely) fit on a CD-R.
Supporter Levels and Premiums
Recording Newsletter-$15 (receive 128 kbps downloads)
Download Supporter- $25 (320 kbps downloads)
Limited Edition CD Sponsor- $50 (all previous plus CD quality audio)
Honorary A & R Representative- $75 (all previous plus video and 24 bit audio)
Donor VIP- Choose your donation amount
A.F.A.R. So Far CD-R- $15 Additional
http://www.ancient-future.com/afar.html
3. Purchase Music to Support the Arts
Ancient Future's 2020 Vision sale on recordings and educational materials has been extended to encourage support. Purchases at the Ancient-Future.Com World Music Store directly support the artists and the music, and this sale offers bargain prices.
Five for Fifty: Five Releases Just $10 Each
Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future. Signed Audio/Video E-CD-R. List $17.98. SALE $10.
Planet Passion by Ancient Future. List $17.98. SALE $10.
Sangria by Mariah Parker. List $17.98. SALE $10.
Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. List $17.98. SALE $10.
Sympathetic Serenade by Matthew Montfort. Signed EP CD-R. List $12.98. SALE $10.
http://www.ancient-future.com/catalog.html
==============================================================================
Online Music Lessons
Zoom Through Summer
Private Online Lessons with Ancient Future Bandleader Matthew Montfort. Study any of the musical traditions featured on the Ancient Future web site, all styles of guitar (and other fretted instruments including ukulele, bass, mandolin, charango, and sitar), record production, composition, world rhythms, music theory, and repertoire for all instruments.
60 Minute Lesson- $75. (Sale $60 for new students) Custom private one hour online lesson.
45 Minute Lesson- $65. (Sale $50 for new students) Custom private 45 minute online lesson.
30 Minute Lesson- $50. (Sale $40 for new students) Custom private 30 minute online lesson.
There are many advantages to online lessons. The lessons can easily be recorded, and it is easier to evaluate a student's technique with a camera than from behind a music stand. The main drawback to online lessons is that recording software is needed to perform duets due to internet latency issues. But duets are possible online via file exchange, digital audio workstations, and a free browser-based multitrack recording platform. Matthew Montfort will return to teaching in-person lessons when it is truly safe. At that time, he will be offering hybrid online/in-person lessons for students in Marin and Sonoma counties, with package deals for three online lessons and one monthly in person lesson to develop ensemble skills.
http://www.ancient-future.com/skype.html
==============================================================================
Ancient Future Times
March 2020 Issue:
Music in March
•Concerts in Sonoma County
http://www.ancient-future.com/newsmarch2020.html#concert
Virus Free Music Lessons
•Study on Skype While You Sip a Corona
http://www.ancient-future.com/newsmarch2020.html#lessons
Ancient Future Times: 2020 Visions
January 2020 Issue:
Fun Raising 2020 Vision
•Help the World Fusion Movement Enter the New Decade
2020 Vision Sale
•Extended to End of Ancient Future's 40th Season
Music in March
•Concerts in Sonoma County
Fun Raising 2020 Vision
In this age of polarization, world fusion music is needed now more than ever. You can help our "fun raising" efforts to support Ancient Future's local Northern California concert season, provide seed money to bring Ancient Future to perform in your area, or support new compositions and recordings:
- Make a Tax Deductible Donation. Ancient Future was accepted for fiscal sponsorship with InterMusic SF, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, and now donations made through them on behalf of Ancient Future are 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law!
The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings, Ancient Future's fun fan funded recording project, has over 86 minutes of music in it so far. Another set of studio tracks that will expand the project by over 50% is already in production. It's time for some "fun raising" to fund payments to master musicians so that they can carve out time to practice their parts and record them.
Hundreds and hundreds of hours have already gone into the composition, rehearsal, pre-production, and recording the guitar and bansuri flute tracks for Beyond Kalyan, a new piece by Matthew Montfort based on Rag Kalyan. At around 30 minutes long, it is a very expansive, emotional, and difficult to perform piece. After finishing all of the melodic parts to the main piece, two live recording sessions were then devoted to recording the guitar and bansuri alap (an improvised introduction to a raga performance), and two more to recording a second guitar part that uses chords and contrapuntal motion. The next step will be recording Vishal Nagar's tabla tracks.
