GUITAR AS A MIRROR
REFLECTIONS ON LEARNING, PRACTICE, AND PLAY
ABOUT THE BOOK
This book explores guitar practice as a living process shaped by rhythm, attention, and continuity over time. Rather than presenting a fixed method or collection of material, it examines how musicians learn, practice, and grow - often by noticing where attention breaks, time collapses, or effort replaces listening.
At its core, the book treats rhythm not only as a musical element, but as an organizing principle for practice, learning, and development. Topics such as flow, uncertainty, repetition, and trust are approached through practical musical situations, reflections on teaching, and exercises designed to support long-term engagement rather than short-term results.
The writing is informed by years of coaching, performance, and collaborative learning, and is intended for musicians who are interested in how they practice as much as what they practice.
CHAPTERS
Guitar as a Mirror
Introduces the core idea that the instrument reflects attention, habits, and inner state. Sets tone, pace, and relationship.
What, When, How
The foundational framework. Notes and harmony (what), time and rhythm (when), touch and feel (how). A cornerstone chapter.
The Spiral Path
Learning as return, not linear progress. Depth through revisiting. Establishes the non-checklist mindset.
Mindset Before Method
Orientation, patience, attention. How attitude shapes everything before technique enters the picture.
Rhythm Is Relationship
Time as connection. Groove, pulse, space. Rhythm as something felt and shared, not counted.
Discipline as Devotion
Reframing discipline away from force and toward care, consistency, and showing up.
Technique as Expression
Technique in service of voice, not ego. Tools as support, not identity.
Listening as Attunement
Deep listening before choice. Awareness of sound, space, and context.
Active Listening
Listening as a daily practice habit. Focused, practical, repeatable attention.
Learning to Trust Yourself
Decision-making, staying with choices, playing through uncertainty, building inner trust.
Music as a Mirror for Your Inner World
Patterns, resistance, emotion, self-observation. How music reveals who we are. Play, joy, curiosity, creativity without outcome. Returning to love for the instrument.
The Practice Is the Path
Integration. Small things done well. Relationship over arrival.
What Remains
Recognition. Relationship. Nothing to complete. Nothing lost
UPCOMOING
Updates, excerpts, and reflections from the book will be shared through the Practice Letter as the work continues to develop.