Techniques for Good Practicing

Hello guitar and music enthusiasts,

This is my first blog on my new website. I am Alan Skowron, a reputable guitar and music instructor in the Loveland, Colorado area. Please look at my website to learn about me and my appoach to teaching music.

Today, I would like to discuss a little bit about practicing. Most of us know that what happens on stage is a direct consequence of what happens in the practice room. I realize not everybody has personal goals of being a concert classical guitarist or being involved with a nationally touring rock band, but I think following and observing some basic principals will help everybody develop their musical goals, regardless of how big or small in scope. The discussion of how big or small in scope your goals are not necessarily how successful you wish to become as a musician, but how you develop the skills in becoming a great musician. What I am trying to say is, that, you are probably practicing and playing the guitar, because you are interested in it and want to keep learning more. Most of you probably want to share this musical interest with others in the form of performing, whether in front of a campfire or on stage at an open mic-night. The goal here is to largely discuss the focus of having a practice approach with the ultimate goal of successful public performance of music with the intent to share that music with others.

This will be an extended topic which we will cover in the next week or so. For now, please think about how you practice and how you prepare as well as how perceptive and patient you are when practicing. Tomorrow, I will discuss some aspects of the mental state in regards to guitar practicing or for that matter, on any musical instrument.