Reflection – Nathan Montgomery

n8monti March 22, 2019November 29, 201924, Birthday, Growth, Learning, Reflection

24 things i have learned in my 24 years of life

Yesterday was my 24th birthday. I have been taking some time to reflect about some of the important things I have learned during my life so far. Here are 24 life lessons in no particular order: Good food and good company will always bring joy. Calling your parents regularly will keep all of you sane. Always wear a smile when meeting new people. There are always connections to be made. Keep technology away from the dinner table, it’s precious face … Continue reading “24 things i have learned in my 24 years of life”

n8monti March 19, 2019November 29, 2019Christchurch, Empathy over Apathy, Eric Conti, Hate Crimes, Islamophobia, Privilege, Reflection, Self-Awareness, Terrorism

An Open Letter From My Uncle: Examining Our Privilege in the Aftermath of the Christchurch Terror Attack

It is hard to accept the hate that exists in the world, but it is always important that we face crises with our eyes wide open. We must examine why hate occurs and how we can help combat it. The following is a letter written by my uncle Eric Conti, Superintendent of Burlington School District in Burlington, MA. I share these words out of admiration for his clarity, empathy, and vulnerability: Eric M. Conti, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools March … Continue reading “An Open Letter From My Uncle: Examining Our Privilege in the Aftermath of the Christchurch Terror Attack”

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”

n8monti March 7, 2019November 29, 2019Authenticity, Block, Communication, Effort, Miles Davis, Practice, Reflection, Time, Value, Writing

Time and Effort

How do you beat writer’s block? Do you take a walk? Do you make some tea? Do you phone a friend? Do you clasp your hands together, put them behind your head, and let out a frustrated sigh as you lean back into your chair, feeling completely dull and stonewalled both by infinite possibilities and personal limitations? I may be having this problem right now. Maybe you are too. A good solution is to free-write in the mornings! This can … Continue reading “Time and Effort”

n8monti March 2, 2019November 29, 2019Aha, Arts, Connect, Education, Growth, Month, Music, Personal, Reflection, Writing

Writing Month

Hello world! This month I am going to be writing daily blog posts. I am going to focus on sharing content that excites me and has an educational focus. There will probably be some introspective moments too. I want to become a resource for performers, arts educators, arts administrators, arts consumers and hobbyists, and anyone else who wants to learn and engage. Here’s what I have been thinking about today: Recently I have been working as a guitar educator at … Continue reading “Writing Month”

n8monti January 14, 2019November 29, 2019habits, Improvement, New, Reflection, Self, work, Year

How I Work

Today I am answering a series of questions about my work and work lifestyle. Hopefully you read something that interests or relates to you in my answers. Let me know in the comments! Location: I work at home. I work from coffee shops and libraries and from friends couches and random basements and practice rooms. Current gig: Currently I am working as a guitar teacher, an audio engineer, and am an online task manager. Current mobile device and computer: I … Continue reading “How I Work”

n8monti January 7, 2019November 29, 2019#NewYear, #Skills, #TopThree, Communication, Learning, Performance, Person, Reflection

My Top Three Skills: A Personal Reflection

And it’s 2019 already. Not sure how that happened. The new year is always an opportunity for self-reflection and goal-creation. What have I accomplished? What do I want to accomplish? What areas of my life do I need to improve? What skills to I already have that I can expound upon? I would of course like to think that I possess many skills that will help me in life, but it is certainly another task to identify and explain any … Continue reading “My Top Three Skills: A Personal Reflection”