February 2008 Student News Letter

As a whole, I'm extremely pleased with your progress. Some of you need to put more time into your practice. So, get your acts in gear and manage your time better! There are one or two of you, who have legitimate justifications for your lack of practice. If you're one of those students -- and you should know who you are -- just do what you can to play when you can.

I don't want to show any favoritism here, so I will write this roster in alphabetical order :-)

Amanda: I like your enthusiasm. You have a lot of potential, but you have to put the time in to get the result you are after. You rightly identified one of the areas you should put a little more work into, during our last lesson. Take that and run with it. You'll excel if you do.

Avrami: You've had a difficult few months. It has affected your enthusiasm. Let's hope it's temporary. You have latent talent (hey, those words use the same letters!!) but it must be accompanied by practice. Sometimes, when we do things we should, even though we don't feel like it, we not only grow, but we also climb out of our slump and gain renewed strength of character. Try to get back to playing regularly, even if you aren't "in the mood." You can do this!

Batsheva: I am so happy with your progress! You are practicing much more regularly, now. That's great. I am looking forward to helping you move forward each week.

Chayah: You're doing amazingly well! I know you're one of the busiest of my students and you are well beyond where most students are who have played the brief period you have. I like your determination and how you don't avoid any tricky aspects you encounter.

Gary: Your tenacity is great and your improvement over the past months has been significant. The area in which I think you need a little more discipline, is rhythm. I know it's yet another thing to think about, but once you incorporate accurate rhythm into your whole mental process, it won't be as difficult. Your fretboard understanding is excellent and I very pleased with the music you are tackling.

James: Piano takes president over your guitar, which is sad to me (sniff, sniff) but we have to work with what we have. I think you can eek out a little more time for the guitar, and if you do, I think we're both going to be pleased with your progress.

Jason: Don't resist things that are a challenge or that require effort. Effort is good! It's how you improve. Stay with it, Jason. Your playing will be great, but you have to put in the work. A little secret is that it's so worth it!

Josh: I love your interest in the deep things of music theory, technique and general guitar pedagogy. You're going to be fine. You are inspired and I know you will apply yourself assiduously.

Lisa: You're doing exceptionally well. Your technique is better than most students of your limited experience. You're going to soar. Keep up the good work.

Michal: We've been working together for a while, now. You're a delight to work with. I know your schedule is heavy. You're getting to guitar a lot, despite the work load you have. Good for you. I hope you will gain more and more confidence as you become a better and better guitarist.

Nathan: We're in a small break now, but your work requires so much of your time, there isn't any alternative. I'm looking forward to seeing you again in March. You have overcome your "piano reactions" very well. I know the transition was difficult in the beginning, but you have it now. You have so much music background that we are taking an uncommon path in your lessons. See you soon.

Olivia: Your progress is amazing! You love challenges and practice diligently every week. Keep up the great work and practicing the Grizzly G# Minor Scale. :-) Some students twice your age do not understand music theory as well as you do.

Omer: You're doing excellently! Your desire to be a great guitarist can become a reality if you remain faithful to your practice time and do not resist the things you find difficult in the beginning. It's going to get harder, but you can do it.

Sam B: Confidence, confidence, confidence!! That is the only thing that is holding you back. We both know that you can play. Your self-doubt is your enemy. You have to conquer it. The expansion of your playing and musical understanding will springboard the quality of the songs you write. You can do this, Sam.

Sam O: You are witnessing the fruit of putting in more practice time. Go you! I know you're busy with the play and everything else. Keep practicing. You'll be so glad you do.

Shifra: BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You are doing very well. Now that your posture will be better when you practice, I think you may find yourself practicing more than before, when you have the time. Tackle hard chords with the expectation of success.

Shira: You're off to a great start. I love how you celebrate your conquests and that you always have questions that show you're always reasoning and wanting to understand. We're going to have a great adventure.

Sivan: You may be the busiest of my students, or within the top three. I know you love the guitar and it's evident by what you accomplish from week to week. You're going to have a lot of technique and experience by the time you leave. Put time in when you can. You're doing beautifully.

Talia: Every week your guitar playing is improving. Be sure to practice so you continue to improve. You may be the youngest student I have ever had play an F chord cleanly. I know some high schoolers who wish they could. Go you!!!