One of my homework assignments last week was to bring in a bunch of songs I would like to learn how to play. I had planned on bringing in a pile of cds, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the computer Mitch has let me borrow indefinitely has a cd burner, so after picking up a 5-pack of CD-R's from CVS, I was able to slap together a cd from my iPod!
It includes several songs by Pete Yorn and a pair by Duncan Sheik, as well as single entries (for now) from the likes of Nick Drake, Jewel, Michelle Branch, Liz Phair, Mojave 3, Colbie Caillat, Ivy, The Sundays, Vanessa Kafka, R.E.M. and The Pretenders. There is even a Monkees tune in there! I can't wait to see if Erik is able to teach me some (if not all) of them by Christmas...
And I have a cd burner! I already transferred "Mood Changes" by jazz prodigy Grace Kelly. I have been dying to hear it on a system better than iPod headphones.
Currently listening to:
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Concert Through Different Eyes
I went to see The Johnnies (my old chum Chris, old 'good acquaintance' Les, and friends) perform in Kittery Saturday night at Yoga on the Hill. It was a small intimate setting, with only 15 people in attendance, so I had a great view from the second row. And most likely, because of my new musical undertaking, I found myself experiencing the show from a different perspective. I spent the majority of the time watching Chris play his guitar, and listening to how his stories in the songs were being told by him, Les, Erich and Brian. It was eye-opening and inspiring at the same time.
It's odd listening to an old friend perform songs that he has written about his own life. I knew of many of the events and people Chris was singing about (some of them mutual friends), and it helped me figure out how I too could tell stories about various happenings in my life. How it might allow me to benefit from the bad things, vent about the frustrating things, and even bring closure to some of the sad things. I found myself writing in my head as the show progressed, and I kind of wish I'd had the foresight to bring a pad & pen to jot the ideas down. The pair of beers at the Shipyard Brew Pub in Eliot, and the 90-minute drive home later did no good in helping me cement them firmly in my noggin. My long walks are the same way. I head out for a 45-minute jaunt, iPod firmly in place, with ideas zipping in and out of my brain, but I have no way to record them in the moment. I do my best to reconstruct them when I get home, but sometimes a phrase or clever rhyme dissipates like a drop of milk in a bowl of water, never again to be separated from the vastness...
Apparently, foresight is key ☺
Nevertheless, I try to write in the moment, drop everything to sketch when I feel inspired, and just forget the world with a pile of Lego blocks when I want to see something in my head take form, whether it be words, images or 3-D structures. My New Year's resolutions back on 1/1/09 are bearing much fruit...
Currently listening to:
It's odd listening to an old friend perform songs that he has written about his own life. I knew of many of the events and people Chris was singing about (some of them mutual friends), and it helped me figure out how I too could tell stories about various happenings in my life. How it might allow me to benefit from the bad things, vent about the frustrating things, and even bring closure to some of the sad things. I found myself writing in my head as the show progressed, and I kind of wish I'd had the foresight to bring a pad & pen to jot the ideas down. The pair of beers at the Shipyard Brew Pub in Eliot, and the 90-minute drive home later did no good in helping me cement them firmly in my noggin. My long walks are the same way. I head out for a 45-minute jaunt, iPod firmly in place, with ideas zipping in and out of my brain, but I have no way to record them in the moment. I do my best to reconstruct them when I get home, but sometimes a phrase or clever rhyme dissipates like a drop of milk in a bowl of water, never again to be separated from the vastness...
Apparently, foresight is key ☺
Nevertheless, I try to write in the moment, drop everything to sketch when I feel inspired, and just forget the world with a pile of Lego blocks when I want to see something in my head take form, whether it be words, images or 3-D structures. My New Year's resolutions back on 1/1/09 are bearing much fruit...
