Published: Mar 1, 2022 |
Category: Uncategorized
How to Learn & Practice Part 1
How much Practice Time do I.....
Read More
Published: Feb 23, 2022 |
Category: Uncategorized
While personal attention and coaching are invaluable, those books might help adding structure to our Zoom sessions.
And help create a daily, sturdy study routine, that can addresses the various aspects of growing musicianship on the guitar.
-Basics:
-.....
Read More
Published: Aug 31, 2021 |
Category: Uncategorized
Friends,
Good News: Perfect pitch is actually teachable !
This technical yet reassuring scientific paper on Perfect Pitch got me thinking.
We understand that the better we hear, the better musicians we are. The word "Hear" is a bit fuzzy though......
Read More
Published: Jul 26, 2021 |
Category: Music Videos, Music Learning , Philosophy, Self Teaching materials
It's all story telling. One moment, one note leads to another.
We listen to the current note with carrying the previous one, tainting our experience of that current note.
This edit, "16:Moments" was presented by my friend David Chung during a his masterful film class. I was assisting with the sound&music side of it.
I look at it as a.....
Read More
Published: Jul 6, 2021 |
Category: Guitarist's Health
This should motivate you for a daily practice :)
Research at Stanford University is finding acoustics to create new heart tissue
This image shows the ‘cymatics’, or geometric patterns created in heart cells when applying various sounds.
.....
Read More
Published: Jun 30, 2021 |
Category: Guitarist's Health
On Shoulder health for Guitar&Vocals
I stumbled upon this article and deemed it worthy of your mailbox, along with the follwing thougts:
As you have heard me say many times, your .....
Read More
Published: Mar 4, 2021 |
Category: Uncategorized
Friends
I am happy to announce that last album is now available- for free-or pay what you wish-
Even though I recorded it a long while back, I ma still very proud of it: 14 original instrumental
acoustic guitar tunes, with a nice range of styles and moods.
If you download it today, March 5th, any t.....
Read More
Published: Feb 19, 2021 |
Category: Special event, Music Videos, Concert
Hello Friends,
Hope this finds you in good spirits
Trying to feel part of a community is very important these days, and I do apologize for no writing those blogs more often.
Laziness? fear of clogging up your inbox?
.....
Read More
Published: Oct 8, 2020 |
Category: Uncategorized
Relax for a minute with a couple of Gospel melodies. I will write this down for those who
wish to learn it. It combine serval technique and the next version will have artificial harmonics as well.
Enjoy,
Bertrand
h.....
Read More
Published: Aug 19, 2020 |
Category: Uncategorized
Hello Friends of the Guitar
We lost Julian Beam, here is an article on the rebellious master of classical guitar.
Happier news- and I just can't wait-.....
Read More
Published: Jun 17, 2020 |
Category: Uncategorized
FYI.
Great check list ( Thank you, Ben Dennis and Dan)
Some things I’ve learned from classmates who have been exploring using Zoom for concerts and dance parties. Zoom was designed for the sounds of conversation, not the sounds of music. But there are some tweaks to your Zoom audio settings that will improve sound quality. First log into Zoom, then go to Audio settings.
• Uncheck the b.....
Read More
Published: Mar 25, 2020 |
Category: Music Learning , Self Teaching materials
Dear Students and Friends. As all my teaching is ,of course, going on Skype or Zoom for privates lessons and also Group, I am developing a new system of worksheets and maps that teach both Music theory and its application to the fingerboard. Those will be combined with live interaction for warm-ups/workouts and technique, emailed Mp3's as well as.....
Read More
Published: Feb 8, 2020 |
Category: Uncategorized
Folks ,
These little things might be very handy.
Chears,
Bertrand.....
Read More
Published: Mar 14, 2019 |
Category: Uncategorized
Hello Folks
Seem like everyone's is becoming more complicated, judging from the amount of time I spend on scheduling and re-scheduling.
Here are tips on how to use the calendar to cancel you own lesson. I am generally happy to pay for the website service ( Accounting will be improved very soon !) so please do use it. I appreciate the canceling TXT or emails, but please do follow through with your active canceling of the lesson in 3 easy steps:
1) Click on the le.....
