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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Update!
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 2 2011, 09:42 AM
Hi all,
I'd like to take an opportunity to update you on a few changes that we will shortly be implementing at GMC. Just like many other businesses in today's muted economy, we are looking at costs vs income. So what does this mean to you? Well, we are taking the opportunity to refocus GMC a little and we hope that you will be excited by the changes we are putting in place.
Here are the changes we will go through:
* Fewer, but higher quality lessons. We are likely to go from publishing lessons once per day to once every other day, but we are raising standards for all of our instructors - we want the best of the best!
* Lower prices. That's right, see below for the new GMC subscription prices. You will notice we are almost down at the 'old' prices.
Current prices: 1 month $29 - 3 months $69 - 12 months $228
New prices: 1 month $15 - 6 months $70 - 12 months $110
* Better lesson help. Starting from today Ivan and Cosmin are responsible for helping you out in ANY lesson you might have problems with. It doesn't matter if the lesson is old or new, just ask in the lesson feedback and we'll get back to you asap (usually the same day - instantaneously if you see they are online).
* More community activities. Within the next months you will see the following: some instructors will have much more time devoted to you. In other words you will not only get new lessons from our core team of instructors but also accompanying collaborations, video chats and other cool forum stuff. Also waiting times for REC grading should decrease quite a bit.
You can expect even more cool updates the coming months ( downloadable backings, iphone app etc) - in general we will be putting more focus on the community - hopefully you will be as excited as we are about the changes!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 2 2011, 09:47 AM
I am here and ready 
Posted by: Gitarrero May 2 2011, 09:58 AM
Wow, that sounds really cool! Let me give you a few comments on the topics:
Lessons: I like the fact that there is a new lesson every day, I think this raises the chance for eversy musical taste to get at least on lesson in a certain style per week. I don't see how the quality can be raised even more, but let's wait and see
I actually loved the last two "month themes" and hope this will continue, maybe with an Iron Maiden or Metallica month...?
Lower prices: Great plus, this will give me an opportunity to continue my private lessons with Ben. Question: I am now paying every three months...how can I change that to a once a year payment for 110 bucks?
Lesson help: Great idea! I usually ask the instructor who did the lesson via pm, but as some instructors left the site or are inactive for longer periods, this is a plus.
Activities: The more, the better. I'd love to see more collabs, seems to me like there were more participants in the collabs when we had more collabs than now...strangely enough. Video chats are awesome too, especially when they take place like three times a week or even more often. Also looking forward for faster rec grading, this gives me more motivation to submit some more videos there!
Downloadable backing tracks is a huge plus, although I figured out more than one way to get them when I need them 
If your budget permits, some more competitions would be cool too. They seem to raise the activity quite a bit.
All in all, great work!
Christian
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 2 2011, 10:05 AM
First cancel your ongoing plan:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/help-cancel/
Wait until you no longer have video lesson access (In other words when the days you payed for have expired) then sign up to a new one:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/signup/
You can also sign up for a new plan right away and you will still keep the "old days" you have payed for.
If you have any questions or encounter problems Justin will help you asap ( [email protected] ).
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 2 2011, 10:06 AM
Good to hear that you like the ideas!
Regarding the lessons, on my behalf, I shall try to be as conceptual as possible, meaning that I'll try to come up with things that will improve you as a musician/ composer/ creator not only as a guitarist. Let music be our final goal!
I'm around for anything you need, so please do ask
Posted by: Gitarrero May 2 2011, 10:11 AM
Thanks Kris, I just signed up for a new plan without cancelling!
Sounds great Cosmin, looking forward to your next lessons!
Christian
Posted by: zen May 2 2011, 10:17 AM
Sounds good mate.
The new price plan may attract some new faces and a couple of old ones too who left coz they couldnt afford access.
Posted by: Justin Myrick May 2 2011, 10:34 AM
Hey everyone! Listen, I wanted to let all of you know that if anyone has any questions or concerns please feel free to PM me or email me: [email protected]
Posted by: Ben Higgins May 2 2011, 10:51 AM
This is all sounds exciting.. a Brave New World ! That's great that it appeals to the community..
