Guitar Faces, as I quip frequently, is a music blog “for the practising musician” — meaning that even before the infamous pandemic, and despite a 16-year stretch where my guitar playing paid all my bills — I’ve arrived once again at a place in my life where I do a lot more practising than performing. But I was surprised and dismayed when old foils like stage fright and writer’s block threatened to return. How could this be happening… again?
That’s when I learned about undiagnosed adult ADHD. It err, struck a chord with me. In a windmill down stroke worthy of Townsend (or Cervantes) so much of my experience attempting a career in music fell into place. Getting a grip on my innate inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity is improving my playing.
Reinvesting in myself is the word I want to use for it, not reinventing. My spiritual quest, if you will, has always been to be the best me I can be…
Reinvesting in myself is the word I want to use for it, not reinventing. My spiritual quest has always been to be the best me I can be, which has always in some way meant being the best guitarist I can be—since I was 14. Neurofeedback, at 63, enabled me to experience meditation in ways that eluded me a lifetime. Meditation now informs my guitar practice.
Keeping a journal is a highly recommended strategy for all professionals, regardless of their place on the neurodiversity spectrum. This journal is primarily for me; you are invited to look, see and engage as much or as little as suits you. My production services will always remain competitive. My experiences and the story of my journey will always be free.
Now… about those faces…