Please consider becoming a supporter at one of the levels below, starting at just $15. And if you are already a supporter, you can still upgrade to higher quality downloads until each supporter level is sold out. Once you become a supporter, you will receive all of the tracks in the archive (and all of the tracks that will be added in the future), and you will be eligible to buy a limited edition CD-R of the Best of A.F.A.R. So Far, which includes all of the best tracks that will (barely) fit on a CD-R.
The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings by Ancient Future (Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2030).
Supporter Levels and Premiums- Recording Newsletter-$15 (receive 128 kbps downloads): Subscribe @ $15.
- Download Supporter- $25 (320 kbps downloads): Subscribe @ $25.
- Limited Edition CD Sponsor- $50 (all previous plus CD quality audio): Subscribe @ $50.
- Honorary A & R Representative- $75 (all previous plus video and 24 bit audio): Subscribe @ $75.
- Donor VIP- $??: Make Additional Donation.
- A.F.A.R. So Far CD-R- $20 Additional. (SALE $15): Buy CD-R Now.
2020 Vision SaleExtended to End of Ancient Future's 40th Season
Purchases at the Ancient-Future.Com World Music Store directly support the artists and the music, and this sale offers bargain prices until February 11, 2020, the 41st anniversary of Ancient Future's first concert!
Five for Fifty: Five Releases Just $10 Each
- Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future (Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-20302). Signed Audio/Video E-CD-R- List $17.98. (SALE $10): Buy 1 Now.
- Planet Passion by Ancient Future( Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2010). CD- List $17.98. (SALE $10): Buy 1 Now.
- Sangria by Mariah Parker (Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017). CD- List $17.98.(SALE $10): Buy 1 Now.
- Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort (Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2008). CD- List $17.98. (SALE $10): Buy 1 Now.
- Sympathetic Serenade by Matthew Montfort (Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2012). Signed EP CD-R- List $12.98.(SALE $10): Buy 1 Now.
- Yearning for the Wind Digital Liner Notes. Download- $1.98 list (SALE $1.50): Buy 1 Now. 7 page .pdf of liner notes for Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future. Features detailed explanations of the musical concepts of raga and tala behind the music.
- Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar Digital Liner Notes. Download- $2.98 list. (SALE $2): Buy 1 Now. 17 page .pdf of liner notes for Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Explains the inspirations and musical concepts behind each serenade. Sheet music is included for those who want to delve deeper.
Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India by Matthew Montfort (Kentfield: Ancient Future Music, 1985. ISBN 0-937879-00-2). This classic "world beat bible" takes the student on a musical voyage through the ancient rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of exercises that require no instruments to perform. The new companion audio guide and MIDI groove tracks of the exercises in the book are available for Mac and PC computers, tablets, and smartphones, and CD players.
- Comb Bound Book- $46.95 (SALE $33.95): Buy 1 Now.
- Book and Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI Files- $74.95 (SALE $53.95): Buy 1 Now.
- Book & Audio Guide/MIDI Download (New Best Buy!)- $69.95 (SALE $49.95): Buy 1 Now.
- Companion MP3/MIDI Guide Tracks Download Set (New Release!)- $34.95 (SALE 24.95): Buy 1 Now.
- Companion Audio/MIDI Guide Tracks 2 Volume CD/CD-ROM Set- $39.95 (SALE $29.95): Buy 1 Now.
Private Skype Lessons with Ancient Future Bandleader Matthew Montfort. Study any of the musical traditions featured on the Ancient Future web site, all styles of guitar (and other fretted instruments including ukulele, bass, mandolin, charango, and sitar), record production, composition, world rhythms, music theory, and repertoire for all instruments.
- 60 Minute Lesson- $75. (SALE $60): Buy 1 Now. Custom private one hour online lesson.
- 45 Minute Lesson- $65. (SALE $48): Buy 1 Now. Custom private 45 minute online lesson.
- 30 Minute Lesson- $50. (SALE $36): Buy 1 Now. Custom private 30 minute online lesson.
Music in MarchConcerts in Sonoma County
Saturday, March 14, 7:30 PM
Ancient Future Duet
Empowerment Healing Arts Sanctuary
616 C Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Saturday, March 28, 8 PM
Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble
Occidental Center for the Arts
3850 Doris Murphy Ct. (Bohemian Hwy. at Graton Rd.)
Occidental, CA 95465
Tix: $22 in advance, $26 at door.