As for emailing Justin, I myself have often emailed him with bizarre questions and he's never let me down with an answer !
Posted by: Justin Myrick May 2 2011, 10:59 AM
That's great that it appeals to the community..As for emailing Justin, I myself have often emailed him with bizarre questions and he's never let me down with an answer !
Wow, thanks Ben!
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 2 2011, 12:10 PM
Good to hear Christian! You should cancel the subscription though, to make sure you don't get double billed!
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic May 2 2011, 12:26 PM
Seems interesting! If somebody has some questions, feel free to ask!
Posted by: Stephane Lucarelli May 2 2011, 12:51 PM
That's some interesting & exciting updates for GMC & the community !
Posted by: Gitarrero May 2 2011, 12:55 PM
Thanks for the advice Kris, I just did that, so everything should be fine now
Posted by: Fran May 2 2011, 01:04 PM
These are great news Kris, I'm sure many old & new members will be attracted by these changes 
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 2 2011, 01:07 PM
You know what they say " The Only Constant is Change!". Never more true than in the word of Music and the World of the web. I"m very excited to heard about the new changes and look forward to the new focus as well
Christian has some points. More collabs is always a good idea I've got a couple in the works now that I'm going to spring on the community aside from our ongoing Quadrium collaboration project (Which everyone is more than welcome to join)
I can't wait to see the ipad/iphone app as well Lots of exciting stuff on deck!
Todd
Posted by: Andrew Cockburn May 2 2011, 01:52 PM
Keep the feedback coming guys - this is all about you and how we can involve you more and help make you better musicians!
Posted by: Kristian Hyvarinen May 2 2011, 02:29 PM
All these changes sound good for me. When we're talking about lessons I definitely prefer quality over quantity - if it were the other way around I'd just keep watching Youtube videos instead of GMC. I find most GMC lessons very high quality already - glad to know we can get even better.
Lower prices? Heck yeah, I sure ain't complaining about that!
About the lesson help and community activities - GOOD. I definitely enjoy the fact that we have a good spirit here - that GMC:s more than just a pay site for learning guitar. It's awesome that we have devoted teachers here to help us on our way.
Great news, Kris, great news.
Posted by: purple hayes May 2 2011, 02:41 PM
I think everything that Kris posted about is great. My only minor complaint about the lessons is the moving backgrounds in the video. To me, it doesn't add anything; it only distracts from the lesson.
Posted by: K1R May 2 2011, 03:24 PM
Great news!
Can I make a suggestion? I think that phrasing lessons should contain some theoretical information like "You should use these intervals to make that kind of feeling" or "The 4th step of the scale sounds especially good here". For example Lian's notes from Diabolic Black Metal Lesson:
How to compose this? How to make a song sound Evil? There are many options, some easy, some require a lot of study and practice. Here are some basic concepts you can try: combine minor chords from a different scale. I combined C#m followed by Gm. I developed a melody during one chord (C#m) and when I fall to the other (Gm), I force the melody to a note of the scale of the new chord.
That would be great if every lesson contained that kind of advice
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic May 2 2011, 03:24 PM
Great feedback so far guys, keep the suggestions and ideas coming!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 2 2011, 03:26 PM
Can I make a suggestion? I think that phrasing lessons should contain some theoretical information like "You should use these intervals to make that kind of feeling" or "The 4th step of the scale sounds especially good here". For example Lian's notes from Diabolic Black Metal Lesson:
That would be great if every lesson contained that kind of advice
I'm with you
I'll write this down as a great observation!
Posted by: Ben Higgins May 2 2011, 03:30 PM
Can I make a suggestion? I think that phrasing lessons should contain some theoretical information like "You should use these intervals to make that kind of feeling" or "The 4th step of the scale sounds especially good here". For example Lian's notes from Diabolic Black Metal Lesson:
That would be great if every lesson contained that kind of advice
Yes, this is a good idea
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 2 2011, 03:32 PM
Excellent feedback - this is definitely a good time for us to get new input! I have created a thread so that we can gather all the ideas and start working on them:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=38838
Posted by: rokchik May 2 2011, 04:44 PM
I love this place so much!!
