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Mastering "Teardrinker" by Mastodon: Complete Harmonic and Technical Analysis from Boston's Ivan Cardozo
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

Ivan Cardozo
6 days ago7 min read
The Stoic Guitarist: Embracing Every Performance Opportunity - Your Guitar Teacher in Boston
"You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength." — Marcus Aurelius As a professional guitar...

Ivan Cardozo
Sep 167 min read
When a Student Is No Longer a Beginner: A Guitar Teacher's Journey in Boston
"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." - Marcus Aurelius Just as the Stoic...

Ivan Cardozo
Sep 15 min read
Mastering Jimmy Page's "Out On The Tiles": A Guitar Teacher's Guide to Led Zeppelin's Hidden Gem
"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." - Marcus Aurelius As a professional guitar teacher...

Ivan Cardozo
Aug 114 min read
Why Guitar Students' Unrealistic Mental Projections Can Sabotage Their Progress
A Stoic Principle for Musical Mastery The ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus taught us that happiness comes not from having what we...

Ivan Cardozo
Aug 34 min read
Master the Harmonic Minor & Pentatonic Scale Combination - Expert Guitar Lessons with Ivan Cardozo
As Epictetus wisely taught us in the Enchiridion: "Every art and every inquiry, and similarly every action and pursuit, is thought to aim...

Ivan Cardozo
Jul 83 min read
How to Practice Your Guitar: Breaking Free from Musical Stagnation with Proper Guidance
"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." - Marcus Aurelius Are You Stuck in a Musical Rut?...

Ivan Cardozo
Jun 53 min read
Guitar Upgrades: Do They Really Make You a Better Player? | Boston Guitar Lessons with Ivan Cardozo
"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." — Epictetus Are you considering those shiny new pickups or...

Ivan Cardozo
May 123 min read
The Reality of Making a Living as a Guitarist: What Music Schools Don't Tell You
"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." — Epictetus This Stoic principle perfectly captures the...

Ivan Cardozo
May 55 min read
Preparing for Your First Open Mic in Boston: A Comprehensive Guide
For aspiring guitarists in Boston and beyond, the first open mic performance marks a significant milestone in your musical journey. At my...

Ivan Cardozo
Mar 103 min read
The Hidden Price of Live Music: A Professional Guitarist's View from Boston
As a guitarist offering lessons in the Greater Boston area, I've encountered a persistent challenge that plagues many professional...

Ivan Cardozo
Jan 222 min read
The Rewarding Journey of Teaching Guitar in Boston: Watching Students Transform
As a guitar instructor in Boston, there's no greater satisfaction than witnessing the metamorphosis of beginners into accomplished...

Ivan Cardozo
Nov 2, 20243 min read
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