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

June 2009 Student Newsletter

[For all those of you who are taking off for the summer, have a great time! If you're planning to return to my schedule, you know the drill: call as soon as you're back. I will be taking on some new students this summer and will do my best to accommodate you, when you return, but I recommend you call as soon as you are able to resume.

Be careful, if you're taking your guitar on a plane. I have instructed you how to avoid damage and theft. Don't overlook the precautions I have shared with you. It would be a pity for you to sustain an avoidable loss.]

Adam: You're making progress. Your busy schedule has contributed to you missing practice and lessons. You're going to advance more rapidly when your life slows down. Keep up the good work.

Andy: You've come a long way. Don't you like what happens when you're disciplined?? Don't change a thing.

Alberto: Other than that little sputter of inconsistency, you've done very well over the past 2 months. You still need to be vigilant regarding rhythm. You can't separate the amount of time for which you hold a note and its pitch. They're indivisible.

Blair: You've done terrifically this school year!! Your technique and taste are broadening. You've done a good job on speed, too. Well done!

Brad: Good work! Do not memorize music too soon or you may memorize it incorrectly - and you know how much harder that is to correct, rather than just spending a little more time READING THE NOTES :-) Keep practicing and doing your best.

Danielle: Super, super, super! You've done beautifully this past 2 months.

Dylan: If I could get you to cut your left hand nails shorter, you'd play much better :-) Your work has been very good. Don't get so lost in the music that you forget about the rhythm. It's just as important as the notes.

Gary: We've just been remarking in your lessons, that you're able to play much more complex music, now, than last year this time. You should be proud of that!

Jason: Well, after camp, you'll be playing for a lot of people. I hope you're going to continue practicing at camp.

Mambo: Welcome!! Both to America and to my student roster. I know you're going to go back home, an accomplished guitarist, if you will be able to put in the appropriate amount of practice time.

Melissa (Fair Lawn): You have a great new guitar that sounds and plays beautifully! You're practicing and I really like your enthusiasm. Keep applying yourself. All the complicated stuff will get easier, the more you do it. Good work!

Melissa (Westwood): What is there to say? You are playing an amazing array of music - most especially considering that you haven't played a year yet! Don't lose your practice routine over the summer.

Merav: We covered a lot and I think the music you're going to play at camp will surprise your friends and delight you. I love your passion and how you apply yourself.

Olivia: Wow, we did a lot in the past 2 months, didn't we? It's fun to work with someone who understands so well and who is as musical as you are. Don't forget your guitar over the summer. In September, we'll be going shopping for a new one.

Sam: Recently, family, social and school obligations prevented you from practicing as much as the previous 2 months, but you still improved quite a bit. Your chord vocabulary is becoming extensive and your playing has improved in general.

Talia: Excellent work! You're one of my youngest students and your progress has been great. Enjoy your summer. We'll go guitar shopping when you return.