Info: 707-874-9392 or email info@occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
The first show of March is a duet with Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitar) and Mariah Parker (santur, keys), concentrates on Arabic, Indian, and Spanish musical themes, and has performed in Spain at festivals in Sant Carles de la Ràpita, Botarell, Torredembarra, and Salou.
The second show features Mariah Parker's Indo Latin Jazz Ensemble. Her latest release, Indo Latin Jazz Live In Concert, reached number 32 on the JazzWeek airplay chart. Mariah Parker will be debuting new material to be recorded for her next release at both performances.
Ancient Future Times: 2020 Vision
December 2019 Issue:
2020 Vision
•Ways to Help the World Fusion Movement Reduce Polarization
'Till 2020 Sale
•Recordings, Music Eduction, and Musical Scavenger Hunt
Global Guitar Summit
•12/6/19, Wu Wei Tea Temple, Fairfax
2020 Vision
In this age of polarization, world fusion music is needed now more than ever. You can help our "fun raising" efforts to support Ancient Future's local Northern California concert season, provide seed money to bring Ancient Future to perform in your area, or support new compositions and recordings:
- Make a Tax Deductible Donation. Ancient Future was accepted for fiscal sponsorship with InterMusic SF, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, and now donations made through them on behalf of Ancient Future are 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law!
Fun Raising A.F.A.R. Past the Finish LineThe Archive of Future Ancient Recordings, Ancient Future's fun fan funded recording project, has over 86 minutes of music in it so far. Another set of studio tracks that will expand the project by over 50% are already in production.
Hundreds and hundreds of hours have already gone into the composition, rehearsal, pre-production, and recording the guitar and bansuri flute tracks for Beyond Kalyan, a new piece by Matthew Montfort based on Rag Kalyan. At around 30 minutes long, it is a very expansive, emotional, and difficult to perform piece. Mindia Devi spent several weeks practicing her bansuri flute parts, and all of the composed sections and most of her improvised solos have been recorded. The next step will recording Vishal Nagar's tabla tracks.
It's time for some "fun raising" to fund payments to master musicians so that they can carve out time to practice their parts and record them. We have raised 22% of our funding goal so far. This is substantial, but averages just a little more than 2% per year, so we need to greatly speed up our fun raising to complete the project.
Please consider becoming a supporter at one of the levels below, starting at just $15. And if you are already a supporter, you can still upgrade to higher quality downloads until each supporter level is sold out. Once you become a supporter, you will receive all of the tracks in the archive (and all of the tracks that will be added in the future), and you will be eligible to buy a limited edition CD-R of the Best of A.F.A.R. So Far, which is includes all of the best tracks that will (barely) fit on a CD-R.
The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings by Ancient Future. (Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2030)
- Recording Newsletter-$15 (receive 128 kbps downloads): Subscribe @ $15.
- Download Supporter- $25 (320 kbps downloads): Subscribe @ $25.
- Limited Edition CD Sponsor- $50 (all previous plus CD quality audio): Subscribe @ $50.
- Honorary A & R Representative- $75 (all previous plus video and 24 bit audio): Subscribe @ $75.
- Donor VIP- $??: Make Additional Donation.
- A.F.A.R. So Far CD-R- $20 Additional. (SALE $15): Buy CD-R Now.
Streaming payments to artists are absurdly low, and the switch from music ownership to ad supported streaming has greatly harmed artists' ability to create new work. But there are even more problems with streaming. The algorithms are set up to suggest artists who sound like the music that the listener is already listening to. So, how are people to find out about new directions in music or music from other cultures?
After you support the artists you enjoy by purchasing their work (FUN raise A.F.A.R.), you can help to support musical diversity by making and sharing your own playlists of Ancient Future with your favorite artists from different genres. This can help to expand people's awareness, rather than narrow it. Right now, due to heavily weighted major label playlists featuring Ancient Future with New Age artists popular in the 80's, Ancient Future is predominantly suggested by streaming services to fans of New Age music. This is very limiting for the world fusion music movement. Fans of New Age music have often enjoyed world fusion music, especially the slower tempo pieces. But this isn't helping the world fusion music movement to reach people who need to be turned on to more diverse music.
Apple MusicStream Ancient Future on Apple Music
If the above link doesn't work, search for Ancient Future directly in Apple Music. Apple doesn't have an ad supported tier, so it pays the most per stream of the major streaming companies at 65/100 of a penny net to Ancient-Future.Com Records, but that's nowhere near a sustainable payment that can support the creation of new recordings. It's much better to buy the downloads while you still can. Apple does allow you to make and share playlists. Please make public playlists with diverse artists and share them.
