Bergen & Rockland County Guitar Lessons 551 • 404 • 2238 D A Arlaus, All levels, Beginner to College Audition Prep

February 2010 Student Newsletter

Alberto: I'm glad you are finally trusting your musical inclination and intuition. You have been playing long enough to not doubt yourself. Good! You are playing faster, cleaner, smoother and are more relaxed. This is a huge leap for you. I'm so glad.

Arthur: We have only had a few lessons. Your serious application to practice is admirable. You will surely achieve excellence if you remain disciplined.

Brad: Your playing has improved so very much, it's hard to believe you're the same guy! That's great, but you're still not putting quite enough practice time in. Work on that, and you're going to be a great guitarist.

Carol: Well, now that we're doing complex things, you can see how much consistent practice matters. When you have time to put in, you excel. When work keeps you from guitar, you see how little you progress. I love your attitude. Let's hope your work schedule slows down so you can have a life and put some solid time in on guitar.

Christina: Like Carol, above, when you practice, you're magnificent! School work keeps you from it sometimes, but of course, you need to keep your priorities straight. Practice when you can. You're progressing nicely.

Danielle: You're playing is advancing marvelously! All I can say is fabulous!! Don't neglect practice.

Gary: We're still slogging away at your rhythm, but aside from that, I think you're progressing well. Break your practice time up into smaller chunks so you don't have as much eye strain.

Mara: I think we both agree that you've made good strides in a number of areas of technique as well as understanding. I'm glad you love your guitar.

Melissa: (Fair Lawn): Since winter break, you're not spending nearly enough time, practicing. You're doing ok, but it could be much better. Kick that discipline into gear and you'll be playing better and enjoying it more.

Melissa:(Westwood): i'm so glad you're practicing consistently. The thing I think you need more work on is smoother chord change transitions. Work on it, and like everything else, it will improve.

Merav: You're rising above all the drama and work with which you have to contend this year. I'm glad you are practicing and making great progress toward mastering the guitar.

Olivia: Your new guitar is just the perfect addition to your super-musicality. It's such a better instrument than your old one. All your musical gifts are a sheer delight. You're doing amazingly. Keep up the good work!!

Rob: You are my most rhythmically disciplined student - and a guy, to boot! I can't tell you how it warms my heart that you actually do as you are instructed. You're doing exceptionally well for the amount of time you have been playing. Go get 'em!

Sam: I'm so sorry your health hijacked your practice time for months. I think you're back on track now and I'm very thankful you're getting better. Practice when you can and you'll be back to where you were before very soon.

Shanti: I know you it feels like you're going in circles with rhythm. You're progressing, whether you think you are or not. You are an example of what happens when rhythm is separated from pitch, or ignored. It's a little complicated to "catch up" your mental process. You're going to succeed, just stay at it.

Talia: You're another student who has a relatively new guitar. I think it's made a world of difference in your playing. You're doing terrifically! Make sure you get to practice daily. I know you're almost there. Be disciplined. You're older now and should have more self-discipline. Practice before you do your pleasure reading.

Todd: I love your zeal and sincere intent to learn to play the guitar well. You're making great progress. Like a lot of adult students, the biggest challenge is finding enough time in your schedule to fit in a sufficient amount of time with your guitar, to insure your continued progress. You can do it.