"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." — Marcus Aurelius When my students first encounter the challenges of alternate picking, many feel overwhelmed by the seeming impossibility of coordinating their picking hand with speed and precision. Yet, as the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius reminds us, obstacles aren't barriers to progress—they are the very path to mastery itself. Every moment of frustration with alternate picking is an o

"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

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

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...

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

The Art of Matching Songs to Your Guitar Journey Selecting the perfect song repertoire is perhaps one of the most crucial yet overlooked...

"Remember that everything is but what we think it ."  - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book II, 15 "The impediment to action advances...

As a guitarist offering lessons in the Greater Boston area, I've encountered a persistent challenge that plagues many professional...