SUMMER GUITAR WORKSHOP

It’s time to start gearing up for the 2008 National Guitar Workshop!

For the past 25 years the NGW has been providing learning opportunities for guitar students, keyboard players, drummers and songwriters in several locations across the United States. Each summer they help students of all skill levels improve their craft by offering a detailed curriculum on a wide variety of topics, such as:

• Rock Guitar Styles
• The Total Blues Guitarist
• The Complete Classical Gutarist
• Technique and Musicianship
• Songwriting
• Jazz Skills
• Phat Funk & Fusion
• Improvisation
• Chord and Melody Accompaniment
• Fingerstyle Guitar
• Hot Flatpicking Guitar
  • and so much more…

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Classes are taught by professional music teachers and special guest recording artists. This year’s guest list includes two of my favorite Windham Hill recording artists- Alex Degrassi and Ed Gerhard.The program is divided into three main catagories:

1. CORE - focusing on musicianship skills, theory, ear training, and fretboard knowledge.
2. SEMINARS – focusing on specific subjects, styles and/or artists such as Hendrix, Beatles, etc. Performance opportunities are also provided.
3. SUMMITS –  Intermediate/advanced students attend workshops with master artists to focus on a specific style such as Blues, Fingerstyle, Classical, Jazz, etc. Performance opportunities are also provided.

Classes begin June 28 and run through August 15. To obtain a catalog or learn more about the National Guitar Workshop go to:

http://www.guitarworkshop.com/

Till next time…

Keep practicing!
guitarcoach

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GUITAR EUPHORIA

Have you ever experienced guitar euphoria?  Euphoria is defined as “a buoyant feeling of well being” and, contrary to the culture of the day, is something you can experience without the use of illegal substances. 

The other night I had the pleasant opportunity of attending the International Guitar Night at our local performing arts center and experiencing guitar euphoria first hand. Fingerstyle guitar artist and poet, Brian Gore, founded the International Guitar Night in San Francisco back in 1995. His aim was to bring the world’s finest acoustic guitarists together to collaborate on musical ideas and perform in public concert.  What began at a grass roots level twelve years ago, has developed into North America’s foremost mobile guitar festival that is now sponsored by Acoustic Guitar Magazine.

Brian, described as being one of the “most interesting and influential performers of ‘the next generation’ in acoustic guitar,” opened the show with an expressive original composition. “Music started out as a kind of therapy for me” he said. “Consequently, I am a very emotional player.” Other featured artists were Miguel de la Bastide, a master flamenco guitarist; Clive Carroll, one of Britain’s premier fingerstyle guitar players; and Ernest Randriana, an open tuning wizard from Madagascar who  goes by the name,”D’Gary.”

All in all, it was one of those experiences that makes a person want to play fingerstyle guitar.  Each  performance was simply fascinating to watch.  I sat spell-bound by the wonder of it all. I also realized, even as a guitar teacher, that there is still much more to learn.

It doesn’t matter how good a guitarist one might be, inevitably there will always be someone better. Just ask Eric Clapton.  While fans were in the midst of worshiping him as the greatest lead guitar player alive, someone by the name of Jimi Hendrix came along. Then, almost overnight, Eric was suddenly dethroned and replaced by “the Wild Man of Borneo.” 

Fortunately, Eric and Jimi quickly hit it off and became friendly rivals instead of fierce competitors. I think there is an important lesson here for guitar players to heed, regardless of style. That is, if we are humble and open to learning from our peers, we will find a safeguard against discouragement and the inclination to give up when outshined by a superior.  This attitude will help us continue to develop and grow as musicians.

The International Guitar Night demonstrated musicianship at it’s best.  The collaboration, skill, and humility which these four guitar masters displayed throughout their performance was exceptional.  When we live in a time where pride and vanity are applauded, regardles of talent, I must admit- it was a refreshing change.

Until next time…
Keep practicing!

guitarcoach

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MUSIC TO MY EARS

I can still remember when it was music to my ears listening to my favorite rock bands in concert while they cranked-out the volume at deafening levels. The louder the better as far as I was concerned. I loved being emersed by the waves of sound moving in, out and around me.

These days, I find that even though I still enjoy rock music, it is no longer music to my ears when the volume is too loud. But what, you may ask, is too loud?  Isn’t this a rather subjective experience that will differ from person to person?

Well, as a matter of fact, the answer is no.  According to one article I read, exposure to sound that measures above 125 decibels, for even a few seconds, can damage your hearing. Musicians are at greater risk than the average person because of their prolonged, continuous exposure during rehersals and performances.  It has been estimated that as many as 30 percent of musicians who play rock music lose their hearing. And, surprising as it may seem, hearing loss among classical musicians is even greater- as high as 52 percent. 

Some beginning signs of hearing loss are hypersensitivity to sound, ringing in the ears, and trouble distinguishing  between sounds, such as consonants (p,t,b,d) or pitch. Small reusable foam ear plugs can help protect your hearing. They are easy to carry in a pocket, purse or gig-bag too, that way you can have them available at all times.

Using some basic common sense, such as turning down your amp volume when practicing or teaching, will help you to avoid hearing loss.  If you absolutely must be exposed to loud volumes, giving your ears 14-16 hours of quiet rest after exposure, can help relieve any temporary distortion you might experience.

Today I would describe enjoyable music to my ears as being at a volume that is safe, comfortable and easy to listen to. As a guitar player and teacher, my ears are an important part of my life, and I want to protect them as long as possible. Hearing loss for me, as a musician, might be summed up in Jim Morrison’s verse on The Doors album …

“When the music’s over, turn out the light”

Permanently.

Instead of playing that scenerio, I’d rather just turn the volume down a notch or two.

Until next time,

Keep practicing!
guitarcoach

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