Hello Everyone,
My name is Richard, I’m from Greater London and in my mid 40’s. I’ve been learning with Justin for just over a year now. I made some half-hearted attempts at a band with friends in my late teens, but to be honest we didn’t really have a clue what we were doing and I didn’t have the discipline or dedication to practice properly back then.
Life happened, and I now have a family with 2 kids, full-time job and all the obligations and pressures that brings. I came back to music just over a year ago after being off work for a couple of weeks with a back problem. It was the best thing that could have happened - funny how such positives can come out of difficult situations. I feel some regret at not coming back to music much sooner, but I take positives in learning from that and I am thankful that I have found my way back to this path eventually, it has really given me a new lease of life. Justin’s work is a huge part in that, and I am thankful to him and everyone involved and contributing to this place.
So I’m about a year in, I’m learning guitar and piano and absolutely loving it. It’s hard to make much time with young kids and work, but I manage to get about 90 minutes a day in, usually in the evening, dividing it between the 2 instruments and trying to learn a bit about using a Digital Audio Workstation.
I haven’t posted before, I am quiet and self-conscious by nature and generally tend to feel I’m not up to scratch with my playing and musical knowledge by comparison with others. But I’m enjoying it so much, I wanted to connect and share the experience with other people, hence my first post. I hope everyone is well and enjoying their musical journey as much as I am (with all the challenges and bumps in the road that come with it).
I also wanted to give some credit to the strumming machine. I recently took the JG survey and commented that when it first came on and I tried it, it seemed a bit stilted in rhythm and tempo. The question in the survey prompted me to try it again, and I have to say I’m so impressed. Either I was doing something wrong first time round, or it has been significantly improved and polished. It’s great fun, really helping me with learning and practicing strumming patterns, and also really helping me to nurture creative ideas. Also, the way it is cross-referenced with the presets and beginner strumming lessons is superb. A great addition to what is already an incredible website.
So, thanks for reading if you’re still with me; I’m hoping to be able to make a bit of time to spend on the forums here, and looking forward to connecting with some of you.
Take care and happy playing,
Rich