How to Make an Apple Music Playlist
SpotifyStream Ancient Future on Spotify
Spotify pays a lower streaming rate than Apple, but higher than YouTube. It is still extremely low, especially for the ad supported tier, where a stream nets Ancient-Future.Com Records only 17/100 of a penny, while the subscription tier nets 36/100 of a penny. All users of Spotify can create playlists.
How to Make a Spotify Playlist
Spotify playlists featuring Ancient Future with appropriate artists can be found at WorldFusionMusicRadio.Com.
PandoraStream Ancient Future on Pandora
Pandora pays less per stream than Spotify on its free radio format, but more than Spotify on its subscription tier. Ancient-Future.Com Records nets 8/100 of a cent per stream on Pandora radio playlists, and 41/100 of a cent for Pandora Premium. The free version of Pandora doesn't allow user playlist creation, but you can thumbs up and down tracks. The Ancient Future station on Pandora is populated almost exclusively with tracks by artists with no world music influences at all. Please thumbs down those selections. If you hear Ancient Future on any Pandora station, please thumb it up so that more people find out about world fusion music. If you are a Pandora Premium user, you can create playlists.
How to Make a Pandora Playlist
YouTubeWatch Ancient Future on YouTube
Stream Ancient Future on YouTube Music
YouTube Music pays the lowest of all major music streaming services. For example, 1,708,584 streams of a track by Ancient Future on our own label on YouTube's ad supported service overseas netted Ancient Future only $101.16. That's less than 6/1000 of a cent per stream! Yes, thousandths of a cent! If this had not been on our own label, the artist share would have been even less. This is a travesty. Perhaps it is best to listen to YouTube Music with the sound off. Their subscription tier nets Ancient-Future.Com Records 65/100 of a cent, which is on par with Apple Music, but less than 0.02% of the reported streams in 2019 were in the subscription tier, so the higher rate is just a PR stunt at this point. YouTube Music is available in more countries than Spotify and all users of YouTube can create playlists, so for the time being we are encouraging the creation of YouTube playlists to share with users in countries where Spotify isn't available. Just remember to do your own listening on other services.
How to Make a YouTube Playlist
'Till 2020 SaleRecordings, Music Education, and Musical Scavenger Hunt
Purchases at the Ancient-Future.Com World Music Store directly support the artists and the music, and this sale offers bargain prices until 2020!
Five for Fifty: Five Releases Just $10 Each
- Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future (Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-20302). Signed Audio/Video E-CD-R- List $17.98. (SALE $10): Buy 1 Now.
- Planet Passion by Ancient Future( Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2010). CD- List $17.98. (SALE $10): Buy 1 Now.
- Sangria by Mariah Parker (Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017). CD- List $17.98.(SALE $10): Buy 1 Now.
- Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort (Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2008). CD- List $17.98. (SALE $10): Buy 1 Now.
- Sympathetic Serenade by Matthew Montfort (Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2012). Signed EP CD-R- List $12.98.(SALE $10): Buy 1 Now.
World Music Studies for Listeners and Musicians!Want to get more out of listening to music? Study of music traditions isn't just for musicians. For example, many listeners are attracted to the spiritual feeling of Indian classical music. But knowing the basics of tala (Indian rhythm cycles) will greatly enhance what one experiences while listening.
A great way to get started on a journey to become a better listener is to visit the education section of Ancient-Future.Com. Included are explanations of African, Arabic, Balinese, and Indian traditions along with some basic exercises to practice that require no instruments to perform. Your site surfing can even win prizes in this issue's Musical Scavenger Hunt! And as you learn more, you may wish to take a private Skype lesson to continue your studies.
Beats Book Brings Bang for the Buck
Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India by Matthew Montfort (Kentfield: Ancient Future Music, 1985. ISBN 0-937879-00-2).
- Comb Bound Book- $46.95 (SALE $33.95): Buy 1 Now.
- Book and Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI Files- $74.95 (SALE $53.95): Buy 1 Now.
- Book & Audio Guide/MIDI Download (New Best Buy!)- $69.95 (SALE $49.95): Buy 1 Now.
- Companion MP3/MIDI Guide Tracks Download Set (New Release!)- $34.95 (SALE 24.95): Buy 1 Now.