Currently listening to:
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Lesson the First
I arrived at the Real School around 2, leaving me with a half-hour to kill, so I hung out in the lounge with Dwight, one of the guys who works there. We talked about what I wanted to get out of this experience as he gave me a tour of the place. Pretty impressive: many rooms for both lessons and groups, a few lounges, a clean snack area (with free coffee!), and a huge performance room for local and national acts. The main (upper) floor is arranged in a big loop, with rooms both in the center and arranged around the perimeter, so that once you get up the stairs and proceed around the entire floor, you wind up back at the stairs. Add in the bright colors & simple lines of the building, and the Real School seems like a cheery (and not bleak or oppressive) place to learn.
I met my instructor Erik, and he asked me a few questions (what would I like to be able to do; what types of music do I enjoy, and hope to play; what levels of training do I have and on which instruments; etc...). Then it was a quick demonstration on how to tune my guitar. After that it was tablature, chromatic exercises, and open position chords. I actually learned a lot in those first 30 minutes, and he is an easygoing guy, so it was a positive learning environment.
On the way out I decided to go ahead and lock in the full semester, and paid the remaining $315, which will carry me through a total of 13 weeks. Sweet! I plan on putting in at least an hour a day (probably more, split up into morning and evening sets) so I learn & improve at a steady pace...
The Adventure truly has begun!
Currently listening to:
I met my instructor Erik, and he asked me a few questions (what would I like to be able to do; what types of music do I enjoy, and hope to play; what levels of training do I have and on which instruments; etc...). Then it was a quick demonstration on how to tune my guitar. After that it was tablature, chromatic exercises, and open position chords. I actually learned a lot in those first 30 minutes, and he is an easygoing guy, so it was a positive learning environment.
On the way out I decided to go ahead and lock in the full semester, and paid the remaining $315, which will carry me through a total of 13 weeks. Sweet! I plan on putting in at least an hour a day (probably more, split up into morning and evening sets) so I learn & improve at a steady pace...
The Adventure truly has begun!
Currently listening to:
Monday, September 14, 2009
Pop!
Well, I broke it out at halftime during the Patriots-Bills game. That's right! My new guitar finally has gotten some serious use. I have no idea what I am doing at this point, but I spent a good hour getting used to the feel of it, and looking up chord charts to print out. I stopped a little after 9pm, so as not to disturb anyone in the other 20 apartments (haha). I can't wait for my first lesson this Thursday...
Friday, September 11, 2009
Autumn Garb
I needed a new sweatshirt (since my "Surfside Brew Crew" one is pretty juvenile for a 40-year old), so I went to the awesome Neighborhoodies website yesterday, and had a dark brown custom-stitched one made up with a big "9¾" in mustard on the left front chest. I should have it in two weeks.
And I am trying to find a cool patch or two for the sleeve. I spent some time yesterday looking at them on eBay, but nothing caught my eye except for a few "Fender" ones. I'll keep looking...
Currently listening to:
And I am trying to find a cool patch or two for the sleeve. I spent some time yesterday looking at them on eBay, but nothing caught my eye except for a few "Fender" ones. I'll keep looking...
Currently listening to:
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Fender Bender
"Yeah," he said casually, "I bought my first guitar today"...
I say 'first', because I aim to become so proficient, that the basic one I bought won't be of sufficient quality for 'future' me, though it should more than suffice for this rookie. After the guy (I feel bad for not getting his name or business card) at City Music in Leominster showed me a few guitar brands and models, and me desiring to stay within a price range of "not crap" and $200, I opted for the Fender Dreadnought DG-8S Acoustic guitar, made of spruce wood, and with a natural finish. It came with picks, an extra set of strings, a strap, an automatic guitar tuner, a string tightener, a gig bag, and a DVD with all kinds of useful stuff on it. All for $199.99 (marked down from a whopping $349.99!), so I think I did pretty well. I dropped an extra fifteen bucks on a gig stand, and left the store sweating bullets (for making such a big purchase while I am unemployed). But I am thrilled to death, and it's for the best of causes - learning a marketable skill. Am I right? ☺
I am too nervous at this point to do more than look at it, but tomorrow I am going to do almost nothing, except learn how to care for my guitar and play it. I like the sound of that: "my guitar"...
