18 November, 2009
Mick
My Thoughts
Acoustic, Fender, guitar, Telecaster, worship leading
Over the past eight years, I have barely touched an electric guitar. It has probably been since my junior year in high school that I really played an electric much. It’s much easier to lead worship and play a rhythm instrument than a lead instrument.
Now that I have the Telecaster, I have not only re-kindled my desire to play electric. It’s opened up new musical interests (including The Who and Eric Clapton), and has broadened my ability as a musician. Plus, I play way more in my free-time that I have for quite some time.
Who would have thought that this acoustic loving man would start favoring his electric? It’s great.
3 June, 2008
Mick
Miscellaneous
Alvarez, guitar, Music, myspace, Songwriting
I have decided to start writing music again. February was the last time I produced anything worth singing, so this is in due timing. Having my father’s old guitar has proven to be inspiration, as well as my new found interest in discovering new bands.
This past winter, my dad gave me his Alvarez that he has been holding on to for some time. The sound quality is great, and the neck really fits my hand. He handed it to me at a time when I was making frequent trips to Guitar Center to play nicer guitars and drooling over things out of my price range. Needless to say, I only make a trip when the strings need replacing.
With the new inspiration, as well as time devoted to playing guitar, my hope is that new songs will be coming along very shortly. I have a Myspace artist page that you can look at to listen to my stuff. Click here to see it: Mick Murray Music.
26 May, 2008
Mick
Miscellaneous
guitar, lessons, process, product
Currently, I am in the process of setting myself up to give guitar lessons. With over ten years of experience (as well as teaching for some time during college), I feel that I have something to offer people who want to start playing. My technique may be different from what people are used to, however.
When people take lessons, really for anything, they are looking at an end result. A swimmer has goals to swim faster and longer. A golfer want to improve their swing and ball placement. A students want to earn a degree. A guitarist want to play songs. These are all products, and this is not what I am trying to create.
My philosophy behind teaching is more process than anything else. People are constantly learning on all levels. By taking lessons, people are getting help along the way. This technique does not necessarily state an overall goal, but rather smaller goals along the way. It also implies that the process does not end. By doing so the student will constantly be learning and (hopefully) making the most of every step.
A friend of mine who gives pitching lessons said he takes the same approach with his players. Every step builds on prior steps. There is a constant process of learning. The product is really where they are at that point of time rather than an ending point.
Process over product can be applied on all sorts of levels. By focusing on the process, we can produce a better outcome every time we perform. If a recording artist never improves in what they play, fans generally get bored and move on.
I have yet to give a lesson as of recent, but this will be my approach. Find out where the student is in their process, helping them as much as I can, and then give the resources to continue to learn. Simple as that.
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