Read More
Published: Mar 14, 2019 |
Category: Uncategorized
Hello Folks
Seem like everyone's is becoming more complicated, judging from the amount of time I spend on scheduling and re-scheduling.
Here are tips on how to use the calendar to cancel you own lesson. I am generally happy to pay for the website service ( Accounting will be improved very soon !) so please do use it. I appreciate the canceling TXT or emails, but please do follow through with your active canceling of the lesson in 3 easy steps:
1) Click on the lesso.....
Read More
Published: Mar 1, 2019 |
Category: Special event
March is Francophonia Month worldwide ! Special concert by .....
Read More
Published: Jan 4, 2019 |
Category: Music Learning , Philosophy
..." I' m canceling this lesson because I have not been practicing".
That argument is totally understandable, and you are all free to come in and cancel anytime you see fit.
However, I invite you to ponder a few thoughts:
We can .....
Read More
Published: Apr 6, 2018 |
Category: Music Learning , Philosophy, Guitarist's Health
Spring Cleaning your guitar practice
That new, fresh energy is upon us, yes, despite that current, brutal wind shield factor.
Some are getting in shape for that beach-worthy 6, and what would be the guitar equivalent ?
Throw away the old habits ( fat) and welcome New drills, new routines
and a renewed commitment to excellence (muscle definition) right ?
So I am developing .....
Read More
Published: Feb 5, 2018 |
Category: Time Management
Dear Students, I hope you can take the time to get familiar with and use the awesome calendar tool.
Scheduling is one of the most time consuming activity in teaching.
The user-friendly calendar make things a lot easier and save all of us a *lot* of time.
You can cancel reserve, reschedule and communicate with the calendar. An auto-reminder is sent, with the option of a message.
So it is a great tool of communication and time management.
.....
Read More
Published: Oct 15, 2017 |
Category: Uncategorized
Students and friends, Here is a cool Video: "why we need repetition in Music"
Yes, Rhythm is everything. We can argue that we are rhythm before melody:
In the womb we hear mother's Breath and heart beat. (Hearing bering the 1rst sense we develop.)
I hope the reflecting upon the notion of rhythm will help you befriend your metronome, sing while walking,
and remember that guit.....
Read More
Published: Oct 6, 2017 |
Category: Philosophy, Guitarist's Health
Folks,
As you know, I am constantly seeking ways, anything to make a difference in our guitar playing.
I have found that very few massage therapists understand well the guitar player 's muscular apparatus,
but Carie Oberting is one of them. She is a musician of the body
Carie can be found and booked on line @ Inman Oasis in Inman Square, a very nice friendly place.
(say hi from me)
.....
Read More
Published: Sep 24, 2017 |
Category: Uncategorized
"MUSICIANS’ LEARNING STYLES, LEARNING STRATEGIES, AND PERCEPTIONS OF CREATIVITY"
I don't expect anyone to read those heady 400 pages, but the fist few quic.....
Read More
Published: Sep 14, 2017 |
Category: Uncategorized
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 20.0px; font: 36.0px Helvetica; color: #2b2e2e; -webkit-text-stroke: #2b2e2e; background-color: #ffffff}
p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 20.0px; font: 36.0px Helvetica; color: #2b2e2e; -webkit-text-stroke: #2b2e2e; background-color: #ffffff; min-height: 43.0px}
span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
Dear Friends and Students.....
Read More
Published: Jul 17, 2017 |
Category: Music Learning , Self Teaching materials
Friends & Students,
Last blog was about binder control. Let's talk about your practice space, and how to
make it inspiring & welcoming: you know the saying "If you build it, they will come", so let's look at some elements
that will make you practice daily:
- Make the guitar readily available and a wall hook or floor stand
- Have a music stand with your current HomePlay on it.
-Comfortable stool/arm-less chair, ( supporting leg b.....
Read More
Published: Jul 12, 2017 |
Category: Music Learning , Self Teaching materials, Organization
Binder Control and the practice of Practicing
? A few thoughts about how to organize your binder. It will help organize our thoughts and our practice time.
What would be a "balanced diet" to growth healthy musical bones consist of?
Warm up/conditioning
Theory
Technique
Rhythm
Ear training. (intervals/singing)
Songs(sorted by keys and or titles)
Creativity/Original music.....
