#grind
For me, it was hero-worshiping the kids above me in middle school
I was like Midoryia in “My Hero Academia” bright eyed and just absolutely awestruck by what I was seeing – these kids, not much older than me
Playing the same jazz that my uncles loved, and that I had seen performed
Jazz Cafes
Bars/Restaurants that would allow my uncles to let me in
hotels
and plenty at Disneyland – I will forever be grateful for the time spent there, not on rides, but at Cafe Orleans, New Orleans Square in general, and the Carnation on Main Street.
I started as a Clarinetist, then moved to piano, then my high school obviously needed tubas in the marching band, so I went there. I then also picked up every other brass and woodwind instrument along the way, and because of piano, dabbled in all the percussions
So, that’s my start. At like 5 I was already hooked. And realistically be it a classic jazz standard, or Wes Montgomery, or a John Mayer or Pink Floyd or Chris Stapleton concert
There’s a reason why you’re here, and to start with
Thank you
So bear with me, and look back at what got you here. And use that seed as your start to your garden within music.
I am still a beginner myself at guitar, I was, at one point a quite competent “musician” and a more detailed article on that is forthcoming.
But I am very new to guitar, so this blog is as much a note-taking process for me, as it is something I want to share with all of you
So I am going to link out to YouTube channels, and blogs, and articles that have helped me in my guitar journey.
I am not affiliated in any way, besides as a fan
Right now, for jazz, working with a private guitar teacher at Guitar Center – I think one of the easiest ways for me to get back into a more structured system to learn jazz guitar is through the community college system. There are a slew of other options though, and I’ll try and cover the ones I know about detailed below –
I don’t think I’m ready to apply to a University level yet, but I do know the local community college will have a similar curriculum, while hopefully an easier audition. I’m genuinely hoping they, in the music department, strive for what a community college should strive for – betterment of their students futures and prepare them for either technical schools and trades or the university system.
So I hope I can work with them, to get ready to finally after all these years, apply and audition for University music programs.
Now in that regard, we also live in an age of technology. It’s great there are those online, that offer their services, for a fair rate for a FaceTime lesson.
so here’s my plan:
Multiple teachers working on very specific parts of the curriculum I am looking for to help support and tutor me for the collegiate level.
As much as I loathe technology at times, don’t get me started.
BUT –
remote online instructors are here, and I can’t wait to see which one(s) work out and we gel well as jazz cats.
At this time, I have no experience with any of them in a personal (FaceTime or in person) environment – YET
But both their way of presenting themselves on their websites and YouTube I can say I recommend any of these for anyone else curious (and I will of course be adding others as I learn about them)
Nathan Barton
https://youtube.com/@NathanBortonMusic?si=tr4dpW8oTjypI9j1
https://nathanborton.com/lessons
And Andy
https://youtube.com/@jazzguitarwithandy?si=jEgzWjSRB8siWQr1
https://www.jazzguitarwithandy.com
Because as a musician, I know where I can start on some things, and I definitely know enough about music technically. BUT as my teacher at my local Guitar Center can attest, I have picked up some of the almost seem obligatory, and rights of passage, bad habits some new guitar-players can get into trouble.
I also would love someone else helping me organize everything. There’s been plenty of jazz guitarists before me, so no need to reinvent the wheel.
And that’s where I really want to focus in –
NAIL bad habits before they really have a chance to grow and start flourishing in a genre now that I know what “tone” and “style” I’d love to pursue and get out of my fingers, if I can.
And of course, what do I do instead? As always, #g+1
