To many playing a musical instrument is purely a random series of events used as a form of creative expression and relaxation. Our working hypothesis is that by approaching the playing of any instrument from a neurological perspective will greatly increase the desired results. The neurological model that we will use is The Triune Brain. With the triune brain you have three neurological sectors that are responsible for the four aspects of the Self: Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual (PIES.) We will try to cover all of these areas.
The Physical component not only includes the obvious, the actual musical instrument, but also includes the care and feeding of both the brain and body. So, in addressing the Physical we will introduce the user to the physical qualities of musical instruments, sound and acoustics, and proper care and maintenance. Some may question the need to understand the nature of sound. Simply put, by understanding the physics of sound you gain power in controlling/manipulating the sounds of your instrument.
The Intellectual component will involve the learning of music, and as stated above, gaining an understanding of your instrument and how it works. The Emotional, and Spiritual components of music are what drive most people to creating music. Music is used to express our emotional and spiritual states. But, in reaching these states we need a philosophy to help guide us. TEWM will eventually incorporate a lot of original work, but for the time being we will turn to the work of Dr. Jamie Andreas His approach is to give meaning to practice, playing, learning, performing, etc. His approach is pragmatic and effective, and seems to be the slight edge that pushes one from mediocrity to greatness. Greatness does not necessarily mean becoming a famous rock star, but can be just as meaningful to the "bedroom performer" whose audience is composed of family photos.
Most of the material references guitars, but many of the papers contained here are effective across the board. If you would like to make some contributions, especially in providing practice/warm-up exercises then please send them to us:
Guitar Hardware
How Guitar Amplifiers Are Used
Guitar Pickups - Different Positions
Guitar Amplifiers - Valves vs Solid State
The Science of Guitar
Guitar Amplifiers - Overdrive & Distortion
Guitar Effects - The Digital Revolution
Acoustic Concepts/Measurement Technique
Understanding Guitar Schematics
The Philosophy of Guitar
Your Hand is Your Band: The Importance of Fingering
Your Growth as a Guitarist: Vertical or Horizontal?
Why Should I Learn To Read Music?
The Secret of Speed: Finding the Incredible Lightness
Pulling Up The Slack: Mining Your Potential
The Alexander Technique: Taking Pressure Off Your Body
Changing Chords. Having a little trouble with those "easy" chords?
Real Life Scenes From Dr. Jamie' Studio: Another Guitarist Brought Out of "Musical Coma"
Teachers Lounge: You Treat a Thing The Way You Define It
Moving in the Direction of Skill