EIU Media Relations

Booth Library Offers New Music Rehearsal and Recording Resources

Guitar and keyboard players have new software and equipment options at Booth Library.

The library offers two Yamaha digital pianos and two electric guitars for use inside the library’s music rehearsal rooms. The keyboards and guitars are connected to a computer, allowing users to record a rehearsal session for review or make a multi-track recording.

In addition to the instruments, advanced amplifier emulator software is available for guitars. Players can choose from 64 amplifiers, 77 cabinets and 113 effects.

“It’s not terribly practical to carry a guitar all over campus, especially in the rain,” said Stacey Knight-Davis, head of the Library Technology Services department. “Having guitars available in the library lets students squeeze in some extra practice time between classes without risking damage to their instrument or back.”

However, patrons are welcome to bring their own. Any guitar equipped with a standard quarter-inch input jack can be connected to the computer, which is equipped with software that allows patrons to slow the tempo of recorded music while preserving the pitch.

The library’s sheet music and CD collection is located on the fourth floor. Sheet music, instructional music books and CDs can be checked out, or patrons can try them out in a rehearsal room before they check them out for home use.

Those interested in starting to play guitar or piano are welcome to come in to the library to try either instrument. Several books on learning to play are available. Please see here for a list of instructional books. An electric guitar, headphone amplifier and tuner may be checked out for four weeks.

Funding for the guitars and software was provided by a Redden grant from the EIU Foundation.

MEDIA CONTACT: Beth Heldebrandt, Booth Library; emheldebrandt@eiu.edu