Now, At 100,000 Page Views, A Look Back
When I started writing this blog, I had no idea where it would lead. I had no grand plans, no ulterior motives, no secret agenda. I just wanted to write on the subject of the guitar and share my thoughts with anyone who was interested. The only ground rules I established for myself at the outset were that I would not write about myself, at least not directly, and that I would not try and sell stuff. The blog was to be for and about my students and guitar students in general, and about the classical guitar field in both broad strokes and minute details. I ended up including pieces about my student's activities, and the programs where I teach, about guitar technique and the challenges and opportunities that guitarists face, and a few profiles on alumni. I had no idea how long it would go (and still don't) or how many people would take notice.
Needless to say, I'm gratified so many have found it of interest. As expected, few have elected to comment on the blog itself, saving comments for the much more visible platform of Facebook. I've enjoyed the comment threads that some posts generated and am delighted so many have chimed in. Thank you everyone, for visiting and reading and for occasionally contributing to the conversations.
So far, there have been 163 posts. Here is a brief recap of the articles that have appeared.
On Technique (21):
The Arpeggio II: Preparing (Planting)
Lighten Up! Squeezing with the Left Hand
Velocity: Fast i-m Alternation, Now
Practicing I: What To Do in the Practice Room
Practicing II: Time Management
Practicing III: Hints and Tips
On Practicing, Performing and General Guitar-Related or Musical Topics (27):
Rhythm/Meter/Tempo/Groove: Playing in Time
Playing the Melody with Good Rhythm
Memorizing Part 1: Three Legs to Stand On
Memorizing Part 2: Doing It Backwards
Guitar Music on Other Instruments
Eliminate the Hard Parts: Editing the Score
Finger It Differently on the Repeat
The Pleasures and the Dangers of Reference Recordings
Perfect Fingering or Sight-Reading: Reconciling Two Opposites
My Tortured Relationship with the Digital Tuner
Tuning the Guitar Without a Digital Tuner
Curiosity: Can it Help Us Become Better Musicians?
Preparing Lots of Music at the Same Time
Stage Deportment I: Why We Bow
Stage Deportment III: Music Stands and Scores
Stage Deportment IV: Playing Well With Others
Programming: Creating Satisfying Recital Programs
On Opportunities for Guitarists (10):
Guitar and the Fulbright, Part 1
Guitar and the Fulbright, Part 2
Guest Artists: Bringing the World to Your Doorstep
On Being a Joiner
Akron Guitar Program Survived!
The Guitar Riches of Northeast Ohio I: Concerts
Chamber Music My Students Have Performed
"Spotlights on Alumni" (13 so far, many more to come...):
On Student Activities (recitals, master classes, special events, etc.)--80.
On Visiting Guest Artists--23.