FindInspiration

On Practice: Find Inspiration, Part 1

By Daniel Roest

Find Role Models

In the Planning Practice Time we addressed the question of how to maximize practice time by dividing whatever time you have evenly by four: Scales, Arpeggios and Chords, Reading, and Repertoire. The challenge is not having "enough" practice time due to being "too busy," what South Bay Guitar Society member and instructor Frank Longay has rightly called "the disease of our time."

To amend my answer, I suggest this: Find inspiration. It is too difficult for most of us to sustain momentum in practice without this crucial element. Find a teacher - myself, John Pearce, Brandon Yip, Lawrence Ferrara, Bennet Zussman, David Dueñas, Ken Brown, Ken Andrade, Michael McChesney, Neil Hogan, Mariano Córdoba, James Robinson, Timothy Lawler, Roberto Dale, Neil Hogan, Laura Rice and others here in the Northern California, and you'll find someone whose passion for the guitar became the main focus of his or her professional life. Ask them to play and watch the dance of fingers on strings see how their concentration shifts into high gear as they seek to do justice to the music's potential. And of course, go to concerts.

Omni Concerts in San Francisco http://www.omniconcerts.com/

brings the biggest names in classical guitar

For those in the South Bay Area, because and only because of the South Bay Guitar Society, you have several chances early this year in the South Bay to get close to some of the best players in the world.

For more inspiration, read some uplifting Music Quotes.