Your Classical Guitar Input Here

Ah, another musical skill!

by James
(Savannah USA)

I grew up listening to great music--from the cradle I listened to symphonic music, Pops and the great soloist and keyboardist of the 50's and 60's (Herb Alpert too!).

Of course my parents wanted me to take piano, but as often as not, most kids simply don't want to spend 30 minutes a day practicing (we'd rather be playing outside). So musical training occurred through church choirs.

I wanted to be in the band, so in 5th grade I joined the beginner band at my elementary school; I was the best trumpet player there from day one.

I continued to play trumpet in the band until high school graduation, and music was truly an emotional outlet that was otherwise denied me by strict parents. For some dumb reason I gave up trumpet in college, which turned out to be the 5 longest years of my life without a daily dose of musical participation.

Since graduating from college I've been singing in church choirs ever since, for the past 20 years. Of course hanging out with other musicians does offer variety, and guitar is one of those things that really offers a great way to occupy one's time.

After buying a steel string and picking through the obvious beginner books, I reasoned that the best way to learn guitar was to go classical. Again, right to the beginner books--but then I realized I'd need a lesson or 2 to get perspective on proper technique (technique is everything!).

So that's where I am now; playing the beginner tunes of the grand masters. My goal? To be able to sit under a tree and play pieces that I like. No pressure, no stage fright, no wedding gigs that rattle my nerves--just to play beautiful, simple tunes for the rest of my life. There you go, my story!