As Todd said the only constant is change... and not everyone can adapt to it. But Kris is always trying to make GMC better and I love that we as a community can band together and help him achieve this. There are some great suggestions flowing and the changes Kris is implementing are certainly going to improve this already amazing community!!
You all rock!!!
rok
Posted by: maharzan May 2 2011, 04:54 PM
Definitely a very good news. It has been one of the expensive sites out there and interestingly my renewal finished today marking 2nd anniversary. I know a lot of people back then left GMC due to its higher price. I hope a lot of new people will sign up with the new lower price.
Good observation Kris and hope you get good number of members to keep this thing alive and not having to revert this decision. Its the best place on the internet.
Posted by: Piotr Kaczor May 2 2011, 04:54 PM
Even better GMC? Sounds great!
Posted by: thefireball May 2 2011, 06:46 PM
This is amazing news! I love it all! The lower price will definitely help in my getting better music equipment. I hope we will have more competitions as well, because I love competing. You have to think hard about what's gonna be best. I'm okay with the trade-off of fewer lessons, better quality. If an instructor can cram a lot of techniques in one lesson, then it will make up for it. (And if we get better video quality, it would be cool too. LOL) I hope we get some people back and new faces as well.
Here! Here! For the new changes!! Rawk on!!
Posted by: quadrium May 2 2011, 06:54 PM
Wow! Great updates. Especially downloadable backings
Posted by: Kristian Hyvarinen May 2 2011, 06:57 PM
DOWNLOADABLE BACKINGS I MISSED THAT COMPLETELY! Insane news, I love this, man! 
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic May 2 2011, 09:05 PM
This sounds fantastic! ))
I love all the ideas presented
Posted by: thefireball May 2 2011, 09:29 PM
Oh, I missed that downloadable backing tracks too! This is gonna be awesome!!!
Posted by: Mudbone May 2 2011, 10:02 PM
Okay, I'm a little dense, do the new monthly rates apply to members who are already subscribed? Or do I have to cancel my subscription and sign up again?
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic May 2 2011, 10:07 PM
EDIT :
Ignore this post, I misunderstood the question
Answer bellow.
Posted by: Mudbone May 2 2011, 10:27 PM
Christian asked if he could change his current payment plan to a yearly plan, so my understanding is he would have to go through that procedure to change the billing increments, not necessarily to lock into the new rates. So my question is does this procedure also apply to members who don't want to change the billing increments? I pay monthly now, so do I have to cancel my subscription and sign up for another monthly plan to lock into the new rates? Or do I only have to do that if I change the billing increments?
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic May 2 2011, 10:31 PM
Oh sorry about that
I misunderstood your question.You should email Justin or send him a PM : [email protected] .
Posted by: Sollesnes May 2 2011, 10:41 PM
ricGreat to see things moving forward
About new prices: what about members who does not visit the forum? No information on the website, and you have to cancel and re-active your subscription to get the new prices?
Also still no information anywhere on GMC about private lessons except one topic in forum which is not even sticky.
Posted by: Blister May 2 2011, 11:12 PM
Everything sounds great. I am also a newbie here so I am not accustomed to the way things have always been. And I usually try very hard not to be a pessimist but I am concerned about possibly losing instructors or maybe them not being available as often. I do understand that Cosmin & Ivan will be available for quick responses to lessons but all the instructors are so encouraging & helpful & I would hate to lose that.
I also have no problem with fewer lessons. The amount already available is overwhelming (at least to me) & must put a lot of pressure on the instructors to churn 'em out so quickly. But if the demand is there for "new" lessons everyday, what about posting a "classic" or "from the vault" lesson every other day. They could relate to the current month's theme or maybe do blues one month to shredding the next & so on.
I love the video chats & hope they continue. Todd & Ramiro have been very helpful & I look forward to Ivan's & Ben's when my timing will permit.
