Living The Frustrations of Not Being Blessed By The Muses.

by Rodney W. Diehl
(Sonoran Desert)

College, 1970, University of Arizona. My roommate, a classical artist with Oboe and Guitar, spoke the language of music, it's theories, it's major and minor chords, how to build an augmented chord. So, naturally, I, wanting to transfer a very brief but educational piano experience to the guitar, picked his brain.

I learned enough to really become frustrated. He moved on and I toyed with the classical guitar that I had purchased. I took lessons at the University, group classes in the "introduction" to guitar. But I didn't have the time to or the dedication to stick with it.

Years have passed, and I am now wanting to take the time that I have to do something worth while. Since the work that I used to do has dissolved into nothing, I've had to revert to another job where I could pay the rent.

Unfortunately it's only a three day a week job. That leaves me time to either watch tv or do something worth while. I am opting for the "worth while".

I have filled my music collection with Andres Segovia, Flamenco, Jazz, etc. Now, I want to grow, to learn how to play "Spanish Carivan" by the Doors. But more importantly, I want to be able to take that song and turn it into mine, exploring different avenues, picking out different ways to keep the general theme, but improvise.

That's where I am right now.