WEEKLY UPDATE 2-17-2013

2-17-2013 WEEKLY UPDATE: A lot is happening here at United Taps:

1. 3 new routines (Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner) that use drumsticks are in the pipeline right now. The advanced routine should launch within a week and the others are not far behind.

2. All my video downloads are now offered in MP4 format which is more universal than the MOV format they replace. This is especially good for anyone on an iOS device or most mobile devices.

3. I took a big step towards allowing my customers to stream my videos. I found a streaming video provider (Vimeo - using their PRO service) and Once I get all my videos uploaded to Vimeo (around 80GB of files just for the HD versions!) I will begin rolling out the streaming option on all my videos.

4. I am continuing to make minor changes to the website. Those who have visited recently may have noticed graphics getting a more squared off look (like WIndows 8). I am also redesigning my "Add to Cart" buttons and will be changing the resolution of some of my graphics so they look better on Hi-Res screens like the Retina iPad.

5. A new video dictionary in HD is next on my agenda. I'm considering making short practice exercises that go with each step in the dictionary. I would sell the practice exercises separately from the dictionary or offer them bundled with the dictionary for a discount. Is there any interest in this? Would any of you actually buy this?

Thank you all for your support. United Taps is growing at its fastest pace ever. I couldn't do it without you!

http://www.unitedtaps.com/

11-4-12 WEEKLY UPDATE

1.  My new tap workout video for Level 2 tappers is available here: http://www.unitedtaps.com/tapworkoutvideolevel2.html

2.  I need your help.  I have created a new site that combines my mobile and tablet sites into one site.  So far it seems to work on most devices I have tried but I can't try them all!  If you have the time, could check out the site on your phone and/or tablet and let me know how it works?  Just let me know what device you tried it on and if anything is not working or displaying correctly.  Specifically I am concerned that on some android phones the site will load zoomed into the upper left corner instead of showing the entire page.  Here is the address:

http://m.unitedtaps.com

Thank you very much!

3.  All versions of advanced beginner lessons 5 & 6 are exported and uploaded.  Working on lesson 7 today and hopefully I'll get lesson 8 done this week so I can post lessons 5-8 in the next week or two.

WEEKLY UPDATE 8-19-12

I did it! The new albums are done and ready for sale! They are called Phoenix and Phoenix Remixed. You can buy them together for only $12 (download) or $20 (CDs). I have a video for each album of me tapping to each song so you can hear a sample of all the songs! I really think you'll like them.http://www.unitedtaps.com/phoenixbundle.html

My new intermediate acapella routine called Just Tappin' is out! Check it out, I think you'll really like it.http://www.unitedtaps.com/buyjusttappintaproutine.html

7-29-12 WEEKLY UPDATE

I have been doing a lot of reworking of my remixes. I have 6 to finalize and then the music will be done. That's all that's new other than prepping my websites for the release of the new albums and new intermediate routine.

7-22-12 WEEKLY UPDATE

I went back and listened to the finalized versions of some of my songs through different speakers and ended up revising them. I am still in the process of doing this for my regular album. Bottom line is that I have about half of the first album truly finalized and 2 songs from my remix album truly finalized as well.

I have learned to no longer estimate completion dates. These albums have taken way longer than I thought but my ultimate goal is to make them as good as I can, not to release them by a certain date. Also I have been doing some custom choreography and have more lined up so that eats into the time I can spend on the music and website.

My new intermediate acapella routine called Just Tappin' is almost ready to go. I need to create a promo/sample video for it and that's it. However I'm going to wait to release it simultaneously with my new albums so I'm only doing one update to my websites (since I have a mobile and tablet version of my site it requires updating 3 different sites).

If you've been to my mobile site recently -http://mobile.unitedtaps.com/ - you may have noticed the store page not displaying correctly. That has been fixed so everything should look right now. If you ever find any errors or see something displaying incorrectly please let me know. I have been known to occasionally give free downloads to people who point out problems I have missed.

NEW BEGINNINGS CONCLUSION

So all my redesigns including my mobile site, and the addition of a tablet version of my site have been complete since mid-April 2012.  Looking back it seems it's taken me a full year to get the website where I want it.  Looking ahead it's all about creating new content.  In the pipeline are:


New Album (current working name is Unstoppable but that may change)


Remix of the New Album (current working name is Don't Stop)


Refilming the tap dictionary/syllabus in HD


Beginner Lessons Series for Level 2


New beginner and intermediate tap choreography

WEEKLY UPDATE 5-28-2012

WEEKLY UPDATE: I've written 13 songs for the new album and 7 have been mixed down (ready to sell for the most part). I also have 2 remixes finished. 

I got to (needed to) practice the other day. I spent about 45 minutes just woking on basic stuff like step heels, shuffle steps, and scuffle step heels. I only teach "live" 3 days a week and most of that is watching and cleaning dances not actual tapping so my skills are getting rusty.

I am still considering doing "live" streaming classes online this summer. If you're interested, type the days and times (include time zone) that would be best for you and what level you would like to take. Thanks!