Henry David Thoreau on Hard Work
Tuesday Quotes are short explorations of music, life, and the daily endeavor of practicing classical guitar. Find more here. Enjoy!
“Every man looks at his woodpile with a kind of affection.”
Henry David Thoreau
Playing classical guitar is so much work.
It’s an ongoing, never-ending quest to master the athletic finger acrobatics. It’s breathing life into stale notes on a page. It’s practicing and training and honing and polishing. Then doing it all over again.
Yet, it’s so good!
How wonderful to have such an endeavor to look forward to each day. How lucky we are to have a vehicle in which to explore and expand the limits of our abilities.
Sure, it’s a lot of work to play classical guitar. But therein lies the beauty.
Look with affection on your ax! Relish your woodpile!
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, I am thoroughly enjoying your website and I find it is just what I need in my renewed passion for classical guitar. I have rediscovered a great love for this instrument and the music I can learn and play and it has changed my life for the better dramatically! Thank you for facilitating this process.~
~ George Rogers
-George Rogers
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
“Success lies in relentless execution of the basics.”
Join the program that takes you from the beginning fundamentals to advanced mastery, so you…
- Move your hands safely and fluidly
- Enjoy fulfilling practices and meaningful work
- Play beautifully with expression and flow
Click the button to take a step towards an
organized, effective guitar practice. >>>
