​Not everyone wants to read what I have to say.

And that's okay too.

It would be foolish, naive and arrogant of me to think that my words are so important that everyone should want to read them. Would you believe that I have never been a book reader? I simply don't have the attention span to sit in silence and concentrate on reading chapter after chapter from a novel. My brain just doesn't work that way. I have missed out on a great deal of valuable information and ideas from not being a book reader.

What could possibly make me think that what I have to say is somehow more important than what someone else has to say? Honestly, I truly do not think or feel this way at all. I am humbled to think that anyone finds what I have to say, as valuable in any way. I know that my words are valuable to me, so I share what I know. My entire goal in writing is to learn what it is like to hopefully make a difference in the way my readers think about or perceive what I have to say. I am all about perspective. I know that there are a billion ways to do a billion things. What is popular isn't always right, and what is right isn't always popular.

I feel the same way about understanding and perceiving. We all have our perspectives in life. Sharing my perspectives may give someone else a newer perspective that helps them. That's all I want to do - is to help. It is my purpose as a practicing writer to share my knowledge and my experiences. I want to be more like the person I would have needed when I was younger. I try to write what I think I would like to read - something that might actually keep my interest and attention long enough for me to actually finish.

Not everyone is going to agree with or even appreciate what I have to say. In all reality, the number of people who are more inclined to argue with me, is much greater than those who would agree. I am all about constructive criticism based on respect. However, I do not appreciate or respect a chosen and selective ignorance. An opinion should be the result of thought, not a substitution for it. 

I want my words to entertain as well as educate. A sense of humor always helps. The absurdities of life are usually a good resource for making a relatable point. In my everyday speaking life as a guitar teacher, I try very hard to make sure that I do not talk over the heads of my students. I guess I had always assumed that everyone is at least as smart as me. There are people much smarter than me who probably think the same thing. They wonder why I don't understand them, just like some of my students don't always understand me. Teaching is learning. It is also all about having patience and understanding. I had to learn both of those too.

I tend to do the same thing when I write. I guess, the way I see it is - if you can reread the words a few times, you should be able to figure it out. It's not rocket-surgery. I will also never dumb down anything I have to say just because someone refuses to think about what I have to say. "I will never censor my words to comfort the ignorant" - Jon Stewart. I think that condescension and talking down to people is disrespectful. You can make your point without being arrogant.

My hope in writing these music newsletters and guitar lessons, helps you and broadens your perspectives and knowledge - and gives you the power to understand so that you can teach others by sharing what you have learned.

So, in conclusion, if you see fit or feel the need to unsubscribe from my newsletters, I will respect your decision. You are always welcome back if you should change your mind.