I say 'first', because I aim to become so proficient, that the basic one I bought won't be of sufficient quality for 'future' me, though it should more than suffice for this rookie. After the guy (I feel bad for not getting his name or business card) at City Music in Leominster showed me a few guitar brands and models, and me desiring to stay within a price range of "not crap" and $200, I opted for the Fender Dreadnought DG-8S Acoustic guitar, made of spruce wood, and with a natural finish. It came with picks, an extra set of strings, a strap, an automatic guitar tuner, a string tightener, a gig bag, and a DVD with all kinds of useful stuff on it. All for $199.99 (marked down from a whopping $349.99!), so I think I did pretty well. I dropped an extra fifteen bucks on a gig stand, and left the store sweating bullets (for making such a big purchase while I am unemployed). But I am thrilled to death, and it's for the best of causes - learning a marketable skill. Am I right? ☺
I am too nervous at this point to do more than look at it, but tomorrow I am going to do almost nothing, except learn how to care for my guitar and play it. I like the sound of that: "my guitar"...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Time Draws Nigh
I just got off the phone with Dwight from The Real School of Music, and we set up my 4 weeks of lessons!
I'll be learning to play guitar from Erik Ringstad beginning this Thursday at 2:30 pm, and continuing for four weeks. After that time, if I am satisfied with my progress and the level of fun, then I most certainly will finish out the year at the pro-rated tuition.
I am so excited, that I kind of want to run right out and buy a guitar before the local music stores close! However, I am going to do some more online research in order to go in prepared, and I may even check out more than one store, just to get the best deal.
* I just (7 pm) received my confirmation e-mail & class schedule, and apparently I do not start until next week. Oh well! More time to get a really good guitar, and have some time to mess around with it beforehand.
I'll be learning to play guitar from Erik Ringstad beginning this Thursday at 2:30 pm, and continuing for four weeks. After that time, if I am satisfied with my progress and the level of fun, then I most certainly will finish out the year at the pro-rated tuition.
I am so excited, that I kind of want to run right out and buy a guitar before the local music stores close! However, I am going to do some more online research in order to go in prepared, and I may even check out more than one store, just to get the best deal.
* I just (7 pm) received my confirmation e-mail & class schedule, and apparently I do not start until next week. Oh well! More time to get a really good guitar, and have some time to mess around with it beforehand.
Cover This Song!
"Fallin' For You" by Colbie Caillat
I can't get enough of this song, or the mood it evokes: a midsummer's day, not too hot, listening to old 'easy listening' songs from the 70's on the car radio, while driving around with friends looking for something to do, without a care in the world...
Once I gain some proficiency, it's going to be one of the first songs I try to learn.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Impressions I
I went for a long walk yesterday as part of my exercise regimen, iPod implanted in both ears, and mind wandering, as I made my way down the sunny back streets of town in the cool dry air.
I was mindlessly listening to Sara Bareilles' "One Sweet Love", and the lyrics kind of caught me off-guard. I felt an unexpected upwelling of emotions as I walked under the trees past the various houses. It wasn't despair, as I am not a negative person by nature, but there was definitely a sharp pang of melancholy. In a moment of clarity, it made me realize how alone I feel at times. Not alone in the world, because I have an amazing family and many great friends, but alone in love.
I've been lucky enough to have experienced powerful romantic love several times in my life, but that all-encompassing emotional jumble has been missing for a long time now, and for some reason, the song rattled it loose from whatever back room of my mind it had been sleeping in. Which is odd, because I am not really a 'lyrics' kind of guy, nor overly sentimental when there is no woman in my life. Perhaps the lack of a daily work routine has left me more open to emotional internal meanderings. Whatever the reason, and whatever the end result, it has made me more cognizant of lyrics when I listen to music now, and has somewhat altered the way I view the world as I am wandering through it...
I was mindlessly listening to Sara Bareilles' "One Sweet Love", and the lyrics kind of caught me off-guard. I felt an unexpected upwelling of emotions as I walked under the trees past the various houses. It wasn't despair, as I am not a negative person by nature, but there was definitely a sharp pang of melancholy. In a moment of clarity, it made me realize how alone I feel at times. Not alone in the world, because I have an amazing family and many great friends, but alone in love.
