My name is Nick Ravagni.

I'm the CEO of Don't Fret Productions. When I was five, I started playing guitar, and shortly thereafter, I came up with the original idea for the Don't Fret Note Map™. At eight, I filed for a utility patent, (5,920,023) and received it when I was ten. I received a supplemental patent (6,452,081) based on my original invention when I was 12.

My goal has always been to help people acquire the gift of music. I continue to try to achieve that goal. One of my biggest enjoyments is playing guitar. I know how beneficial it is to me to be able to pick up my guitar and "play the stress away". I guess that's one reason I feel it's important to promote guitar playing.

I am now 19, and I've started two more companies. My other music instruction company is Fretless Finger Guides™ which currently manufactures Note Guides for half-size Violin. Eventually, I hope to have maps for all stringed, necked instruments with or with out frets.

My third company, Computer Works Northwest involves computer instruction, repair and design of high-end custom computers.
I'm about as much of a geek as one can be while still having a life outside of computers. I'm hoping to have a future career in network administration, consulting, and security. Check out my Resume.

My second, supplemental patent is a more advanced version of the Note Map. It's the same principal, a static-cling device that goes under the guitar strings and wraps around the back of the neck and clings to itself. Instead of colored ink dots to indicate where the notes and/or chords are, there will be patches of colored LEP (Light Emitting Polymer) or very thin LEDs, connected wirelessly to a computer interface. Through a custom software program, you will be able to click "G Chord" on the computer screen, and then the device will light up exactly where to put your fingers on the fretboard. The software will know every note, chord and scale. The neat thing about this invention is that it can go on most entry level guitars. You won't have to buy a special guitar or custom made guitar neck. I'm also designing companion software that can "recognize" notes and chords from existing music. For example, you will be able to put in your favorite Eric Clapton CD and the program will analyze exactly what Clapton was playing, and then "play" it back to you. It will show you where to put your fingers via the light-up Note Map and on the computer screen.

The light-up version of my idea will probably cost $10k or more to develop the computer interface and software required. I'm currently looking for venture capital, or investors. If you're interested, please email me.

If you'd like to contact me, you can email nick @ dontfret .com (This is not a link, to help reduce spam). No junk mail please.

My visit to "The Jane Pauley Show".

The photo below was taken in March of 2005 at the NBC Studios in New York City. I was asked to participate in a Jane Pauley show about young entrepreneurs. Jane is the consummate professional and a most gracious host. My thanks to her for her hospitality.

For more information see the Music Trades article published in June, 2004. We are grateful to Music Trades for permission to reproduce this article.

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