Recording Challenge 2019

1) Choose a one-octave scale, and stick with it for at least a week
2) Each day pick one variation to apply to the scale, learn to play it as confidently/expertly as possible
3) Record it and post to the blog

Variation Ideas:
-Rhythmic Variations (dotted, etc.)
- Accented groups of 2 or 3
- Articulations: Staccato, tasto/ponticello
- Dynamics: crescendo, decrescendo
- Tremolando (groups of 2, 3 etc. per note)
- Add vibrato!! Quick, slow

When Learning a New Piece...

1) Learn a little about the composer
2) What era?
3) Title translation if needed... what does it mean? (Lagrima = tear)
4) Harmonic Analysis (key signature, form, phrases, cadences
5) Listen to pro performances of the piece
6) Set personal goals for the piece

List of Concepts

Here is a list of topics that need curating:

• Triads/Arpeggios
• Composition
• Tab writing
• Reading notation
• Chord Knowledge (know theory AND be able to play) 
• Jazz chords with major scale melody on strings 1 or 2
• Keep basic chords memorized (Major, minor, major 7th, minor 7th, sus 4, r2, etc.)
• "Chord Progression of the Week"
• Harmonic Analysis 
• Figured Bass
• Cadence types
• Phrases
• Modes/Scales
• Improvisation
• Strumming/Rhythm
• Gig pieces, such as "Faena," "Inspiracion," etc.
• Rasgueado techniques
• Percussive strumming 
• New patterns
• Tuning 
• Ear training
• Intervals
• Chord types
• Aural analysis

New Years Resolutions (in progress)

It has been a little over a year of classical guitar study. Here are last year's goals:

The biggest improvement is on my practice sessions, which, at the beginning, were scattered and frustrating. Frustration happens, but much of it has been unnecessary. I was very concerned with fulfilling the timestamp I gave myself (3 hours a day), or I wasn't giving myself realistic daily goals. It was often difficult to even get started because I kept waiting to arrive at the ideal mindset. 

Today, practice is more calm and I am able to get started without such a mental fight. Keeping things objective is becoming more second nature. It's a relief when I don't have to rely so much on feeling inspired or drawing from emotional creativity -- those things are important, but they can't carry me 100% of the time. 

So, these are some notable accomplishments:

     Reading: I wish I would have met more of my sight reading goal, however, I'm STILL very happy with where I am. Before, it was extremely difficult get through a single measure of something in C major, first position. Now, I've been able to slowly read through a short beginner piece in one practice session and memorize it.  

     Recording myself: has become an excellent teacher and a good way to simulate performance. It feels more like routine and helps me feel proud of what I've done.  

     Seeing live performances: this in addition to watching pro videos of performers has taught me how to watch for good technique, such as economy of motion in both hands, elbow prep for LH shifts. As I learn about these techniques in my lessons/practice sessions, I'll watch the same performance video and notice something I hadn't noticed before. It has also been interesting to get a sense of their state of mind. I love comparing and contrasting a performer's choice of interpretation with another, and sensing their attitude/energy when they make those decisions.  

     Notes on the fretboard: This is the goal I am most proud of because I think I'll achieve it exactly. The geometry of the fretboard is becoming visible -- it's exciting to see it all come together and to begin applying it in small ways. Today I can point out most of the natural notes and quickly calculate the sharps (or flats.) 

     Tension/Dynamic Relaxation: Huge improvement when changing chord shapes 

     Theory/ear training: on the list, but I've come a long way in understanding how music works. Before starting basic lessons 2 years ago, I had almost no concept of chord progression/harmonic function, key signatures, intervals. I am using triads almost every day now (I have intensified my focus on triads/fretboard study in the last couple weeks.) I am quickly recognizing key signatures and their relative keys, etc. While listening to a performer, I am listening for the form of the piece, its cadences, the different moving voices, tone choices (bright, dark/full), how the piece rises and falls in conflict and resolution. Harmonic analysis has become one of my very favorite things. 

Some goals were not met, maybe because they were too lofty from the start. Or, it's because I eventually found better goals to replace them. In the case of Adelita, I pursued simpler repertoire at a lower level. With these I am still fully challenged by fundamental techniques that need lots of work anyways. 

Here are some new goals I am considering for next year:

Practice sessions
Technical exercises (Kitharologus) have had the biggest role in my practice sessions in the recent months (typically taking around 2 hours), but I'd like try and switch it around so that performance is the main focus. I think my confidence in performance needs a big boost, so maybe I can spend a few months really immersing myself in it. 

Practice Session Layout Idea:

Short Term Goals:
-Establish a repertoire plan, curriculum, grade system, something
-Have specific goals for each lesson - establish a lesson layout
-Focus on thumb accuracy

-Medium Term Goals:
-Triad/fretboard study and reading EVERY day
-Continue to put myself in as many performance situations as possible (record, participate in study group)
-Duet material
-More consistency in practice-journaling 
-Revisit Carcassi op. 26 no. 1

By The End of 2019:
-Know all the notes on the fretboard, know how to navigate CAGED
-Have a repertoire of at least 5 pieces that can be played confidently and expertly, within my abilities