September 2022 Guitar Newsletter: "Jolts of Inspiration!"
Teachers need to be inspired in order to pass on the drive to learn to their students. An ongoing urge to expand one’s knowledge and share one’s insights is a prerequisite for being a competent teacher. It doesn’t matter whether you are teaching kindergarten, elementary school, music lessons or a college level science class; anybody who is passing on knowledge is in the best shape if they themselves are psyched about their topic. Living an inspired life can only happen if we enable it.
Equally important, is the awareness of factors that hinder creative flow and making a conscious effort to stay away from them. Inspiration should be fostered, but every so often an unexpected outside force can reinvigorate it like a welcomed jolt.
This happened to me last month when a student introduced me to the Cuban singer-songwriter named Pablo Milanes who took poems from Jose Marti and put them to songs. From the very first strumming, I had a feeling I would really like this. Check out this album, and I think you’ll agree that he knows how to carry a tune on a guitar rather well. Keep in mind that you are hearing one person playing and singing at the same time. What caught my attention was how unique some of the chord progressions are, and to my ear, they sound quite adventurous. Pablo’s approach to song writing and singing intrigues me, and I am inspired to dig deeper into his vast discography. I am also compelled to read an English translation of Jose's poems and learn more about the revolutionary journalist whose poetry is at the core of this album.
Students’ progress is also a wonderful source of inspiration as I notice growth in different areas unique to each one. Some improve their note reading skills or knowledge of chords. Some are suddenly able to play a song in time or tackle difficult classical guitar pieces, while others get into composing their own music or getting better at improvising over jazz charts. My son mentioned that he really likes playing “Frere Jacque” by heart on the guitar and is doing the same with the spiritual “Joshua Fought The Battle Of Jericho”. Now I feel the urge to go through my method books and find more melodies to memorize. Whatever it is, it always thrills me to see the growth of my students and the cycle of inspiration.
Absorbing and acknowledging non-music related development is equally encouraging and reason to move ahead with momentum. Seeing my daughter handle her broken arm so well by following the doctor’s orders to the T was a remarkable act of discipline, and I love hearing her play the piano using both hands again. Over summer break it amazed me how my son has become infatuated with dinosaurs and has learned so much detailed information about them. Inspiration is all around us if we have the eyes to see it.
For musicians, inspiration to further nurture one’s creativity is often linked to exploring new musical gear. Especially in the electric guitar and recording universe, technological innovations play a huge factor in helping a player find his or her “sound”. For example, a very good friend is letting me borrow his JHS Colour Box. This guitar effects pedal acts like a single channel of a vintage Neve mixing console and opens up new doors to better recordings. It is certain to reignite explorations in home recording.
As the songs of cicadas lessen and fall is slowly ushered in with praying mantis nesting around the house, I look forward to engaging with what truly inspires me. I hope you also are nourished by the goodness, knowledge and genuine art that is around you!
Wishing you all a good transition into the autumn season,
Chris
