The Impediment to Action Advances Action. What Stands in the Way Becomes the Way." This Stoic principle from Marcus Aurelius perfectly captures the essence of Mastodon's "Teardrinker"—a song about confronting pain, regret, and the difficult choices that shape us. The title itself evokes the Stoic practice of acknowledging suffering whilst finding strength through adversity. Just as the Stoics taught that obstacles reveal our character and provide opportunities for growth, "Te

"Some things are within our power, whilst others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing."  — Epictetus, Enchiridion As a guitarist, you cannot control natural talent, the speed of your progress, or how quickly concepts "click." But you can  control your focus, your practice approach, a

"Some things are within our power, whilst others are not." - Epictetus, Enchiridion, Chapter I Transform Your Soloing from Technical Exercise to Musical Expression In the opening chapter of his Enchiridion , the Stoic philosopher Epictetus presents a profound truth: we must distinguish between what we can control and what we cannot. This ancient wisdom holds remarkable relevance for guitarists seeking to master improvisation. What lies within your control: Your dedication to

"It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it." - Seneca Master the Foundation of Guitar Harmony with Boston's Premier Guitar Teacher The ancient Stoic philosopher Seneca understood a timeless truth: our time is precious, and how we invest it determines our progress. This wisdom applies profoundly to learning guitar. Many aspiring guitarists spend years playing without truly understanding the instrument's harmonic foundation—the triads of the maj

"You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength."  — Marcus Aurelius As a professional guitar...

"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."  - Marcus Aurelius Just as the Stoic...

"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength." - Marcus Aurelius As a professional...

"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way."  - Marcus Aurelius As a professional guitar teacher...

A Stoic Principle for Musical Mastery The ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus taught us that happiness comes not from having what we...

"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." - Marcus Aurelius This ancient Stoic wisdom perfectly...

As Epictetus wisely taught us in the Enchiridion: "Every art and every inquiry, and similarly every action and pursuit, is thought to aim...

"What we do now echoes in eternity." - Marcus Aurelius Just as the Stoic philosophers understood that mastery comes through disciplined...

"Wealth consists in not having great possessions, but in having few wants."  - Epictetus The Guitar Acquisition Syndrome: When More Isn't...

"As in walking you take care not to step on a nail or to sprain your ankle, so take care not to damage your ruling faculty. And if we...

"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." - Marcus Aurelius Are You Stuck in a Musical Rut?...

Having your guitar properly maintained is essential for optimal playability and sound quality. As a guitar teacher in Boston, I've...

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." — Epictetus Are you considering those shiny new pickups or...

"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." — Epictetus This Stoic principle perfectly captures the...

"The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not...

"We should not, like sheep, follow the herd of creatures in front of us, making our way where others go, not where we ought to go." —...