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With its roots in the dirty, unpolished side of rock music, punk boils rock and roll down to little more than its most essential ingredient: attitude. Punk has mutated into many different sounds and subgenres, but a sneer and a healthy disrespect for oppressive authority have linked the various forms that it has taken over the years.    Despite its fast tempos, punk can be one of the most beginner

Effect pedals (often referred to as stompboxes or, simply, pedals) are small, self-contained devices that can greatly impact the sound of your guitar or other electric instrument when you plug into them. Pedals come in a wide of effects, brands, prices, and more, and the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming, but the right pedal or set of pedals can completely transform your guitar

Practicing and playing music is good for ourselves and others. There’s a famous phrase, “Nero fiddled while Rome burned” which expresses the idea of totally missing the point in a moment of crisis. It’s based on the story of the famously depraved and ineffective Emperor playing his violin on the walls of Rome as a great fire swept the city. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, this story isn’

Here it is! Your May 4th guitar homework!

Students often tell me they want to learn a song exactly as it is on the album but it’s not always a good idea. As teachers, we often simplify songs to make them more accessible to beginners but that’s not the only reason to make changes. Take the song Creep by Radiohead for example. Johnny Greenwood has written a great arppegiated guitar part using a number of barre chords. The drums

Would you like to be able to hear a song and know what the chords are before you even pick up your guitar? Are you interested in writing songs but don’t know where to start? Find out the most important thing you need to know about music theory in this free handout. Fill out my online form.

  Musings From Parenting In Quarantine        Like me, I know that you and your family are well into a reality that includes coronavirus, and probably some anxiety and uncertainty as well.      For most of us, our children are in the lower risk category, which is a relief. Our society’s response is, quite properly, focused on preventing the spread of coronavirus to protect those who are

Secret #2: Turn Practice into a Motivating Habit Create a Practice Ritual With Habit Stacking   COMING SOON!     Here’s a sneak peek at all the secrets to finding the time to do what you love we’ll discuss in this 4-part series! Secret #1: Make It EASY To Practice Guitar AKA Priming Your Environment To Reduce “Activation Energy” Secret #2: Turn Practice Into A Motivating

Secret #3: To Practice More, Eliminate the Competition Distraction is Stealing Your Time. Here’s How to Steal it Back.   COMING SOON!     Here’s a sneak peek at all the secrets to finding the time to do what you love we’ll discuss in this 4-part series! Secret #1: Make It EASY To Practice Guitar AKA Priming Your Environment To Reduce “Activation Energy” Secret #2:

Secret #4: Make Practice a Priority with Time Blocking Make an Appointment with Yourself to do What You Love   COMING SOON!     Here’s a sneak peek at all the secrets to finding the time to do what you love we’ll discuss in this 4-part series! Secret #1: Make It EASY To Practice Guitar AKA Priming Your Environment To Reduce “Activation Energy” Secret #2: Turn Practice In