ArtistWorks Review – Is it worth the money?

ArtistWorks is an online learning platform that provides video lessons and real-time feedback from professional musicians across various instruments such as guitar, bass, banjo, violin, mandolin, ukulele, and more. The concept behind ArtistWorks is connecting students directly to renowned musicians through online video exchanges.

Founded in 2008 by David and Patricia Butler, ArtistWorks aims to provide inspiring and personalized learning experiences to aspiring musicians around the world. The Butlers wanted to find a way to scale private music lessons and bring masters into the homes of students seeking high-quality instruction.

Over the years, ArtistWorks has collaborated with Grammy Award winners, Juilliard instructors, and other acclaimed musicians to create a library of over 25,000 video lessons. Students can learn from the likes of Paul Gilbert, Nathan East, Diane Bish, and more.

In this ArtistWorks review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the learning platform's features, pricing, course options, and overall value for money.

Table of Contents

How ArtistWorks Video Lessons Work

The core of ArtistWorks' lessons is pre-recorded HD video content created by the instructors. Each instructor has a deep library of lessons structured as courses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students.

Lessons cover techniques, songs, exercises, theory, and more catered to the specific instrument. Students can access the complete set of videos 24/7 and follow along at their own pace.

Where ArtistWorks sets itself apart is the patented Video Exchange Learning® tools. Students can submit practice videos to get personalized feedback and advice directly from the instructor.

Using the Video Exchange, instructors provide video responses analyzing the student's playing technique, answering questions, offering encouragement, and making recommendations. This back-and-forth communication aims to replicate aspects of face-to-face lessons.

ArtistWorks also utilizes tools like notation software, tablature, audio tracks, and instructor cam views to enhance the learning experience. Certain courses also include live group Q&A sessions.

Overall, the combination of on-demand video lessons, personalized feedback through Video Exchange, and supplemental learning resources provides a unique online learning solution.

ArtistWorks Instruments and Course Options

ArtistWorks offers courses across over a dozen instruments, including both acoustic and electric options. Some of the instruments covered include:

Guitar – Electric, acoustic, bass, and ukulele
Banjo – 5-string, 4-string, and tenor
Violin – Covers genres like bluegrass, jazz, classical, and more
Mandolin
Dobro
Fiddle
Saxophone
Flute
Clarinet
Trumpet
Piano – Classical and jazz lessons
Harmonica
Drum
Vocal

The selection of courses focuses on popular instruments for aspiring musicians. There are options for both beginners starting from scratch as well as advanced players looking to improve their skills.

Within each instrument, there are courses led by different instructors with expertise in certain styles and techniques. For example, the guitar section features an Acoustic Country Guitar course by Bryan Sutton, Electric Rock Guitar by Paul Gilbert, and Fingerstyle Guitar by Mark Kailana Nelson, among others.

This diversity of courses allows students to find instruction that fits their experience level and interests. The structured progression within each course provides milestones for students to work through as they improve.

ArtistWorks also offers enrollments that bundle access to all courses for a particular instrument. This bundle option is beneficial for students who want to sample lessons from different instructors.

Submitting and Receiving Video Exchange Feedback

The Video Exchange process is a cornerstone of ArtistWorks' learning experience. Students can submit practice videos throughout the duration of their course access.

To submit a video, students film themselves practicing parts of a lesson or technique. Videos can be recorded on any device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer webcam. The uploads are limited to 5 minutes in length.

ArtistWorks recommends including the student’s name, course name, and any specific questions at the start of the video. This helps provide context when the instructors view it.

After submitting the video, it goes to the queue to be reviewed by the instructor and their teaching assistants. Students receive email notifications when they have new video feedback available.

The feedback videos provide personalized instruction focused on the student’s playing. This includes observations on areas to improve, advice on achieving the correct technique, suggestions for exercises to try, and answers to the student’s questions.

Both the video submissions and instructor responses remain available to rewatch within the student’s account dashboard. This allows students to track their progress over time and recap the feedback conversations.

The turnaround time for receiving video responses ranges from 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the instructor’s availability. Students can continue submitting new videos while waiting for feedback.

ArtistWorks Pricing and Subscription Options

ArtistWorks offers flexible subscription plans to access the course content and Video Exchange tools. There are a few pricing options:

Monthly – Access to a single course for $35/month with no long-term commitments. Video exchange limited to 2 submissions per month.
Basic Annual – Access to a single course for $179/year paid upfront. Video exchange limited to 12 submissions per year.
Premium Annual – Access to a single course for $299/year paid upfront. Unlimited video exchanges with fast 5-day turnaround.
Premium Plus Annual – Access to all courses for a particular instrument for $399/year paid upfront. Unlimited video exchanges with fast 5-day turnaround. Best value for exploring multiple courses.

