Online Lessons: Story’s Musical Journey

Story, now 12, had started learning to play guitar when she was 7. The guitar had become an instrument she really started to excel at. But when her family relocated, starting over with a new teacher was definitely a possibility.

This is why I am so glad online lessons were invented. Connecting virtually meant the transition to a new city would have one less concern for them. And of course, I was very happy that I could still teach her. Even though there are some draw backs, having a consistent lesson format can help tremendously when learning a new instrument.

The Privilege to Teach Story

For me, it’s been a privilege to witness her progress unfold. Seeing her confidence grow as she tackles new chords and melodies is just as rewarding online as it was in person. Technology allows me to tailor lessons to her specific needs, demonstrating techniques and still providing immediate feedback.

The flexibility of online lessons has also been a bonus. With the occasional scheduling conflict, online sessions allow us to easily adjust the time without disrupting Story’s practice routine. This consistency is crucial, especially for young musicians where regular practice is key to developing skills and maintaining motivation.

Story’s dedication to her instrument is truly inspiring. Despite the physical distance, her enthusiasm for learning shines through the screen each week. She actively participates, asks questions, and eagerly shares her musical discoveries. It’s a testament to the power of online learning that a strong student-teacher bond can be maintained even in a virtual space.

So, if you’re hesitant about online lessons for yourself or your child, take Story’s experience as an example. Technology has revolutionized learning, offering accessibility and flexibility without compromising quality. With the right platform and a dedicated teacher, online lessons can be just as enriching and rewarding as traditional in-person instruction.

If you are interested in taking online lessons, please contact us.

The Magic of Consistent Practice: From Beginner to Guitar Hero

We’ve all seen those epic guitar solos that leave us speechless. Fingers flying across the fretboard, complex melodies weaving magic in the air – it seems like these guitarists are channeling pure sorcery. But the truth is far less mystical and far more attainable: consistent practice is the real secret weapon. Just ask Christopher, a student who tackled the notoriously difficult solo in Judas Priest’s “The Sentinel” through sheer perseverance.

Imagine the satisfaction Christopher felt nailing that solo. It wasn’t a stroke of luck or sudden talent explosion. It was the culmination of countless hours spent diligently practicing, dissecting each note, and building the muscle memory to execute it flawlessly. This is the power of consistent practice – it transforms the impossible into the impressive.

Consistent Practice with Anything

Think about learning any skill. Whether it’s baking a perfect souffle, mastering a new language, or even becoming a coding whiz, the initial steps are often the most daunting. We stumble, make mistakes, and feel discouraged. But with consistent practice, those fumbles transform into fluid movements. The brain strengthens the neural pathways associated with the skill, making it more automatic and less effortful.

Let’s break it down further. Consistent practice isn’t about cramming hours on end in a single go. It’s about dedicating focused time regularly. Think of it like watering a plant. Short, regular bursts of focused practice are far more effective than sporadic marathon sessions. This allows your brain to absorb information, process it, and then solidify those connections through consistent repetition.

Here’s the beauty of consistent practice: it applies to every facet of life. Whether you’re aiming to improve your public speaking skills, become a more patient parent, or simply learn a new recipe, consistent effort is the key to progress.

There will be days when motivation dips. Life throws curveballs, and practice sessions might fall by the

wayside. Don’t beat yourself up! The key is to get back on track as soon as possible. Remember, even a short practice session is better than none. Consistency is about the long game, not about a perfect track record.

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Practicing

Here are some tips to cultivate consistent practice in your own life:

• Set realistic goals: Don’t overwhelm yourself by aiming for mastery overnight. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate each milestone, and use them to fuel your motivation.
• Find a practice method that works for you: Experiment with different techniques to find what keeps you engaged. Maybe it’s practicing with a metronome, joining an online community, or simply finding a quiet corner with your instrument.
• Make it fun! Learning shouldn’t feel like a chore. Integrate elements that you enjoy into your practice sessions. Play along to your favorite songs, jam with friends, or even reward yourself for reaching milestones.

So, the next time you witness a jaw-dropping guitar solo or marvel at someone’s seemingly effortless mastery of a skill, remember – it’s a testament to the power of consistent practice. It’s the dedication, the focus, and the sheer grit of putting in the work, day after day. And that’s something we can all achieve, one consistent step at a time. The journey to becoming your own personal hero begins with consistent practice. Check out more videos of students here.

My Door Is Always Open: Welcoming Back Students

This week, I had the most incredible surprise! One of my former students, Christina, wanted to restart guitar lessons. It’s always exciting when past students reach out to pick things back up. It’s a testament to how much fun making music is and it apparently doesn’t fade even after time away.

Forming Connections

I really think that teaching is just as much about forming connections as it is passing along information. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of reconnecting with students who took a hiatus, sometimes for decades! I’ve seen them come back as parents, bringing their own children to discover the magic of music. Others have returned after building successful careers, seeking a creative outlet or that familiar comfort music provides.

