Joshua J. Marine on a meaningful life (and interesting challenges)

Tuesday Quotes are short explorations of music, life, and the daily endeavor of practicing classical guitar. Find more here. Enjoy!

“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”

Joshua J. Marine

In studying classical guitar, we may as well embrace the daily work. We need not only accept, but relish the constant challenge.

Classical guitar is hard. It’s complex. It demands we perform finger acrobatics at breakneck speeds. It asks we not squeak or thud or groan. And it requests we turn out beautiful music in the process.

And why would we sign up for this? What’s so great about jumping through such flaming hoops each day in our practices? What payoff could possible be worth the trouble?

The answer is: just to do it.

It feels good to see incremental improvement over time. We enjoy getting better at something.

Financial icon Ray Dalio, in his book “Principles”, notes that improving at something over time is much more satisfying than any single accomplishment. He points out how the joy of the win (and his wins have been considerable) doesn’t last very long. The prize at the end of the road pales in comparison to the incremental improvements that come with practice.

And Joseph Campbell thought the same: “When you’re on the path, you’re at the goal.”

Of course not every day “feels” successful in the moment. Some days we may wonder if we’ll ever make it through. We question ourselves and suspect we may actually be getting worse. But showing up to fight the good fight can be the reward in itself (in hindsight if nothing else).

When we sink our teeth into classical guitar’s juicy problems, and overcome one little obstacle at a time, life does seem to have more meaning. A good practice can help the day feel fulfilling and rewarding.

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.

I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.

I came on board three months ago and I’m loving it more than ever. I have maintained my practice pattern. I’m sticking wholeheartedly with the program as written. That makes it easy to see what I NEED to work on rather than just playing the shiny places I’ve gone beyond…..I’ve learned to focus 100% on what I’m doing that very minute….I’m developing strength in my left hand...I spend time with the videos in the evenings and always find something more to help me. I’m not looking for info anywhere else. Everything I need is right here in The Woodshed. You say “Jump” and I say “How high.” I’m so grateful I found you. You speak in a language I understand.

~ Gloria Mader

-Gloria Mader

After more than a year as a member, I remain impressed with the Woodshed, song courses, Tuesday quotes, weekly lessons, and the CGS community. Without my membership, I think my enthusiasm for learning classical guitar would have faded long ago. Instead, I am enjoying the process as I make steady progress in my playing.

~ Steve Dosh

-Steve Dosh