- Companion Audio/MIDI Guide Tracks 2 Volume CD/CD-ROM Set- $39.95 (SALE $29.95): Buy 1 Now.
This classic "world beat bible" by Matthew Montfort takes the student on a musical voyage through the ancient rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of exercises that require no instruments to perform. Interesting, imaginative and fun, these rhythm exercises will be of immense help to all music lovers, not just percussionists.
The new downloadable companion set of MP3 audio guide and MIDI groove tracks of the exercises in the book Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities is set up for playback on Mac and PC computers, tablets, and smartphones. The tracks are also available on a CD/CD-ROM set. The material is presented in two complimentary formats: audio guide tracks and MIDI groove tracks.
Digital Liner Note Discounts
- Yearning for the Wind Digital Liner Notes. Download- $1.98 list (SALE $1.50): Buy 1 Now. 7 page .pdf of liner notes for Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future. Features detailed explanations of the musical concepts of raga and tala behind the music.
- Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar Digital Liner Notes. Download- $2.98 list. (SALE $2): Buy 1 Now.17 page .pdf of liner notes for Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Explains the inspirations and musical concepts behind each serenade. Sheet music is included for those who want to delve deeper.
Study any of the musical traditions featured on the Ancient Future web site via private Skype lessons with Ancient Future bandleader and guitarist, Matthew Montfort. Recognized as one of the world's 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists, Matthew Montfort teaches all styles of guitar (and other fretted instruments including ukulele, bass, mandolin, charango, and sitar) along with record production, composition, world rhythms, music theory, and repertoire for all instruments.
Skype Lessons- 60 Minute Lesson- $75. (SALE $60): Buy 1 Now. Custom private one hour online lesson.
- 45 Minute Lesson- $65. (SALE $48): Buy 1 Now. Custom private 45 minute online lesson.
- 30 Minute Lesson- $50. (SALE $36): Buy 1 Now. Custom private 30 minute online lesson.
Gift certificates are available for online lessons worldwide via Skype and other webcam conferencing services. And for a limited time, an additional discount is automatically offered on a Skype tutorial with purchase of Matthew Montfort's book Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India at Ancient-Future.Com!
Musical Scavenger Hunt
Hunt through Ancient-Future.Com to answer the scavenger hunt questions. All of those who get any answer right win an educational digital liner note download of their choice! Get all of the answers right and also win your choice of the Audio Guide or MIDI Groove companion tracks to the world rhythms training manual, Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities.
3 Scavenger Hunt Questions- Name six instruments utilized in an Eve percussion orchestra.
- What is the name of the more offbeat part of a Balinese kotèkan?
- What is the name of an 11 beat North Indian rhythmic cycle that includes two groupings of 1 1/2 beats?
This scavenger hunt contest is open only to subscribers to the Ancient Future Times. If you are not already receiving this newsletter, please subscribe before entering. Entries accepted through January 1, 2020. Send entries to info@ancient-future.com.
Global Guitar Summit
Friday, December 6, 8 PM
Global Guitar Summit
Wu Wei Tea Temple
1820 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Fairfax, CA 94930
No cover. Suggested donation: $10 - $20.
Info: wuweiteatemple.com
Facebook Event
Ancient Future leader and guitarist Matthew Montfort and German fingerstyle guitarist extraordinaire Teja Gerken return to the Wu Wei Tea Temple in Fairfax for an evening of music from around the world.
Matthew Montfort is a pioneer among guitarists who have had their fretboards scalloped in order to play various forms of world music that require intricate note-bending ornaments while still being able to play chords.
Teja Gerken is known for his original compositions, many of which employ alternate tunings and two-handed tapping. His playing merges the styles of European guitar pioneers such as John Renbourn and Pierre Bensusan with the distinct sounds of American players such as Leo Kottke and Michael Hedges.
Ancient Future Times: Spectacular Summer Show in the Sierras, School Sale, Scene Seeks Support
Ancient Future Times: Spectacular Summer Show in the Sierras, School Sale, Scene Seeks Support
Summer 2019 Issue:
Ancient Future in the Sierra Nevada September 1
•Music at the Mine in Sierra City for Your Labor Day Weekend Holiday!
Back to the Ancient Future Back to School Sale
•Recordings, Music Training Materials, Skype Studies, and Musical Scavenger Hunt
3 Ways to Contribute to the World Fusion Movement
•Make a Tax Deductible Contribution to Ancient Future, Make a Direct Donation, Support A.F.A.R.
