Today’s Friday Favorite might feel a bit “risky” in that it is edgier and heavier than things suggested in the past. It is great for a mid-class flat road push at AT. What is really different is that this 81 rpm flat starts out intense and then mellows out at :30. Intensity gradually builds back over the next minute and pulls back at 1:26. 2:05 brings back intensity and then at 2:35 there is almost quiet. This time is fantastic to queue your students to tune into what their bodies are really doing and how they are really responding. The vocals during this time are beautiful and corresponding guitar licks at 3:30 are amazing to the 4:59 end of Alter Bridge’s “Open Your Eyes” from their One Day Remains CD.
Here’s hoping you like this group as much as I do:
Completely unrelated, but essential for any Instructor, is a good intro track. You know, one that sets the mood and doesn't have lyrics you'll need to talk over. John posed last week about Chicane, a new band he had been using. Here's a remix of Chicane's “Off Shore” that maybe something you would like to lead with next week. Chicane – Offshore by LynnValleyJazz
Tuesday has been reserved as Technology day here at ICI/PRO and this new iDJ – Numark app for iphones and iPads certainly fits this category. I've been playing with this new app from the MixMeister folks for a while and thought I would give you my initial thoughts on it's suitability as a tool you could use to create a seamless playlist for your class.
But first I need to vent a bit. I've attempted to contact Numark – the company that creates and sells MixMeister and this new iDJ software multiple times without success. Questions about the use of their software and requests for interviews have been ignored. Now I realize that being the independent resource for Indoor Cycling Instructors may not mean that much, but really… does anyone even look at your “Contact Us” emails?
The iDJ iPhone app is actually pretty cool… if you are willing to fight through the learning process with no manual or tutorials to help you along. There is a tutorial for iPad owners – but it doesn't translate well for the iPhone user.
Once you figure out how to import your desired tracks from iTunes (as far as I can tell you can't import a whole playlist – and no it doesn't work with Spotify) iDJ will go through and find the BPM for each song. Next it will create a Beatmix transition for each track. Great if you have a playlist of dance music all at 120 – 130 BMP. Not so good if you're trying to use one song at 180 BPM which blends into the next at 128 BPM. The effect is as if the 180 BPM song gets stuck in a tar pit and slows down to very slow.
Play with iDJ a little longer and you may/may not discover that you can change the default Beat Mix to a simple cross fade – which is the only transition that will work with songs with big BPM differences.
In fairness to Numark, iDJ (like MixMeister) is really designed for club DJs, not Spinning instructors like us. Dance music falls within a very narrow BPM range.
If I have the time I may look to creating a video tutorial for using iDJ in the near future. iDJ – Numark
John saw this track recommended by Keith Skowron Skowron over at the Team Spinning Facebook page. He knew instantly that I would love it… and he was right!
A 64 rpm climb with a mellow piano opening, (but adequate drums) and this Scottish singer-song writer’s fabulous raspy voice is today’s Friday Favorite. 1:27 in, the song breaks open and a driving drumbeat takes over giving great energy. Perhaps try an out of the saddle lift here until 3:00 where the music backs off and have them go back to the saddle for 20 seconds until 3:20 where you could cue to lift out of the saddle and climb strong until the end of the road at 4:07. Listen for the great “ethereal” female vocals in the background of Calvin Harris’ “Feel So Close” single from his yet to be released CD (due out in 2012).
Enjoy!
I learned something really important about Spotify this past Saturday morning. If your iPhone battery goes dead you will need to log in again before it works. Not a big problem… unless it's 3 minutes until your class is supposed to start and you can't remember your user name and password 🙁
Enter the rescue CD you have stashed at each club where you teach – or switch over to iTunes.
You do have a rescue CD backup music plan… don't you [wlm_firstname]?
But I digress…
The real purpose for this post was to show you that I have links to all the Spotify tutorials now on one page so they are easier to find – www.indoorcycleinstructor.com/spotify or you will find it under Resources > Help With Spotify in the navigation above.
It was actually funny watching the Instructor who followed me, cursing his iPhone… “I just charged this %@#$ thing”
“Would you like to use my CD?”
“Thanks” … “would you mind leaving your video too?”
Here's a great idea from ICI/PRO Member Instructor Chuck Gauran that has me smacking my forehead; “why did I think of that?”
With all the excellent, structured Virtual Ride videos available, I'm to the point where it's rare to teach a class without one. I teach to the profile of the video as much as possible so there's a synergy between what I'm coaching and what everyone is watching.
To teach effectively I need to watch the video, right along with the class. So I prefer to ride with the class, rather then up front facing them. I use the mirrors to keep an eye on everyone so it's all good… except I have to leave my iPhone on the sound system – out of reach. So I don't have any option to make volume or track changes if needed. I have a 15′ cord I've tried to use but it's been more hassle than help.
As far as I know, every Smart Phone has Bluetooth built in so you should be ready. iPod users can purchase a Bluetooth Dongle that will plug in and have you ready to go wireless in your next class.
Beyond her role as the Senior Group Fitness Instructor here and at the other clubs where she teaches, Amy is a very accomplished Makeup Artist … where she finds herself today. So I get to give my suggestion for a track you might want to consider for an upcoming class. I've used it (them) for years but this past Monday I received a response unlike any before; Women near the back of the room yells “THIS SONG IS SO AWESOME! It actually shocked me with how loud she was. She had only heard the first few bars from Rods and Cones from the Blue Man Group and that was all it took:)
What I enjoy most about many Blue Man Group tracks is how they build – perfectly suited to use for a “Big Finish” if that's your style. ~ 63 RPM, I use Rods and Cones as the platform for a series of Sprints over it's 5:58 length – starting with heavy pedals and using the rise and fall of the intensity to cue each new effort. Let me know if it works for you. Here it is in Spotify
In my play list Rods and Cones followed this remix of Twilight Zone. It's an interesting mix, you're 4 minutes into a song most everyone knows before there's any vocals. It may have caused the reaction that followed. BileeEdits-Twilight Zone by bileebob
that you can purchase from Amazon for just $32.99
that will plug in and have you ready to go wireless in your next class.