May 26, 2009
- Playing with Confidence
In the recent survey there were two related questions: "How to control stage fright?" and "Tips on playing in front of an audience."In looking at the questions it occurred to me a better question is "How to play with confidence."
Years ago I learned that even when the poles are far apart, there were a lot of people hitting telephone or electrical poles in accidents. Before the accident, turns out their predominant thought was 'I can't hit that pole!' You naturally head towards what you're focused on.
"How to control stage fright" presupposes you will have stage fright. When I first started playing the guitar, I was very nervous playing in front of people, so I'm not saying it doesn't exist. I does. You can experience stage fright, but you don't have to stay there. Stage fright can become a distant memory. Yes, every one of you can learn to play with full confidence.
Here are my suggestions for playing with full confidence: More on Playing with Confidence
April 10, 2009
- New Headstock Tuner
I heard about a new headstock tuner and just got an opportunity to try one yesterday. Wow… it's so easy to use. It just clips on the head of you guitar and can tell what the note is by the vibration of your guitar.
January 22, 2009
- Music Instructional Streaming Videos
What do the 'How To Master Finger Picking' and 'Jean Welles Worship Guitar Class for Kids' programs have in common? They are now both available as online streaming videos.The advantages are instant access, no shipping costs, no worries about losing or damaging the DVD and no customs costs for International orders.
January 19, 2009
- Plek Station at Westwood Music
I recently talked to Fred Walecki, the owner of Westwood Music, and he showed me an incredible machine that can dress your frets with perfect precision. They have a Plek Machine in the store. I played some of the guitars that had been adjusted by the machine and actually purchased one too.
April 24, 2008
- Guitar Scales You Can Play
A wonderful way to improve your playing is by practicing scales. This is a video that will show you how to play a couple 'C' scales. The first if just one octave. Everyone can start with this one. When you can play it with ease, try the second scale with two octaves. If you would like to follow along with the music, it's here.
March 8, 2008
- Amazing Grace - Arrangements for you
In deep gratitude John Newton wrote ‘Amazing Grace’ over 200 years ago. Ex-slave trader turned preacher, John knew first hand God’s amazing grace!
Later, John Rees wrote the last verse, which is my favorite verse:
November 8, 2005
- Volune One Books
To help you use the worship guitar class DVD's in class settings books are now available for Volume One. The book has all the songs with musical note, the teaching, and tips.
June 1, 2005
- Musical Notes
Musical notes in the Western World are the same on any instrument. Here's a 5 minute video showing you the notes on the piano, solfege, & guitar. You will learn what a movable 'Do' is and why the notes have different names in different countries. Solfege is the term for 'Do Re Mi,' etc.