The Basic plan is a good option for budget-conscious beginners. Premium unlocks unlimited video exchanges for more personalized guidance. Premium Plus offers flexibility to sample different instructors.

ArtistWorks offers free trials so students can test lessons risk-free. There are also holiday sales that discount the annual plans.

Overall, the subscription pricing is competitive for online music lessons. The unlimited feedback model with Premium makes the cost per lesson reasonable compared to alternatives.

Pros of ArtistWorks

Based on my research, here are some of the major benefits and advantages of using ArtistWorks for online music lessons:

World-class instructors – Learn directly from Grammy-winning musicians and experienced teachers hand-picked for their playing skills and ability to coach students. Makes for an inspirational learning experience.
Structured, comprehensive courses – Lessons are organized into courses for all skill levels. Starts with fundamentals and progresses methodically through techniques.
Video exchange feedback – Ability to get personalized feedback and have discussions through video creates an interactive learning environment. Opening to ask questions increases engagement.
24/7 access – Having on-demand access to lessons and tools allows students to learn at their own pace based on their schedule and availability. Learning on your own time is convenient.
Play-along tracks – Many courses provide backing tracks and sheet music to practice techniques learned in lessons. Develop skills by playing with high-quality accompaniments.
Discussion forums – Active online student community forums create opportunities for peer learning and connecting with other members. Can gain new ideas by interacting and sharing with peers.
Mobile access – iOS and Android apps allow accessing lessons and tools on smartphones and tablets. Flexible for practicing and filming video exchanges.

For motivated learners, ArtistWorks provides high-value instruction and feedback to improve playing skills. The video exchange and world-class teachers offerstandout value.

Cons of ArtistWorks

While the platform has many strengths, here are some of the potential limitations to consider:

No real-time instruction – Lessons are self-guided without live video chats. Need motivation for practicing without actively scheduled lessons or instructor interaction.
Slower feedback time – Turnaround time for video exchanges depends on availability. May wait 1-2 weeks to receive responses at busy times. Less immediate than live lessons.
Subscription cost – Monthly and annual pricing creates another subscription expense. À la carte purchases might be preferred.
Requires filming skills – Effective use of video exchange relies on the student’s ability to film practice clearly. Could be challenging without proper recording setup.
Less community – Experience is focused solely between instructor and student. Does not facilitate the same group dynamic as in-person lessons or band environments.
Audio/video quality varies – Subtle nuances of technique may be harder to convey through digital video. Audio resolution also varies across recordings.

The limitations require some discipline and commitment from students to extract full value from the platform. Overall, the pros seem to outweigh the cons for most, but individual preferences apply.

Succeeding with ArtistWorks Lessons

Here are some tips to get the most out of learning with ArtistWorks based on best practices:

Take advantage of video exchanges – This is the most unique part of the platform. Submit videos regularly to engage with instructors and get feedback.
Use mobile apps – Capture quick videos to submit by using the ArtistWorks apps on your phone or tablet. Makes filming and uploading easy.
Leave questions and requests – Leave specific questions and requests for feedback in your video descriptions to guide the instructor’s response.
Follow lesson plans – Stick to the lesson plans and core techniques taught by the instructors within each course. Progress systematically.
Repeat key lessons – Re-watch challenging lessons and techniques. Repeated exposure over time helps skills sink in.
Use slow motion – Slow down the speed on lessons to better understand the nuances of what instructors are demonstrating.
Take notes – Jot down key tips and techniques from lessons to reinforce learning. Review regularly.
Participate in forums– Engage with discussions and ask questions in the community forums to learn from fellow students.
Be patient – Learning an instrument takes time and patience. Stick with the courses and trust the process.

Getting the most value requires engagement with the video tools, lesson plans, and instructor feedback. But the effort pays off in skills gained.

ArtistWorks Review: Final Verdict

In summary, ArtistWorks delivers a fresh approach to online music education by bridging the gap between pre-recorded video lessons and private instruction.

The combination of extensive lesson libraries taught by renowned musicians and personalized feedback through video exchange is compelling. Courses are comprehensive, structured for all skill levels, and focused on teaching proper technique.