Ancient Future in the Sierra Nevada September 1
Pictured: Matthew Montfort (guitar), Aditya Kalyanpur (tabla), Doug McKeehan (keys).
Sunday, September 1, 3 PM
Music at the Mine
Kentucky Mine Amphitheater
100 Kentucky Mine Rd.
Sierra City, CA 96125
Tix: $22 adv., $25 door, $10 kids 7 to 17 years old. Kids 6 and under are FREE! Buy Tix.
Info: Call Chris Stockdale at 530-862-1076 or email cstockrock@gmail.com
Facebook Event
Press Release
Ancient Future returns to perform at the Music at the Mine series at the Kentucky Mine Amphitheater for the first time since 2000. This outdoor amphitheater is in a stunningly spectacular setting nestled below the Sierra Buttes.
This uptempo program features world guitar pioneer Matthew Montfort, virtuoso keyboardist Doug McKeehan, and world famous Indian tabla phenomenon Aditya Kalyanpur, who is flying in from India for the event!
Montfort and McKeehan have played hundreds of concerts together with master musicians from many different traditions, and Montfort and Kalyanpur are known for their duet program that emanates strains of passionate flamenco and ethereal Indian raga and fires up crowds at outdoor festivals. This virtuoso trio's uptempo program is an exhilarating and improvisatory take on Ancient Future's broad repertoire.
Featured MusiciansAditya Kalyanpur (Indian tabla)
Beginning his studies at the age of five under the vigilance of tabla maestro late Ustad Allarakha and tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain, Aditya Kalyanpur is considered as one of the most promising torchbearers of the Punjab Gharana style of tabla performance. Aditya was first seen with his guru Ustad Zakir Hussain for the famous "Wah Taj!" television commercial at the age of 11. Having the honor of being recognized as an "A" Grade Artist of All India Radio, he has given public performances along with his guru. Since then he has lent the enchanting music of his tabla to numerous commercials. We hear his tabla ringing in the background of the film "Everybody Says I am Fine" where Zakir Hussain composed the background score. To quote the acknowledging words of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain for his young, talented disciple; "Even a young player like, say, Aditya Kalyanpur has the ability to approach the instrument with much more expertise than someone of his age would do 30 years ago." Honored with the title of 'Taal – Mani', Aditya Kalyanpur is the recipient of I.T.C's prestigious "Vidyasagar Award" as well as the "Sangeet Visharad." He has performed with many famous groups in a variety of genres, including the Rolling Stones.
Doug McKeehan (keys)
Doug McKeehan started his piano studies at age five, and began his first professional work at the age of twelve. He studied music at the Oberlin Conservatory, Kent State University, and the University of Otago (New Zealand). He has toured Europe twice and spent considerable time in India studying with notable Indian music teachers such as Pandit Ram Narayan, Ustad Kursheed Khan and Pandit A.G. Bhattacharya. He has composed original music for stage and T.V. productions in San Francisco and Los Angeles and has been musical director of two original musical comedy productions. He cofounded Air Craft with violinist Bruce Bowers, which released a highly acclaimed progressive jazz album, So Near, So Far (Crafted Air CA 30100). Since joining Ancient Future in 1985, he has performed hundreds of concerts with the band.
Matthew Montfort (band leader, scalloped fretboard guitar)
Matthew Montfort is the leader of the world fusion music ensemble Ancient Future. He is a pioneer of the scalloped fretboard guitar (an instrument combining qualities of the South Indian vina and the steel string guitar). Montfort spent three months in intensive study with vina master K.S. Subramanian in order to fully apply the South Indian gamaka (note-bending) techniques to the guitar. In 2009, he released his first solo guitar recording, Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar, which debuted at #8 on Zone Music Reporter's Top 100 February 2009 World Radio Chart, and held the #34 spot on the Top 100 of 2009. He has performed concerts worldwide, including at the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra on the golden coast of Spain near Barcelona and the Mumbai Festival at the Gateway of India in Bombay. He has performed live on national radio and TV shows such as the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. Montfort wrote the book Ancient Traditions - Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India, which has been used by many musicians to improve their rhythm skills.
Back to the Ancient Future Back to School SaleRecordings, Music Training Materials, Skype Studies, and Musical Scavenger Hunt
Purchases at the Ancient-Future.Com World Music Store directly support the artists and the music, and our back to school sale offers bargain prices!