Read More
Published: Jun 11, 2017 |
Category: Uncategorized
Dear Friends and students
I am excited to announce that I'll be live scoring the complete Jean Renoir silent movies;
As a student, I invite you to come free of charge, just let me know ahead of time.
Harvard Film Archive Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts
24 Quincy Street Harvard University Cambridge, MA 02138
-With -thankfully- the amazing Susan Laurence on .....
Read More
Published: May 22, 2017 |
Category: Special event
Friends and Students, I recommend that you get a ticket to a House Concert at Yukon's :
The inimitable Peter Case. Folk Blues Rag, Swing, story teller, song writer of the highest order.
Peter is the real deal, born and living on the road...
See you there ;)
Bertrand.....
Read More
Published: May 16, 2017 |
Category: How to use the Site
Dear Student and Friends,
Let spend more time playing our guitars and less time in accounting!
Some of you are asking me, how many lessons do I have left in my package? ...
Well, it dawned on me that we do not exploit even half the great features on this excellent Teaching Site.
(do poke around after logging in)
There is a handy feature to check out your balance:
After logging in look at the white-on-black menu on the left:
.....
Read More
Published: May 4, 2017 |
Category: Music Learning , Philosophy
I cannot think of many things more fun that making stuff up freely on the guitar.
Call that noodling, its okay.
I like to see folks do that too, and that motivates me to help you, dear student, do the the same.
Where to start ?
Well you can start now and make stuff up not knowing what you're doing and that is fine.
You can also make stuff up knowing what you're doing, but the element of surprise is not really there..
So the idea is to maybe.....
Read More
Published: Apr 19, 2017 |
Category: Self Teaching materials, Technique, Styles
Hello finger-style friend
Not sure if any of you experienced the *amazing* Richard Thompson last night at the Sanders,
but I thought it might be worth m.....
Read More
Published: Apr 13, 2017 |
Category: Uncategorized
Some thoughts creativity, coaching Vs teaching
Feel free to comment.
ChEars, Bertrand.....
Read More
Published: Mar 26, 2017 |
Category: Uncategorized
This smart, cool little rant may inspire you to fill or review those "Harmony Grid" work sheet I gave you (See File area to down blanks). OR it may confuse (he goes pretty fast) you and make ask me questions that will further your understand of Music, the great passion of our lives.
Learn Music theory, it's pretty sweet. We' ll make it fun on the guitar !
ChEARS, B.....
Read More
Published: Mar 22, 2017 |
Category: Special event, Concert, Music Learning
Pierre is one of the most amazing musician on the planet. He happens to play acoustic guitar. Go see him !
May.....
Read More
Published: Feb 6, 2017 |
Category: Uncategorized
One of my favorite songwriter . At The Rockwell in Davis Square. Tickets.
-B.....
Read More
Published: Jan 20, 2017 |
Category: Uncategorized
http://www.johnrankin.net/jrguitartips.html
Enjoy,
Bertrand.....
Read More
Published: Dec 10, 2016 |
Category: Uncategorized
What is good for guitars is good for humans. The right percentage of humidity
will only prevent cracks in your guitar but cracks in your voice too ! * New guitar are particularly vulnerable to dryness.
Also avoid big , sudden temperatures changes and keep the humidity at around 45%,
Your immune system will thank you, your instruments will sound better too.
Here are my favorite tools :
.....
Read More
Published: Nov 21, 2016 |
Category: Uncategorized
Nail Care!
This one goes out to Bob Hogan, who was mourning his good nails this morning.
Yes nail care. Finger-style players depends on their nails for tone and attack of the string.
Have you ever experienced the joys of playing with nails perfectly shaped at the optimal angle
for you, and smoothed to a glassy glossy edge?
CVS .....
Read More
Published: Sep 21, 2016 |
Category: Special event, Live Music for Film, Concert
Silent Movie with Live Music Piano/ Guitars Sunday Oct 16 7 PM Harvard Sq.
At the world famous Harvard Film Archives:
I' m thrilled & petrified to perform live music with the amazing Suzy Lee on piano .
-A mixture of classical, traditional Jazz, Folk and textural improvisations-
Possible instrumentation: Piano accordion, 6&12 Str.Guitar, Banjo-uke, found sounds,
maybe clarinet.