While not a full replacement for in-person lessons, the platform enables aspiring musicians to learn from the best teachers. The Video Exchange interaction helps replicate aspects of private instruction virtually.

For motivated students, ArtistWorks provides high-quality education and feedback. The annual pricing tiers are reasonable compared to alternatives. While requiring self-discipline, ArtistWorks courses reward invested students with impressive skills gains.

The world-class instructors, structured curriculum, and video exchange feedback combine to justify ArtistWorks as a top choice for online music lessons.

ArtistWorks Alternatives

For those looking at other online music learning options besides ArtistWorks, here are some alternative platforms to consider:

Fender Play – Fender's digital learning app featuring step-by-step video lessons across guitar, bass and ukulele. Instructors include professional musicians. Courses for all skill levels. Pricing from $9.99/month.

Creative Guitar Studio – Library of over 1000 guitar video lessons from accredited instructor Ricardo Cobo. Covers techniques, songs, theory, ear training. Tuition packages $97+

JamPlay – Huge selection of guitar and ukulele lessons across genres like rock, blues, jazz, and bluegrass. Top instructors provide step-by-step instruction. Access from $19.95/month.

ArtistWorks Guitar Campus – Subscription provides access to a variety of guitar, ukulele, bass, and banjo courses on ArtistWorks. Prices from $179/year.

TrueFire – Large selection of guitar courses in styles including rock, blues, country, jazz, classical, and more. Top instructors and detailed lessons. Subscription plans from $14.99/month.

TakeLessons – Online marketplace for live video lessons across instruments, voice, production, and more. Customized sessions with vetted, background-checked teachers.

Udemy – Marketplace for all types of learning courses including a wide range of music instruction. Lessons focused on specific techniques and songs. Individual purchase pricing.

School of Rock – Mobile app offering guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocal lessons. Step-by-step videos with note-by-note breakdowns of parts. $14.99 per month access.

Each platform has unique strengths and appeals to different types of students. While ArtistWorks stands out for its video exchange model, the above options provide viable alternatives depending on individual needs and preferences. Testing free trials can help choose the best fit.

Best ArtistWorks Courses for Beginners

As a new player looking to build a solid foundation, here are some of the top ArtistWorks beginner courses to consider:

Acoustic Blues Guitar – Learn blues forms, phrasing, grooves, and techniques from acclaimed guitarist and instructor David Hamburger. Starts with basics.

Electric Rock Guitar – Learn rock lead and rhythm essentials like power chords, riffs, and scales from guitarist Paul Gilbert. Structured path for beginners.

Bluegrass Flatpick Guitar – Master flatpicking fundamentals through step-by-step lessons with instructor Bryan Sutton.

Violin Bootcamp – Quickly gain basic violin skills through exercises focused on good form and technique. With instructor Nathan Cole.

Ukulele Fundamentals – Start playing ukulele with essential strumming skills, basic chords, and songs. Led by teacher Craig Chee.

Electric Bass for Beginners – Lock in bass basics like notes, scales, grooves, and techniques. Structured course with instructor Nathan East.

Singer's Guide to Great Performances – Learn key singing skills like pitch, tone, breath support, and improvisation. Vocal coach David McCall holds a masters from Julliard.

The above courses feature knowledgeable, motivating instructors combined with lesson progression designed for music newcomers. Starting with the fundamentals helps pave the way for long-term growth.

Best ArtistWorks Courses for Intermediate Players

For aspiring musicians beyond the beginner phase, here are some suggested intermediate-level ArtistWorks courses:

Bluegrass Banjo – Take banjo playing to the next level by diving into techniques like crosspicking, rolls, and slides. Led by Tony Trischka.

Celtic Fiddle – Improve bowing, ornamentation, and other skills required for Celtic fiddling. Taught by renowned performer Natalie MacMaster.

Jazz Piano – Master jazz theory, comping, voicings, improvisation and repertoire with educator George Whitty.

Fingerpicking Guitar – Strengthen finger independence and pattern-based playing through lessons like "Freight Train," "Don't Think Twice It's All Right," and more.

Electric Country Guitar – Go beyond basics and further develop techniques like hybrid picking, string bending, vibrato, and alternate tunings. With instructor Guthrie Trapp.

Classical Woodwinds – Take clarinet, flute, oboe, or bassoon playing up a level by focusing on tone, embouchure, articulation, and more. Led by Phil Lasser.

