PGS Survey 2016
In November 2016, we asked everyone on our mailing list to answer a brief survey about PGS. There were a total of 68 responses.
You can see a summary of the multiple choice responses here: PGS Survey 2016 Summary.
Answers to the open-ended questions (edited for brevity and constructiveness), summarized below. Most of these questions received between 2 and 12 responses.
You can see a summary of the multiple choice responses here: PGS Survey 2016 Summary.
Answers to the open-ended questions (edited for brevity and constructiveness), summarized below. Most of these questions received between 2 and 12 responses.
PGS is exploring adding resources, content and events for our membership. Which of the following would you be interested in? Responses to the "Other" category included:
- an additional venue for monthly meetings (Vancouver?)
- more variation in our featured artists
- facilitating more connections between members, jamming, socializing, etc.
- return of the paper newsletter
- occasional presentations from luthiers
PGS/Member Communication
- would like a US mail option
- would like more ways to get involved with music, jamming and learning
- recognition of at least 2 members per meeting
- PGS should get involved in the community, providing entertainment for example to the Children's Hospital
- need more young people
- provide some critique of open-mic performances
- "Pretty good job, overall"
Monthly Newsletters
- would like a US mail option (2 responses)
- more content about how to practice and improve technique
- 5 positive comments about the newsletter
Website
- need more resources and informational links
- 5 positive comments about the website
Library
- Four people replied with positive comments about the library: "good", "excellent job", etc.
Monthly Meetings
- Two respondents suggested improvements to the initial announcements by board members. Suggestions include: speak clearly, eliminate the banter between board members (speak to the room), set a better public-speaking example.
- Two respondents would like us to change the location or date of our monthly meeting
- "I would like to see more sharing of techniques(playing) and discussion of music theory"
- 3 positive comments
Community Events
- PGS should be involved in school music programs
- PGS should promote more non-classical guitar events
Youth Participation
- 8 respondents would like see more PGS youth participation
Teacher Participation
- 2 respondents felt like there should be more teacher participation
- 4 respondents felt like teacher involvement was adequate
- need more "Chatting or discussions of certain important topic in regards to guitar playing" e.g. technique and performance anxiety
Increasing our Membership
- "Find a new place for the meetings first and think about more than once a month"
- "More publicity?"
- "Advertising to the general public that all genres of music are played at our meetings should bring in more people but would require a bigger hall and more expense to pay for it. I don't know what size we should be."
Other
- increase membership dues
- 1 respondent was impressed by our responsiveness to email queries
- 1 respondent was unimpressed by our responsiveness to email queries
- "Advertising to the general public that all genres of music are played at our meetings should bring in more people but would require a bigger hall and more expense to pay for it. I don't know what size we should be."
- "I feel the meetings are aimed at people who want to play open mic. but you are leaving out the people who just like music interaction with other music lovers. building, writing, jamming and understanding music with paying for a high priced class or teacher which always does not help or some people can't afford"
- "I think it is great the work that PGS does and appreciate all the hard work that goes into running the meetings. I love the lending library. I love the sharing and welcoming attitude of PGS. Thank you!"
- "Over all, I enjoy the meetings and what people can do with the guitar and other string instruments that some people have brought to the meetings. Music and groups from around the world are always interesting. I get on YouTube and go to countries in Europe, Asia, Iran, Latin America to watch their folk dances, hear their music and see their sometimes strange looking instruments."
- "I live out of state but still feel a connection to PGS. It was somewhat responsible for developing my fondness for the guitar and the people who are passionate about guitar musicianship!"
- "I'm working out of town last 9 months, commuting weekly or biweekly; miss PGS monthly meeting. Like event calendar and sponsorships"
- "Famous does not always equate great. Artists who can bridge the classical gap and are willing to go into schools and non-classical venues are rare, but should be appreciated and not ignored. They are creating a future for the instrument."