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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Tags: 4th of july, beatles songs, Classroom, guitar, kids, Martin guitar, paul mccartney, Teaching, woody guthrie, working with kids, youth
I'm Damien Riley, author and teacher. Here you'll find "think outside the box" posts on psychology and inspiration. 
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
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
@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.
Yep, that’s the one…actually it’s John Mellencamp but he went by Cougar at the beginning of his career.
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!
@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!
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
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.
Thanks a lot Chris. What great friends we’ve become through MySpace and now Twitter and the Blogs. I appreciate it immensely.
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.
Camille: awesome what an exciting life to teach just music! Good going there.
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.