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

November 2009 Student Newsletter

Andy: You need to decide whether you want to become a competent guitarist or just a wanna be. You're a talented man. You and you alone are sabotaging your success. The time to make a decision is now.

Alberto: There is no substitute for letting go of what you SEE and working with what you HEAR and KNOW. Your eyes are your problem. Time after time I demonstrate to you that you play better when you don't look at your hands. So, DON'T LOOK AT YOUR HANDS. You play faster, cleaner, smoother and more relaxed. What do I have to do to persuade you?

Blair: It grieves me to see you have to terminate your guitar lessons. :-(You are a gifted musician. Keep playing. I will help you in any way I can.

Brad: Your biggest enemy is distraction. When you put in regular practice time, you can literally play blindfolded. So, practice every day and keep doing your best.

Carol: This is your first student review. You're doing marvelously. As a disciplined, multitasker, you are applying yourself very well and the result is excellence. I'm looking forward to our study together.

Christina; This is also your first student review. Unfortunately, school work sometimes gobbles up your practice time, but for the limited time you have had, I think you're doing beautifully. Practice when you can. Ten minutes is better than no minutes.

Danielle: I love your enthusiastic attitude and how your playing is improving by leaps and bounds. Keep up the good work.

Gary: You're growing in your rhythmic understanding, yet we still have a way to go. Your familiarity and comfort in higher positions is great.

Jason: Your performance went great. Now, we just have to get you motivated to "really" practice. I don't want to see you stagnate, Jason. No musician can achieve anything significant without a great deal of effort. It's good for you to work hard. Really.

Mara: I'm happy to welcome you into my schedule. We're going to propel your musicianship into a new realm by enhancing your current technique and exploring additional genres. This is going to be a great year.

Melissa: (Fair Lawn): You are playing WAY ABOVE your experience level. Go you! I love working with you.

Melissa:(Westwood): Now that your health problem has been solved, I have even greater expectations. Keep practicing. You're doing very well.

Merav: You're back to school and work and I'm pleased you are still finding time for guitar. I know the schedule's a lot rougher, but you're tenacious. Find the time to play.

Olivia: You're off to a great start. You didn't lose too much ground over the summer. I'm so glad. You have a great deal of natural musicianship. I am looking forward to seeing you develop into an even better guitarist than you are now.

Sam: You're another student who is juggling school and work. It's good for you, but it also requires you to be more ruthless about wasting time. If you can get on a regular practice schedule, your improvement will be noticeable.

Shanti: I'm so glad you're back. We'll get through all the technical and theoretical things that concern you. I always look forward to seeing you for a lesson.

Talia: You are playing very well, but not enough! Can you just imagine how well you'd do if you practice EVERY DAY? You would blow everyone away. So, give it your best shot.