I've been lucky enough to have experienced powerful romantic love several times in my life, but that all-encompassing emotional jumble has been missing for a long time now, and for some reason, the song rattled it loose from whatever back room of my mind it had been sleeping in. Which is odd, because I am not really a 'lyrics' kind of guy, nor overly sentimental when there is no woman in my life. Perhaps the lack of a daily work routine has left me more open to emotional internal meanderings. Whatever the reason, and whatever the end result, it has made me more cognizant of lyrics when I listen to music now, and has somewhat altered the way I view the world as I am wandering through it...
Friday, September 4, 2009
Inexpensive Lessons
Two important things happened today to move me forward with my plan to learn how to play guitar:
- My printer arrived via UPS from Staples. I ordered it yesterday, and it arrived today around noon! It is an Epson WorkForce 30. It prints anything you can think of on standard paper, and high-quality photos on photo paper.
- With the printer successfully hooked up I was able to print my Groupon! Four lessons for fifty bucks (normally $140). I am going to call The Real School of Music in Burlington soon to set up my appointments (I just need to buy a guitar now).
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Project: Just Learn It Already!
I grew up with a piano in the house, but rarely played. I took trumpet (coronet, actually) lessons in fourth grade, but didn't progress very far. I joined the high school chorus under pressure from the instructor (my two aunts had been proficient students of his), but only sang a handful of times. I joined the drum sections of my high school marching and concert bands (and had a blast for two years), but was never an expert. I had an electric bass guitar in college, but only noodled a bit from time to time. A few years ago, I borrowed a friend's guitar for several months, but it collected dust in its case after a few self-conscious tries.
Now, with all the spare time I have from being downsized from my retail management job back in December, and being bored out of my skull, I have decided to make use of my time, and see if I have the mental wherewithal to learn guitar.
I happen to receive e-mails from a site called Groupon, and today they had a great deal for guitar lessons: Four 30-minute private lessons for $50. I couldn't pass it up. Couple that with my recent guitar shopping (I've had this tiny but steady itch waiting to be scratched for several months now), plus seeing several lifelong friends who are musicians play live rather frequently lately, and I think the time is right to take the plunge.
Why "Jake Burlap"? It's a kooky classic sci-fi rogue-sounding name in the vein of Han Solo, Buck Rogers or Flash Gordon that I have used for a few online games, and have toyed with writing stories about. Having a stage name will make me feel less self-conscious as I figure out how to play guitar, write songs, and (hopefully) perform live someday. Plus, once I get going, it'll be perfect for themes and other stuff (huh?).
Anyway, I am going to look at and buy a guitar sometime this weekend or next week, and then begin my lessons at The Real School of Music in Burlington, MA, hopefully at the beginning of their fall session, on or around September 10th.
Now, with all the spare time I have from being downsized from my retail management job back in December, and being bored out of my skull, I have decided to make use of my time, and see if I have the mental wherewithal to learn guitar.
I happen to receive e-mails from a site called Groupon, and today they had a great deal for guitar lessons: Four 30-minute private lessons for $50. I couldn't pass it up. Couple that with my recent guitar shopping (I've had this tiny but steady itch waiting to be scratched for several months now), plus seeing several lifelong friends who are musicians play live rather frequently lately, and I think the time is right to take the plunge.
Why "Jake Burlap"? It's a kooky classic sci-fi rogue-sounding name in the vein of Han Solo, Buck Rogers or Flash Gordon that I have used for a few online games, and have toyed with writing stories about. Having a stage name will make me feel less self-conscious as I figure out how to play guitar, write songs, and (hopefully) perform live someday. Plus, once I get going, it'll be perfect for themes and other stuff (huh?).
Anyway, I am going to look at and buy a guitar sometime this weekend or next week, and then begin my lessons at The Real School of Music in Burlington, MA, hopefully at the beginning of their fall session, on or around September 10th.
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