"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

"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." — Seneca Just as the Stoic philosopher Seneca reminds us that mastery begins with courage, understanding the flattened 7th resolution requires us to venture beyond the familiar territory of basic guitar theory. This seemingly complex harmonic concept—once understood—becomes one of the most powerful tools in your musical arsenal. Understanding the Magic Behind Hi

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

"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...

"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...

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

"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...

"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." —...

Are you ready to elevate your guitar skills and transform your musical understanding? As a professional guitar instructor in Boston, I'm...

Are you just starting your guitar journey in Boston or anywhere around the world? Learning to strum properly is perhaps the most crucial...

Are you struggling to make sense of the guitar fretboard? Feeling lost when trying to create melodies or understand music theory? As a...