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

Many elements of playing an instrument and making music have wonderful illustrations in the world of gardening, and this month's guitar newsletter kicks off a series about the correlations between tending a garden and playing guitar and music.  From the choice and care of gardening tools, to the importance of a healthy compost or deciding on the best seeds, there are many parallels.

Art and Creativity are important because they bring people together, allow people to demonstrate who they are, communicate historical and societal truths, are vital forms of self care, and they demand from us freedom from conformity and fear.

Chick Corea’s ability of hearing and responding to silence is the apex of listening.  It is to a musician what looking through a microscope is to a scientist.

I would like to use my first attempt at building an Igloo to draw parallels to learning, practicing, recording and being musically creative.  

2021 has finally arrived. Instead of creating a New Year's resolution list, I have decided to simply keep an eye out for things that will enrich my musical life personally and communally. Looking back at 2020, I realize that, for me, it was a year of learning and catching up with the times. 2020 really forced me to become more open minded and positive about technology, and I think that optimistic spirit is what I hope to carry into the New Year and share with you.

2021 is in sight, and I am looking forward to this new calendar year (aren't we all)! In this month's newsletter, my desire is to encourage us to explore and regain a healthy attitude towards practicing for the coming year.

During junior high, it was the music of Edward Van Halen, who passed away this October 6th, that deeply touched and inspired me. His music is what really brought the guitar into my life.

I’d like to end by reminding all of you to please make some time to actually listen to guitar related music. This requires some time commitment, but it really is a huge part of the learning process!

Hello everyone! My wife, Hannah, and I are so thrilled to announce our new family-run business, Chris Dimond Guitar Lessons. While I've been teaching guitar for many years now, this is my first time going completely solo. I'm both excited and a bit nervous... but here we go!