Twilight Slash Guitar Zone
It’s the 4th of July and as always: guests are coming over. Before I unloaded/loaded the dishwasher and shocked the pool, I picked up my weapon against the cleaning blues: My Martin triple-o.
Whatever situation I find myself in … the guitar saves me in relaxing the room. Example: kids in my class are out of sorts and chatting constantly. Unable to focus and get the situation under control, I pick up the guitar, which silences many, and start to count: one … two … three … you can hear a pin drop on carpet. A scene not even the best digital cameras can capture … you have to be there.
I then strum out Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land” and every kid sings along. That song really tells a powerful story. I tell you I have been teaching for 10 years and working with kids for at least 20. The guitar never fails. It’s like a semi-automatic weapon against chaos in tha classroom. But this morning I used it a different way.
Sauntering over with sleep still in my eyes, I sat on the kids’ toybox and started flecking the strings with my pick. Paul McCartney’s almost now obscure “My Love” came into my head, a song I taught myself years ago. “My love does it goooooood.” My 3 year old started twirling in front of me as I continued strumming and faking the lyrics. Reminiscent of another time undefined, another place.
I went on to place a few other Beatles songs and ended with the “Gidget” reminiscent “Wipeout” instrmental. Rippin’ it up still at 39. When I came out of the guitar zone, I unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, fed the dog, and shocked the pool. I hear the pump outside filtering the water for our guests at 2pm. I smile to myself at an idea only I will probably “get.” Then I come here to blog it for the archive. Maybe somebody will get it out there, Chris or somebody. Happy 4th readers of mine. (afterthought: this post should serve to remind us players that only we can teach the youth of today to appreciate the guitar)
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The Astonishing Adventures of Lord Likely
wrote,
Twilight Slash Guitar Zone
Link | July 4th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Nick
wrote,
I know what you mean, when I sit down with my guitar it seems like all of a sudden it’s 2 hours later, but it definitely helps me relax (and I’m not even very good)
In the words of one of my favs:
But if you really want to taste some cool success
You better learn to play guitar play guitar play guiter
Nicks last blog post..This Week In Blogging – 014
Link | July 5th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Dunn
wrote,
I always wanted to learn to play guitar. I like to hear someone playing a guitar, especially when they played the song that I know, so I could sing a long. I love to sing, and I think it would be cool if I can entertain myself, and like you said, help myself to get relax..
Dunns last blog post..Software Removal
Link | July 5th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Damien Riley
wrote,
@Nick: Is that John Cougar? I know that song and it rocks! Now you have it stuck in my head … the one I am thinking of goes: “quit all that macho sh** and learn how to play guitar, PLAY GUITAR.” Nice comment dude.
@Dunn: There’s two types of people in the world and they both relate … those who play guitar and those who enjoy hearing it. Some are both :) Thanks for your comment, have a wonderful Saturday.
Link | July 5th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Nick
wrote,
Yep, that’s the one…actually it’s John Mellencamp but he went by Cougar at the beginning of his career.
Link | July 6th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Jessica The Rock Chick
wrote,
Every time I hear about your little teaching tricks, Damien, I admire your skill as an instructor and your dedication to the kids more and more. I think it’s awesome that instead of just yelling for everyone to quiet down, you pick up your guitar and use that as a positive step towards the goal.
Not only am I sure that they appreciate hearing you play, they are also learning that music can be a powerful messenger, as well as a great way to relax and change moods.
Super post! Hope you guys had a very happy 4th!
Link | July 6th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Damien Riley
wrote,
@Nick: Thought so! I love that song: “Play guitar!” Did you know R.E.M. recorded 3 of their albums in his studio in the early nineties? It’s world renowned. Also, his drummer very sought out for projects.
@Jessica: You are great. Thank you for recognizing the core of what I do which is to inspire kids on the job in my classroom!
Link | July 6th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Nick
wrote,
I did not know that but do like interesting random facts like that so thank you for sharing that bit of information with me :D
Nicks last blog post..Sunday Snapshots – 006
Link | July 8th, 2008 at 5:35 am
Chris Gray
wrote,
The “guitar zone”, or as my wife calls it – “the guitar face”…as, “you have the guitar face on right now and the only way I am going to find my way in is to sit back and be in the moment with you…”. Nick’s right… time stands still when those six strings ring. I always try and keep my acoustic somewhere accessible…for a quick strum to re-center the moment.
Also…Kudos to you my friend, I believe it takes something special to be a teacher. Its one thing to comprehend “something” but to be able to communicate that “something” to others so they too comprehend is something to behold. Keep it up man.
Link | July 9th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Damien Riley
wrote,
Thanks a lot Chris. What great friends we’ve become through MySpace and now Twitter and the Blogs. I appreciate it immensely.
Link | July 9th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Camille
wrote,
Thanks for the story! I’m training to be a music teacher, and I’m a guitarist and parent, so it was great to be reminded of the power of the guitar with my kids AND in the classroom.
Link | July 10th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Damien Riley
wrote,
Camille: awesome what an exciting life to teach just music! Good going there.
Link | July 11th, 2008 at 12:54 am
Nick
wrote,
music is the window to the soul, it can say things that word cannot. I go into a “zone” often to help keep myself sane in this crazy world.
Link | July 15th, 2008 at 1:23 pm