James Stephens and the Well-Packed Question

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

“We get wise by asking questions, and even if these are not answered, we get wise, for a well-packed question carries its answer on its back as a snail carries its shell.”

James Stephens

What happens when we ask questions in our guitar practice? Anything? What if we don’t know the answer?

What might a question do to our attention? Do we choose where to point our attention, or does the squeakiest wheel automatically get the worm? Are we curious about different things at different times?

And when are the best times to ask questions? Before practice? Or during? Or just after? What about at other times? Could that be helpful in any way?

And are some questions more useful than others? What if we’re pragmatic and don’t want to waste any questions?

For instance, what kinds of questions could help us to play more smoothly? What kinds might inspire us to look a little closer at the small details? Could asking a particular question help us to understand our music better? What about playing faster, or cleaner, or more expressively?

But what if we don’t have much time for guitar practice? Could asking any specific questions keep our music alive in our minds, even if our hands never touch the guitar?

And what if we’re not used to asking questions? Could the occasional question do any good?

Is it safe to experiment?

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.

Hi Allen,
First public performance ever! I am up to Level 1E in The Woodshed program. It is certainly mega helpful.

~ Peter Graham

-Peter Graham

Allen Mathews was recommended to me as somebody who could help me expand my guitar vocabulary. Allen started me on a really fun cycle of lessons and practice. He is a very good and very enthusiastic teacher, and I feel that I'm on the road to learning. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.

~ Peter Buck (r.e.m.)

-Peter Buck, R.E.M.