Glenelg Guitar Studio

Yes I know the last 6 in the series have been a little while coming, however, it’s been very busy with lots of new students starting this year . Anyway, here they are, and I hope that you find some ideas useful.

7.USE A METRONOME.
When you listen to popular music most of the time you hear the drum beat in the time signature of the piece and this presents the beat for the other instruments. So when practicing have your own drummer by using a metronome in at least some of the pieces you are practicing. You can use the standard metronome or maybe an App for a talking metronome.  Imagine no more guesswork in timing for your practice !!!

8.USE BIRTHDAYS AND CHRISTMAS TO SUGGEST SONG BOOKS, ACCESSORIES ETC.
Ok, maybe not everyone wants to learn Christmas carols but I’m sure that you have favourite songs or artists, so put in your order for a song book or get lucky with that extra accessory you want. A new gadget certainly adds interest (and sometimes complexity) to your practice session.

9. BOOK IN FOR AN EXAM IN 2015
The decision to do a Music Exam certainly puts a new focus on your practice session and the pieces you need for your level are most likely the ones you’re working on now. It’s really not that hard and it gives you a feeling of real achievement.

While you can’t escape being nervous, exams are not stressful. It’s really not that hard and will give you  a feeling of real achievement. Look out for my next post where you will be able to see for yourselves the sensational results from the 2014 exam series by students of ALL AGES and ALL LEVELS! A mantra that works for me when deciding to perform or undertake exams is ” RISKS AREN’T SCARY ONCE YOU TAKE THEM” or this gem by Mark Twain, “WHAT I FEAR DOING THE MOST IS USUALLY WHAT I MOST NEED TO DO”.

10.WARM UP WITH DRILLS RELATED TO YOUR PIECES
Each new piece will have it challenges and if  you are learning modern or classical the same idea applies. There will be chord changes or fret movements that are new or challenging, so break them down, note by note and use them as your warm up exercise.

My teachers, many years ago, encouraged me to spend 25% of my practice time on technical work. Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s that equated to 60-90 minutes of scales, arpeggios and drills! (Nowadays my warm up is 15 minutes of a 60 minute practice session)

11. ENROL IN A WEA GUITAR COURSE
Many students started their musical journey at the WEA. Courses have changed dramatically over the years, so if you are after an intensive course of study to supplement your regular lessons this could be for you. The group lessons are a relaxed enjoyable way to progress, for only a few hours on 2 or 3 Sunday mornings. I have a number of home students who regularly enrol in these courses and they are noticing a significant acceleration in their playing.

12. GET TOGETHER WITH OTHER MUSICIANS AND PLAY
In addition to my regular lessons, once a month I get together with like-minded acoustic Guitarists (of all ages and levels). We have a terrific time performing for each other well as “chewing the fat” on all aspects of Guitar playing. I consider it very good for my playing and most enjoyable.

The question is who can you get together with for an hour or two of playing and jamming, that will give you a lot of pleasure and enjoyment?. Why not prepare a solo or prepare a duet with me that we can put up on the Glenelg Guitar Studio website? Volunteers needed !!

That completes the 12 habits ( here is a link to the first 6 in case you missed them).  I hope you will employ some of these, as doing so will dramatically accelerate your progress and enjoyment before the end of 2015!
Cheers
Leigh