Sometimes life throws curveballs that put those connections on hold. Maybe work gets demanding, or a new family takes center stage. Whatever the reason, it’s so amazing when those students want to start back up again.

Never Too Late to Restart Guitar Lessons

It’s a beautiful reminder that learning is a lifelong journey. There’s no such thing as a “too late” when it comes to music. Whether you put your instrument down for a year or twenty, picking it back up is always so rewarding.

Here in my studio, the door is always open to anyone who is interested in learning music! But more importantly, there’s an open invitation to come back, no matter how much time has passed. We can pick up where we left off, or start fresh depending on your goals.

Whether you need a refresher, a supportive environment to tackle a new challenge, or simply a friendly face to chat with about your progress, don’t hesitate to reach out.  Here’s to the power of lifelong learning, and to the connections that make it all the more rewarding!

 

 

Music Theory: The Secret Weapon You Didn’t Know You Needed

Have you ever wondered what makes a song tick? Why does a certain chord progression evoke joy, while another brings a sense of melancholy? Enter the magical world of music theory.

Now, I’ll admit, I used to be intimidated by the idea of music theory. Back in school, a classmate declared the class “super hard” and that was enough to scare me off. Big mistake. Here’s why:

Music theory isn’t some arcane code reserved for musical geniuses. It’s the language of music, a set of tools that unlocks a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sounds you love. It’s like learning the grammar of your favorite language. It doesn’t make you speak any less beautifully, but it gives you the power to express yourself with more intention and clarity.

It Is Fun!

Here’s the real kicker: music theory is actually FUN. It’s like solving a puzzle, figuring out how notes fit together to create the magic we call music. Understanding scales, chords, and key signatures empowers you to:

• Write better songs: No more aimlessly strumming chords and hoping for the best. Theory gives you the tools to intentionally craft melodies, harmonies, and progressions that evoke specific emotions and create a cohesive musical experience.
• Play with more freedom: Theory isn’t about restricting your creativity; it’s about giving you the freedom to explore different sounds and styles with confidence. You’ll be able to improvise, experiment, and break the “rules” in a way that makes musical sense.
• Appreciate music on a deeper level: When you understand the “why” behind the music you love, it becomes even more impactful. You’ll start noticing the intricate details in your favorite songs, the clever use of chords, and the way melodies weave their emotional spell.

So, the next time you hear someone say music theory is hard, just smile and know the truth: it’s a playground waiting to be explored. It’s a language that, once learned, opens doors to a world of musical possibilities. Trust me, you won’t regret taking the plunge.

Start with the basics, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the “aha” moments start rolling in. Then see you’ll see how much more fun and fulfilling your musical journey becomes.

Feel free to contact us if you are interested in learning more about music theory.

Google Drive and Sheets: A Student’s Guide to Organization and Practice

This blog post unveils a powerful weapon in your practice arsenal: Google Drive + Sheets. Sheet is such a helpful tool for our students to be able to keep track of where they are and what we’ve covered.

Why Google Drive?  

Google Drive, accessible from any device with an internet connection, makes it easy to stay organized. Gone are the days of lost worksheets or misplaced notes. The nice thing is that it’s completely free and doesn’t require a subscription.

Tracking You Lesson in Google Sheets

Google Sheets, a spreadsheet program within Drive, becomes your personalized practice companion. Here’s the magic:

• One Simple Link: At the end of the first lesson, we will send a link in an email granting you access to your very own practice tracker sheet in your folder. It is easy to get to.
• See Your Stuff Only: Google Drive keeps your practice data private. Only you can see your progress and what you are working on. Plus, you can leave notes and questions on the sheet as well.
• Columns for Clarity:
  • Songs: Track which songs you’re tackling. You’ll also have a record of all of the other songs you have previously learned. You can keep it fun by reviewing those during your practice session.
  • Tabs or Theory: You will have a list the specific elements covered in each lesson (scales, chords, popular riff’s etc.).
  • Practice Hints and Ideas: At the top of the sheet, we put a list of helpful tips and ideas for mastering each song or concept. There are also ideas to make things a lot of fun while you practice.
• Review at a Glance: Throughout the semester, your sheet becomes a running log of your progress. If you want to review a specific technique, a quick glance at your sheet can jog your memory.

 

Making the Most of Your Practice Tracker

• Fill it Up: After each lesson, we will jot down the songs and theory covered. Feel free to add any notes or questions you have right on the sheet. There is even an additional column specifically for comments.
• Specific: Each column records exactly what was covered in the lesson with the date to make it very easy to find. This is nice if you went on vacation or had to miss a lesson.
• Own Your Practice: The Sheet can help structure your practice sessions, focusing on targeted elements.

With Google Drive and Sheets working together, you’ll be well on your way to organized, productive practice sessions. Remember, consistency is key!

If you are interested in lessons, feel free to contact us to set up your first free introductory lesson.