This is a phenomenal site (community) & I look forward to getting on it everyday. It's obvious you listen to & care about your members.
Gary
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic May 2 2011, 11:27 PM
I also have no problem with fewer lessons. The amount already available is overwhelming (at least to me) & must put a lot of pressure on the instructors to churn 'em out so quickly. But if the demand is there for "new" lessons everyday, what about posting a "classic" or "from the vault" lesson every other day. They could relate to the current month's theme or maybe do blues one month to shredding the next & so on.
I love the video chats & hope they continue. Todd & Ramiro have been very helpful & I look forward to Ivan's & Ben's when my timing will permit.
This is a phenomenal site (community) & I look forward to getting on it everyday. It's obvious you listen to & care about your members.
Gary
Great idea Gary about the older lessons being featured somewhere
We have so many cool lessons in the "vault" that deserve more exposure!
Posted by: thefireball May 3 2011, 04:47 AM
I also have no problem with fewer lessons. The amount already available is overwhelming (at least to me) & must put a lot of pressure on the instructors to churn 'em out so quickly. But if the demand is there for "new" lessons everyday, what about posting a "classic" or "from the vault" lesson every other day. They could relate to the current month's theme or maybe do blues one month to shredding the next & so on.
I love the video chats & hope they continue. Todd & Ramiro have been very helpful & I look forward to Ivan's & Ben's when my timing will permit.
This is a phenomenal site (community) & I look forward to getting on it everyday. It's obvious you listen to & care about your members.
Gary
I agree and this is great. I also see the bringing old lessons out a great idea as well!!
That would be awesome! I know there are some out there we need to learn!!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 3 2011, 05:57 AM
Thanks everybody for the feedback! It's very important to us to know your opinion and to receive all this suggestions. I think that the new changes sound very promising.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 3 2011, 09:44 AM
You have to do the later ( "Or do I have to cancel my subscription and sign up again?" ). We cannot go in and change someone's payment plan (regardless if we intend to lower or raise the fees)- that has to be initiated by the customer.
** To avoid confusion questions about switching payment plans should be asked via email to [email protected] **
Please let us know which email you use to login when contacting us!
The private lessons information was unfortunately removed yesterday - an explanation thread will be up soon.
Posted by: carminemarotta May 8 2011, 11:11 AM
Hello
from when this "new" GMC will start? I mean are Cosmin and Ivan already able to give "fast" answers to questions on the lessons?
Thanks in advance
Carmine
PS my membership ended few days ago, thinking of renewing it 
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 8 2011, 12:35 PM
from when this "new" GMC will start? I mean are Cosmin and Ivan already able to give "fast" answers to questions on the lessons?
Thanks in advance
Carmine
PS my membership ended few days ago, thinking of renewing it
Hey hey
I am waiting for your questions (I'm usually online from 10.30 AM 'till 7.30 PM Monday to Friday) so please do ask me anything you wish to know cheerios!
Cosmin
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl May 8 2011, 08:51 PM
^^ What he said
Posted by: carminemarotta May 25 2011, 02:32 PM
Still a lesson everyday?
Carmine
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic May 25 2011, 02:45 PM
Kris wrote in the first post of this topic that lessons will be published every other day, instead of every day.
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic May 25 2011, 09:07 PM
Carmine
Heheh you are saying it like it's a bad thing
hahah
Posted by: carminemarotta May 25 2011, 09:23 PM
Ha ha ha Bogdan 
Just wanted to check when the update will start.
Carmine
Posted by: Fusar Jun 1 2011, 07:18 PM
Ah great!!! I'll finish all my exams next week, so I have plenty of time to play bass and guitar and so I'll renew my subscription, since I can afford 10 euros
Posted by: mhskeide Jun 1 2011, 08:52 PM
Hmm, with both lower prices and the new features, as well as quality before quantity, I`ll probably spend some money here this summer as well
I also dig that there will be more collabs! I have bought myself some decent recording equipment no, so I am eager to test it out while I can play loud at home
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