Rock Saxophone – Improve skills like tonguing, range, and improvisation through intermediate rock sax lessons and jam tracks. Instructor Eric Marienthal has toured with Elvis Costello, Dave Matthews Band, and more.

Courses in this category help take foundational skills to higher levels through genre/style-specific lessons not covered in beginner content.

Best ArtistWorks Courses for Advanced Students

For experienced players prepared for college-level and professional instruction, these ArtistWorks courses deliver elite skills development:

Electric Shred Guitar – Reach new guitar speeds and improve precision and stamina through lessons on sweep picking, tapping, exotic scales, and more. Led by instructor Andy James.

Gypsy Jazz Violin – Master the nuances of Gypsy Jazz style including rhythm, drive, and improvisation. With virtuoso violinist Jason Anick.

Bluegrass Mandolin – Take mandolin technique to the next level by focusing on alternate fingering, double stops, tremolo, and improvisation. Led by Sam Bush.

Jazz Bass – Get insider techniques for walking bass lines, soloing, slap style, transcribing solos, and more from jazz great John Patitucci.

Classical Piano – Develop advanced piano technique and refine repertoire with training on scales, arpeggios, sight reading, voicing, and more. Instructor Christy Hall holds a doctorate in piano performance.

dobro – Advance Dobro skills like tuning, right hand technique, and soloing. Course includes 25 full songs to learn. Led by Mike Auldridge.

Electric Guitar Improvisation – Take lead playing and soloing to new heights through advanced concepts like targeting chord tones, modal soloing, chord scales, arpeggios, and more.

These rigorous, intensive courses are perfect for driven musicians determined to reach a virtuoso skill level on their instrument.

Tips for Learning from ArtistWorks as a Complete Beginner

Take notes – Jot down lesson notes, chord charts, and techniques to reference later as your memory builds. Repeated reviewing helps retain concepts.
Use tutorials sparingly – When needed, supplement lessons with external beginner tutorials. But focus most time on ArtistWorks material to stay consistent.
Nail core skills – Really dedicate time to fully understand fundamentals like tuning methods, proper hand positioning, basic chords and exercises. Don't rush these foundation steps.
Use slow motion – Slow down the video speed when you need to carefully breakdown what instructors are demonstrating. Repeated viewing ingrains techniques.
Stay patient – Learning an instrument requires patience especially early on. Stick with lessons diligently and you’ll see steady improvement over time.
Use discussion forums – Veteran students share advice for beginners in the community forums. Search questions before posting to benefit from wisdom.
Consider 1-on-1 lessons – If struggling significantly, book a few private lessons to receive personalized help overcoming hurdles as a beginner.
Enjoy the process – Learning something new should be gratifying despite frustrations. Appreciate small wins and enjoy playing even simple songs or pieces early on.

With dedication and patience, ArtistWorks provides the tools for even complete beginners to gain competency on their instrument of choice. Stick with the fundamentals before advancing.

Is ArtistWorks Worth the Money?

For aspiring musicians considering paid subscriptions, a common question is – is ArtistWorks worth the investment?

In my opinion, the platform provides strong value, especially for motivated learners willing to take advantage of all features.

The quality of structured video curriculum and renown of music masters as instructors makes content worth the money alone. But the video exchange feedback takes the experience to another level.

Compared to in-person lessons, ArtistWorks provides comparatively affordable access to world-class talent. The annual pricing equals just $25-35 per month which is very competitive.

Considering most instructor interaction requires extra fees with alternatives, ArtistWorks video exchanges offer a bargain for personalized feedback. Unlimited exchanges with Premium is a steal.

While requiring self-discipline, students who utilize community features, take an active learning approach, and leverage video exchanges should gain skills making a paid subscription worthwhile.

For casual learners, a free trial or monthly plan provides a low-risk way to experience value before committing. But serious students gain tons for a very fair price point.

ArtistWorks Review: Final Thoughts

In closing, ArtistWorks delivers a one-of-a-kind online learning solution for instrument education. The combination of expert instruction and personalized feedback provides fulfilling, high-value development for motivated students.

The platform truly replicates aspects of private lessons through video exchange at affordable pricing. While requiring engagement and patience, lessons reward diligent practice with impressive skills gains.

If looking to start an instrument or hone existing abilities, ArtistWorks courses provide the curriculum and coaching for success. Backed by proven pedagogy and technology tools, the experience equips students to advance their musical journeys.

For inspiration, community, and world-class mentorship, ArtistWorks leverages the internet in ways unmatched by competitors. The platform demonstrates the bright future and potential of online music education.