Guitar – Nathan Montgomery

n8monti March 30, 2019November 29, 2019Art, Artist Spotlight, Community, Freedom, Griot, Guitar, Mali, Rock, Rokia Traoré

Artist Spotlight: Rokia Traoré

Rokia Traoré is an incredibly musical Malian singer, songwriter, and guitarist who transcends genre with her art. She is a member of the Bambara ethnic group, a culture that has deep traditions of music performance and oral story telling (specifically called griot performance). Despite this fact, Traoré found American rock music to be more accessible to her while growing up. Traoré’s father was a diplomat and her family holds a noble title. Members of her social class are generally discouraged … Continue reading “Artist Spotlight: Rokia Traoré”

n8monti March 27, 2019November 29, 2019David Ogilvy, Education, Guitar, Music, Nathan Montgomery

Should Everyone Take Guitar Lessons?

There is much to be said for them. They are a prudent purchase. They will enhance your lifestyle. And we feel better when we live better. A great many people want to learn a new skill. Guitars are bought and sold every day with the purpose of learning to play them. The most efficient way to learn is by paying for guitar lessons. What makes guitar lessons such a great investment? Consider these facts: Develop an expertise. Learn to learn. … Continue reading “Should Everyone Take Guitar Lessons?”

n8monti March 16, 2019November 29, 2019#Skills, Education, Encouragement, Family, first time, Guitar, Learning, New, Reflection

All Journeys Have to Start Somewhere

Is there something in your life that you have always wanted to try but haven’t had the chance too? There is still time! Starting something new is a challenge and can be intimidating, but learning can happen at any age. I was inspired today by two new guitar students. A father and son. The father bought a guitar a decade ago but never really had the time to learn. He recently dusted it off, determined to start again. His love … Continue reading “All Journeys Have to Start Somewhere”

n8monti March 12, 2019November 29, 2019Beginner, Guitar, Learning, Process, Reflection, Student, Teacher, Teaching

Reflections on Learning and Teaching

Recently I have been adding new students to my teaching roster. People come in at all age levels and all abilities. My youngest student today was just nine years old and he had never picked up a guitar before. Teaching a nine year old who has essentially no concept of how to play an instrument, or even think about playing an instrument, is a unique challenge. It makes you revisit your own learning process. I started guitar when I … Continue reading “Reflections on Learning and Teaching”