.....
Read More
Published: Sep 21, 2016 |
Category: Uncategorized
Also I am starting soon (TBA) a song based guitar ensemble. We' ll analyze, arrange, play and sing songs
for a common pool. Probably Saturday lunchtime or early afternoon. We would take turn on acoustic, electric, capoed/non capoed.....
Read More
Published: Sep 8, 2016 |
Category: Uncategorized
These are live so the recording quality varies, but do not let that
stop you from appreciating this one-of-a-kind musician.
Leo Kottke in 1973 Live (Audio only full set)
Youtube:
Machine gun : 1973 again
.....
Read More
Published: Sep 4, 2016 |
Category: Music discovery
Hello Folks,
For endless, historic musical discoveries it is hard to beat the Concert Vault.
You can find there unreleased live performances by major artists,
like Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder in the 60's/70's.
Today, I just downloaded for $5 a fabulous solo acoustic Blues performance
by the legen.....
Read More
Published: Aug 22, 2016 |
Category: Amazing Musician
RIP Toots , world famous harmonicist .
He whistled while he worked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlE8eba6y9I
.....
Read More
Published: Aug 11, 2016 |
Category: Uncategorized
Check out this Live Radio show from yesterday, August 10 on MIT's WMBR's only French show. Mark Chenevert (Clarinet) and I had fun with our radio pals Brian & Yves, despite the incredibly early hour in the AM... played a few new tunes.
Vive la Liberté,
Bertrand
Stream:
.....
Read More
Published: Aug 11, 2016 |
Category: Uncategorized
Hello Folks This DVD will inform you about one of the most, if not the most influencial
steel string flat top player ever.
The Dvd contains amazing performance footage, interviews of the man,
and fascinating, generous and passionate testimonies by the great Pete Townshend
and Chris Funk fro the Decembrists.
Amazon.....
Read More
Published: May 18, 2016 |
Category: Music Learning , Self Teaching materials
Binder Control and the practice of Practicing
A few thoughts about how to organize your binder. It will help organize our thoughts and our practice time.
What would be a "balanced diet" to growth healthy musical bones consist of?
Warm up/conditioning
Theory
Technique
Rhythm
Ear training. (intervals/singing)
Songs(sorted by keys and or titles)
Creativity/Original music
.....
Read More
Published: Apr 27, 2016 |
Category: Philosophy
Art (Music) in a time of Crisis.
A short yet inspiring conversation with YoYo Ma.
Ch'Ears, Bertrand.....
Read More
Published: Apr 18, 2016 |
Category: Music Learning
Dear Students and Friends,
As I am working on a new blog about how to maximize your practice routine,
I stumbled onto this inspiring and fun video: Enjoy and stay tuned, Best, Bertrand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng.....
Read More
Published: Apr 8, 2016 |
Category: Music Learning
Some of you might remember my invitation for you to "Think like a bass player!" . You may also the series of visual "root mapping" , & movable chord progressions that follows.
Here is a great article that helps further the idea of "picking bass player brains" as guitarists.
Bass players are after all.....
Read More
Published: Apr 3, 2016 |
Category: Special event, Live Music for Film
Thank you for those who came to the film & concert today. It is always a treat to play guitar live for a movie and an audience. This one was quite a journey, much of it improvised. This crime/romance/intrigue caper was harder to score than the city-symphony film or any poetic films we've done. Also we had so little time to prep.Thank .....
Read More
Published: Mar 30, 2016 |
Category: Music Videos
Dear Students,
I hope you will enjoy those two fresh videos made you know where.
Some of you actually played that hand made smallish maple guitar
One Folk tune , "City Line" from my last CD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7Pq5kfyUA8
A Country Blues tune by Shirley Griffith: "Delta Haze "(from my 1rst CD)
.....
Read More
Published: Mar 20, 2016 |
Category: Special event, Concert
Thank you all for coming to my free student appreciation concert at Yukon's shop. Thanks to Aeronaut Brewery for providing spectacular beverages. Locally made guitars pair well with locally composed music and locally brewed brew. "Long lost students" meeting new ones was a cool thing to behold. Thank you again Yukon, for hosting......
Read More
