photo: Nick with the students and faculty of the Paul Green School of Rock, Downingtown, PA

Hey kids, this is Nick and this is my first newsletter just for you.. First, I am sorry that it has taken this long to get this out to those of you who have been waiting...But, as you move on in your musical careers you will find out how hectic things can get! But, enough of that, let's get to it...

I would first like to tell you that music is a wonderful thing and that to play music whether for fun or as a career will be very rewarding. The first subject that I would like to write about is practicing, since I am often asked in my clinics about how much or how do I practice. Yes you should have a dedicated practice schedule. Myself, I practice everyday mostly at the same time if I can. Also, I practice all during the day, like if I am watching television or just sitting around. The thing is to keep the guitar or whatever instrument in your hands as much as possible so that you and the instrument become one. Remember at this point in your practice you don't really have to concentrate on anything in particular, just let your mind be free and let your hands go where they want to. In this way you will find yourself stopping and saying wow, what was that I just did. This is the what I like about this type of practicing. If you can record yourself as much as possible so that you can hear where you are going and then you can see if you are in the pocket.

Also, when playing instrumental music remember that you have to tell the story just as you would if you were talking or singing. You don't have to play every note that you know at once just as you would not say everything there is to say in one sentence. Try to think in phrases...Like blah blah blah this or that. Not blah blah blah blah blah etc. Just as you wouldn't want to listen to any one rattle on and on talking, it's the same thing when playing music.

Remember that you should always practice your scales and things like that but you should also get used to playing what you are feeling. I find that if you don't think about it and just play from your heart that you will be a lot more interesting in your choice of things you play. Try to expand your musical vocabulary as much as possible, there is always something new to learn...in fact, you never stop learning!

Next time I will be talking about the ways to expand your musical voice. In the meantime, if you have any questions you'd like answered, or are curious about different things in the music business, send me an email - this newsletter is all about you!

STAY COOL, NICK