How should we view making mistakes during the initial learning process? 1. "Every error tells you what you need to correct; every error brings you incrementally nearer to the behavioral sequence that works best for completion of the task. Rather than fearing mistakes, you need to welcome them during the learning process" (174). 2. "Mistakes are information about what works and what doesn't. They have nothing to do with your worth or intelligence" (174).

 In July's guitar newsletter I would like to continue discussing the similarities between gardening and music by exploring what ideal growing conditions are and how adequate space is crucial.  Young plants need plenty of room to develop into healthy and mature fruit bearing plants.  This truth offers many parallels to the stages of growth in learning an instrument from beginners to more advanced students.

Learning to play the guitar opens the door to the many benefits of music like the cognitive boon offered by the engagement of our auditory, visual, and kinesthetic senses all the way to stress-relief.  I strive to bring these advantages of learning an instrument to my students.  Whether through technical exercises, understanding the fretboard, exploring music theory, learning how to improvise, reading music, recognizing chord progressions by ear or boldly engaging in recording your own musical ideas, all of it is geared towards growth and gaining more knowledge while also having fun.   I hope this newsletter inspires you to start guitar lessons or perhaps you know someone who might be interested in taking lessons over the summer months.  Please send them my way at:

chrisdimondguitarlessons.com