Just me

[rjdplay]

Hi,
I have been here since finding Jamie in 2006, and I absolutely felt I won Gold! Just finishing up the Classical Course...getting ready in about two weeks to post Giuliani's Allegro. After that I'll tackle a few other courses of Jamie's I have waiting. I also am going to tackle Shearer's Vol.II...I bought it in 1978, and until Jamie I just never got around to it...it's one of those personal things I want to complete, and with Jamie's foundation behind me, I feel I can tackle greater musical challenges.

Me? I live in beautiful Nova Scotia. Have carried a guitar around all my life, but always put off really learning to play it but decided to do so when I retired (which I did in 2005). But since retirement I have also taken up a major historical research project which I hope to publish before I'm 85. So, my only repertoire is Shearer Vol.1, but now that I have the Classical course behind me (except for Allegro), I'll practice, learn and build.
I love the guitar, its feel, its sound, its portability, but I got to admit, I'm selfish with it.....I just play for me....and it took Jamie to get me to post!

I am absolutely delighted with Jamie's recent Fingerboard Harmony,around which I'm developing a practice schedule. I have stared at that Fingerboard for a long time, and never knew what to do with it. Now, through Jamie, I'll unravel its mysteries.

Jamie, you should be given an Olympic medal for your dedication, professionalism, keeping things simple, and above all, knowing and keeping your students interests at heart; and with your free advice and materials, I truly believe you do it unselfishly. You are truly a great teacher!

Keep it up.
Ray

[Jamie]

Ray, thanks so much for your story and your kind words. I am glad we have you around.

I am lucky because I have created my life in such a way that to help other people is the same as helping myself. I literally can tell that every time I teach someone I become a better player.

I think that is awesome about your research project (you know, my student Squeaky once said to me "Jamie, you are a research guitarist. I think she is right!).

I would love to know your subject of study if you are able to say, if not (ssshhh! top secret), that's cool.

[rjdplay]

Hi Jamie,
If you keep up your research and production, I honestly believe, we'll think of you as Guitar's Plato: that all other Guitar materials relative to teaching and learning will merely be a footnote to your body of work.

In terms of my historical research: I'm actually from Newfoundland, and am researching the French fishing 1500-1904-presence ( fishermen from Granville, St. Malo, St. Brieuc, Bayonne, St. Jean de Luz, etc. ) on what is usually termed the French Shore of Newfoundland (from Cape Bonavista, north to Cape Norman and down to Cape Ray). I should finish my research phase by June of this year. That's basically why I can only get an hour guitar practice/day...although some days I get carried away and suddenly its two hours!

Ray

[Jamie]

Very interesting Ray, thanks. Best of luck with the project.