Michael

As I mentioned previously, I started taking guitar lessons on October 4th. The experience so far has exceeded my expectations. I’ve learned more in a month about music than I had in many years prior.

I have a really great teacher that keeps pushing me well beyond what I believe that I’m capable of doing. He really doesn’t let me stay on the edge of what I know. He is constantly prodding me forward to go way past my comfort zone.

For my next lesson, I’m supposed to create a solo composition based on what he has taught me so far. In music terms, I’m to use my new found knowledge of the diatonic chords in the scale of E, sixths and the seven modes (scales) to create something totally unique.

I find it fascinating how in the process of doing something that I completely enjoy, I’m feeling very uncomfortable. All sorts of thoughts went through my head like: How am I supposed to do this so fast? What can I possibly create in 11 days? Will it sound really stupid? I have no clue what to do or what I’m doing. Is my teacher being unrealistic?

The other side of my mind is incredibly excited because it’s (I’m) thinking if this is the expectation in one month of lessons, what will I be able to do in 12 months? It really is challenging and a lot of fun.

I’m concerned that what I create will be amateurish, simplistic and not that good. But, I know that I will surge forward in my capabilities just by doing this exercise. So, in the long run, it’s not about the end result, it’s solely about the creative journey. In just one month of practicing what I’ve learned, I can already see vast improvement. It will only get better.

The bottom line is that I’m playing guitar for two reasons: 1) It’s a lot of fun and 2) I want to see if I can play what I’m hearing in my head.

Have a great day!

Michael