Five for Fifty: Five Releases Just $10 Each
- Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future. Signed Audio/Video E-CD-R. List $17.98. SALE $10. Buy 1 Now.
- Planet Passion by Ancient Future. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2010. List $17.98. SALE $10. Buy 1 Now.
- Sangria by Mariah Parker. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2017. List $17.98. SALE $10. Buy 1 Now.
- Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2008. List $17.98. SALE $10. Buy 1 Now.
- Sympathetic Serenade by Matthew Montfort. Ancient-Future.Com Records AF-2012. Signed EP CD-R. List $12.98. SALE $10. Buy 1 Now.
The Ancient-Future.Com Record Store is the only place where all of the Ancient Future band recordings, including out of print major label recordings, are available on CD. The site also features releases on Ancient-Future.Com Records, the band's artist coalition label, and side projects by Ancient Future band members on other labels.
Educational Materials Sale: Get More Enjoyment Out of MusicWorld Music Studies for Listeners and Musicians!Want to get more out of listening to music? Study of music traditions isn't just for musicians. The more you know about music, the more you will get out of listening to it. For example, many listeners are attracted to the spiritual feeling of Indian classical music. But knowing the basics of tala (Indian rhythm cycles) will greatly enhance what one experiences while listening.
A great way to get started on a journey to become a better listener is to visit the education section of Ancient-Future.Com. Included are explanations of African, Arabic, Balinese, and Indian traditions along with some basic exercises to practice that require no instruments to perform. Your site surfing can even win prizes in this issue's Musical Scavenger Hunt! And as you learn more, you may wish to take a private Skype lesson to continue your studies.
Beats Book Brings Bang for the Buck
Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India by Matthew Montfort. Kentfield: Ancient Future Music, 1985. ISBN 0-937879-00-2.
- Comb Bound Book. $46.95 SALE $33.95. Buy 1 Now.
- Book and Enhanced Audio CD Set with MIDI Files. $74.95 SALE $53.95. Buy 1 Now.
- Book & Audio Guide/MIDI Download. New Best Buy! $69.95 SALE $49.95. Buy 1 Now.
- Companion MP3/MIDI Guide Tracks Download Set. New Release! $34.95 SALE 24.95. Buy 1 Now.
- Companion Audio/MIDI Guide Tracks 2 Volume CD/CD-ROM Set. $39.95 SALE $29.95. Buy 1 Now.
This classic "world beat bible" by Matthew Montfort takes the student on a musical voyage through the ancient rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali, and India with a series of exercises that require no instruments to perform. Interesting, imaginative and fun, these rhythm exercises will be of immense help to all music lovers, not just percussionists.
The new downloadable companion set of MP3 audio guide and MIDI groove tracks of the exercises in the book Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities is set up for playback on Mac and PC computers, tablets, and smartphones. The tracks are also available on a CD/CD-ROM set. The material is presented in two complimentary formats: audio guide tracks and MIDI groove tracks.
Digital Liner Note Discounts
- Yearning for the Wind Digital Liner Notes. 7 page .pdf of liner notes for Yearning for the Wind by Ancient Future. Features detailed explanations of the musical concepts of raga and tala behind the music. $1.98 list. SALE $1.50. Buy 1 Now.
- Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar Digital Liner Notes. 17 page .pdf of liner notes for Seven Serenades for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Explains the inspirations and musical concepts behind each serenade. Sheet music is included for those who want to delve deeper. $2.98 list. SALE $2. Buy 1 Now.
- Sympathetic Serenade Digital Liner Notes. 9 page .pdf of liner notes for Sympathetic Serenade for Scalloped Fretboard Guitar by Matthew Montfort. Features explanations of musical concepts. $1.98 list. SALE $1.50. Buy 1 Now.
- Planet Passion Digital Liner Notes. 11 page .pdf of liner notes for Planet Passion by Ancient Future. Features comprehensive notes detailing a mythical story of love through the musical traditions of the world. $1.98 list. SALE $1.50. Buy 1 Now.
Study any of the musical traditions featured on the Ancient Future web site via private Skype lessons with Ancient Future bandleader and guitarist, Matthew Montfort. Recognized as one of the world's 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists, Matthew Montfort teaches all styles of guitar (and other fretted instruments including ukulele, bass, mandolin, charango, and sitar) along with record production, composition, world rhythms, music theory, and repertoire for all instruments.
