“I Didn’t Get to Practice Much” I hear this phrase before a lesson at least a couple of times a week. What does it tell me? When you say “I didn’t get a chance to practice,” here are the two… Continue Reading
My father was a basketball coach, and one thing he used to say that has remained with me is “Practice like you play.” When he said it, he usually meant that one should work as hard during a practice as… Continue Reading
Here’s a recent interview with one of my favorite guitarists, Paul Gilbert (formerly of Racer X and Mr. Big). As both a performer and teacher, I’m inspired by Paul’s energetic personality. He’s got skills and brains, but never loses sight… Continue Reading
Let me begin by stating that I love tablature. I use it a lot, both in practice and in my lessons. When I have an idea for a lick, I often write it down on tablature paper. Sometimes I compose… Continue Reading
My friends at TakeLessons have posted an article titled “5 Tips on How to Get Your Child to Practice Piano,” which I think applies to any instrument. The problem with practice is that is can seem like work. When it… Continue Reading
There is an article at The Music Parents’ Guide detailing reasons why students tend to quit. It’s very much worth the read, and I’d like to add some thoughts of my own. I’ll begin by responding to each reason one… Continue Reading
I have begun work on a course which I plan to offer via Udemy.com, titled “Jazz for the Rock Guitarist.” If you know any guitarists who are fairly skilled rock performers but wish to explore jazz, this is exactly who I’m… Continue Reading
I’m going to rant for a little bit about a trend that I see among music educators that needs to stop, for the good of our art. As you might expect, my personal Facebook account is linked to those of… Continue Reading
The third leg of our practice triangle is something you shouldn’t be surprised to hear a guitar instructor promoting: technique. What is technique? Let’s define technique as “a measure of one’s physical ability to execute musical ideas.” The musical ideas… Continue Reading
“You’ve got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail.” –Charlie Parker As I mentioned in my first article on the Practice… Continue Reading