Every month, something arrives in the mailbox that makes the world sound more interesting.
No pressure or practice charts. Just a letter, a collectible instrument card, and a playlist from a teacher who has spent 30 years making music irresistible.
Join the ClubDavid's first letter is a welcome to the club. He'll introduce you to the five instrument families and link you to the first playlist featuring beautiful examples of music from each family.
Each card features an instrument from David's personal collection, with facts on the back and a hidden secret: somewhere on every card, a Beatles figurine is tucked near the instrument. Each Beatle represents one of the five instrument families. Collect them all and watch out for the Blue Meanie.
Back in the day, David made mixtapes for his friends. Now he does it for the club. Each month he assembles a YouTube playlist around the letter's theme, then records a short intro video where he walks you through each song, what he loves about it, and what to listen for.
My son will often come home talking about some cool instrument Mr. David introduced him to. He keeps music exciting.
— Quinn
Give them the gift they'll look forward to every month. An entertaining letter in the mailbox, a collectible instrument card, and a playlist full of amazing music that they probably haven't heard before. No batteries, no screen time, no assembly required.
Give a gift subscriptionSign up for $12/month (US), $14/month (international), or $5/month for digital delivery. You can cancel at any time, but why would you want to? Another musical adventure will be coming your way every month!
Soon after you join, you will get a welcome letter that tells you all about the club and introduces you to the five instrument families that David will be referencing in his letters and in the collectible cards. He'll also tell you about the secret hidden Beatles action figures!
Open the envelope and you'll find a letter full of music stories: featured artists, instruments, albums, and history woven around a monthly theme. Scan the playlist card to start the music while you read. And add the instrument card to your growing collection.
Music is always more exciting when you understand its context. This club is my chance to share the stories behind the music I love, and maybe inspire other people to fall in love with music too.
David Stemmle (known as Mr. David to his younger students) teaches guitar, bass, drums, ukulele, and brass in Durham, NC. He also runs the Instrument Explorer series, where students get hands-on time with instruments from his personal collection of 230 from around the world.
Every time David buys an instrument or album, or learns a new song to teach, he goes deep on the research behind it. He has been collecting instruments, musical knowledge, and the background stories for over 30 years. He loves bringing that knowledge to his teaching, and Notes from Mr. David is his way of sharing that with people who aren't in his classroom.
David is posting a new instrument video every day. Follow along on social while you wait for the first mailing.