Skype Lessons- 60 Minute Lesson. $75. SALE $60. Buy 1 Now. Custom private one hour online lesson.
- 45 Minute Lesson. $65. SALE $48. Buy 1 Now. Custom private 45 minute online lesson.
- 30 Minute Lesson. $50. SALE $36. Buy 1 Now. Custom private 30 minute online lesson.
Gift certificates are available for online lessons worldwide via Skype. The lessons can also be conducted through other webcam chat and conferencing services. And for a limited time, an additional discount is automatically offered on a Skype tutorial with purchase of Matthew Montfort's book Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali, and India at Ancient-Future.Com!
Musical Scavenger Hunt
Start the school year with this scavenger hunt to win music education materials and learn about the ancient musical traditions of the world! Hunt through Ancient-Future.Com to answer the scavenger hunt questions. All of those who get any answer right win an educational digital liner note download of their choice! Get all of the answers right and also win your choice of the Audio Guide or MIDI Groove companion tracks to the world rhythms training manual, Ancient Traditions – Future Possibilities.
3 Scavenger Hunt Questions- Name six instruments utilized in an Eve percussion orchestra.
- What is the name of the more offbeat part of a Balinese kotèkan?
- What is the name of an 11 beat North Indian rhythmic cycle that includes two groupings of 1 1/2 beats?
This scavenger hunt contest is open only to subscribers to the Ancient Future Times. If you are not already receiving this newsletter, please subscribe before entering. Entries accepted through September 15, 2019. Send entries to info@ancient-future.com.
3 Ways to Contribute to the World Fusion Movement
1. Make a Tax Deductible Contribution to Ancient Future
Your tax deductible contribution can help support Ancient Future's local Northern California concert season, provide seed money to bring Ancient Future to perform in your area, or support new compositions and recordings.
In this age of polarization, world fusion music is needed now more than ever. You can help by supporting it financially:
- Make a Tax Deductible Donation. Ancient Future was accepted for fiscal sponsorship with InterMusic SF, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, and now donations made through them on behalf of Ancient Future are 100% tax deductible to the full extent of the law!
- Make a Direct Donation (not tax deductible). This works well for those who are not part of the top 10% of U.S. taxpayers expected to benefit by itemizing deductions under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Help Push A.F.A.R. Past the Finish LineThe Archive of Future Ancient Recordings, Ancient Future's fan funded recording project, has over 86 minutes of music in it so far. Another set of studio tracks totaling 43 minutes are already in production. The new tracks will represent a 50% expansion of the project!
We have raised 21% of our funding goal so far. This is substantial, but averages just a little more than 2% per year, so we need to greatly speed up our fundraising to complete the project. Please consider becoming a supporter at one of the levels below, starting at just $15. And if you are already a supporter, you can still upgrade to higher quality downloads until each supporter level is sold out.
Once you become a supporter, you will receive all of the tracks in the archive (and all of the tracks that will be added in the future), and you will be eligible to buy a limited edition CD-R of the Best of A.F.A.R. So Far, which is includes all of the best tracks that will (barely) fit on a CD-R.
The Archive of Future Ancient Recordings by Ancient Future. (Ancient-Future.Com AF-2030)
- Recording Newsletter. $15 (receive 128 kbps downloads): Subscribe @ $15.
- Download Supporter. $25 (320 kbps downloads): Subscribe @ $25.
- Limited Edition CD Sponsor. $50 (all previous plus CD quality audio): Subscribe @ $50.
- Honorary A & R Representative. $75 (all previous plus video and 24 bit audio): Subscribe @ $75.
- Donor VIP. Make Additional Donation.
- A.F.A.R. So Far CD-R. $20 Additional. SALE $15. Buy CD-R Now.
Hundreds and hundreds of hours have already gone into the composition, rehearsal, pre-production, and recording the guitar tracks for this new piece by Matthew Montfort. Beyond Kalyan is based on Rag Kalyan, but takes it in new directions, even altering the basic recipe for the raga, hence the title. It is a very expansive, emotional, and difficult to perform piece. Mindia Devi spent several weeks practicing her bansuri flute parts, and then did a five hour recording session, nailing all of the composed parts. The next step will be to record her improvised solos. After that, it will be Vishal Nagar's turn to contribute tabla tracks.
Right now, we need to raise funds to pay musicians so that they can carve out time to practice their parts and record them. To complete the project, it would really help to have funds coming in more quickly. Please sign up to support the project!