Use ArtistWorks To Reach Your Music Goals Through The BPL

Enjoy Courtesy Access Compliments of the Birmingham Public Library System

ArtistWorks for Libraries provides musicians world-class instruction from Grammy Award-winning music professionals for free through your Birmingham Public Library. This new digital resource offers users a guided path of video lessons containing everything they need to reach their musical goals.

All levels of player are welcome!

Online Music Lessons from Master Musicians

Any instrument, any style—learn from some of your favorite musicians and start playing at a higher level!

Explore Our Online Music Lessons

Each course has a massive library covering everything from basic fundamentals to advanced techniques, with key learning strategies presented at every step. From guitar to piano, banjo, ukulele, and beyond, ArtistWorks' virtuoso faculty offers high-caliber instructions to teach you how to play. You can explore online music classes on any smart device anytime, anywhere! 

No matter your passion, there’s a class for everyone. Learn at your own pace with detailed step-by-step instruction with new lessons being added all the time.

Some features of the app include:

• Blues, bluegrass, jazz, rock, classical, and more genres 
• Hundreds of hours of high-quality video instruction
• Studio quality play-along tracks
• Downloadable written materials, tablature, and sheet music
• Chords and scales for right-and left-hand techniques (if applicable)

Courses are built for every level of experience, drawing from an artist’s lifetime of experience to teach you how to master an instrument. Build a solid foundation as you learn standards, songwriting techniques, and—maybe—dive into some of the artist's original music.

This database currently only has English as a supported language.

To Get Started

Access to ArtistWorks is similar to other Libby Extras products, like Craftsy and Kanopy. You can access this database through Libby's online app for desktops and laptops or on the Libby app for mobile devices (scan the QR codes below with your phone to get the Libby app if you don't have it already!).

Scan for the App Store

Scan for the Google Play Store

If it's your first-time using Libby, you will have to select your library and enter your library card number to log in. 

Select how you want to access ArtistWorks (for 30 days), such as:

• Through the BPL Databases page
• Directly via this link
• Or scan the QR code below

Then from either app, once logged in, select the picture of the library at the bottom of the screen and:

• Scroll down to Extras
• Select ArtistWorks
• Select "Get," located a little lower to the right
• Select "Open"
• Select "Get Access" 

From the desktop/laptop Libby app, find and select ArtistWorks database page and then select "Get 30-day pass."

From the ArtistWorks homepage, you just select your teacher/artist.

Some notes about Libby Extras

In some instances, there are classes, special and live events, and perks that require a separate commercial membership. It is the patron’s option to be a part of the commercial pay program. There are also opportunities for patrons to purchase videos and other physical items directly. These programs and any requiring payment of any sort are outside of and independent of the Birmingham Public Library.

Some content may be available per providers via apps for smart TVs and streaming devices. If you create an account when accessing these providers through Libby, you can enjoy free access to their TV apps by signing in with that account. If a provider doesn't offer a streaming app, you may be able to cast their content from your device to a TV instead; please consult your device help for casting instructions.

About the BPL

For additional information about the programs and services of the Birmingham Public Library, visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. The mission of Birmingham Public Library is to provide the highest quality experience to our community for lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. This system—with 16 active locations and serving the community for over 130 years—is one of the largest library systems in the Southeast.

Read our other blogs to find more developments in our online resources:

• Birmingham Public Library Adds American Sign Language to Database Collection
• Learn Languages by Watching Films with Mango Movies
• Little Pim, Mango for Kids, Now Available Through the BPL
• Introducing New & Improved BPL Mobile App

By Caleb West | Director of Collection Management, Central Library