Author: Jeff Holguin

  • For Artists: The True Goal

    Artists are meant to change the world. I don’t mean that in a Marvel superhero way. The thing about artists is, we don’t just make art in one form. Eventually, or hopefully, we learn that each part of life is art. I see artists all the time that probably don’t even know they’re making art.…

  • Creativity – Where does it come from?

    A student asked me a really simple question the other day. He almost didn’t ask because he felt like it was a dumb or pointless question, but it turned out to spark a really interesting string of thoughts and conversation about music and creativity. He asked me “When you write music, where, like, does it…

  • The Power of the Break

    Been a while! In spirit of my break from the blog and website, the topic of the week came from talking with my students about this exact thing: The Break. We all know it’s important to stay consistent with practice, but sometimes the best thing to do is to take a break. This could be…

  • Songs of the Week: Funk

    Songs of the Week: Funk

    Funk is such a goldmine of guitar riffs and bass lines. The percussive guitar style is super fun to play, and along with blues rhythm, funk rhythm is what made me fall in love with rhythm playing(on both bass and guitar). If you think rhythm is boring, this is for you! Lose Yourself to Dance…

  • Songs of the Week: Feel-Good Summer Vibe

    Songs of the Week: Feel-Good Summer Vibe

    This week I am featuring songs from various genres, both to suit your personal preferences but also to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. The theme this week, since it’s starting to get warm and school’s out, is a sort of feel-good summer vibe. All the songs listed…

  • Topic of the Week: Summer Break

    Topic of the Week: Summer Break

    Most of you are about to start summer break, so instead of giving you a bunch of homework and pushing for progress, we’re going to focus on how to have fun with your instrument and enjoy the progress you’ve made so far, while enjoying the weather. If you’re feeling inspired and want to continue learning…

  • Summer of Ukulele

    Summer of Ukulele

    Ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn and bring with you anywhere, which makes it the perfect summer instrument. This article outlines all of the reasons why and how to get started. Why ukulele is the perfect summer instrument: Startup Guide for Ukulele The first things I would learn are: Feel free to…

  • Music is Harmony

    Music is Harmony

    Music can be such a complex, vast topic that can take years to wrap your head around. People study it their whole lives. Some people never formally study it and that works out just fine too. I think I know why. The common thread I have seen in all of my musical studies, at the…

  • How to let music heal

    How to let music heal

    When I started learning cello, I quickly realized how sensitive the instrument is. If I had too much coffee or felt rushed or tense, it would transfer into my playing and the bow would skip, chatter and squeak. This forced me to either get frustrated and give up or learn to relax and center myself…

  • Topic of the Week: Practice

    Topic of the Week: Practice

    So it’s all about organization. Putting things in the right places, doing the right things at the right time. Getting into the correct mindset for the goal at hand. First you have to set your goals. Long term and short term. Avoid the pitfall of trying to work on a whole song at once and…