Wildwood Visit, 2023

Visiting an old friend in Wildwood today. Went with my brother. Really nice time. Spent some time on his boat during which I was somewhat nervous but it was quite wonderful.  Interestingly, met up with his brother who is taking piano lessons. Was really feeling good during my talking with him in that he is a guitar player too, but he used the same word I used in talking about the piano: “beautiful” I used the same word when my teacher asked me why I would want to play piano when I already play guitar. Told him the piano just sounded “beautiful” Nice to know there’s another guy out there not too far from my age learning piano. Went to Mack’s Pizza (the BEST). 

Piano

Still at it and liking it. Yep I get tempted to get back to learning the guitar deeper, but the I sit at the piano and it feels so right. 

Saw the movie Oppenheimer recently and loved it. So weird how it is true. Bought the book today.

29

Happy 29th wedding anniversary to me and my wife!

Had a cool piano day. Recently my piano teacher texted me what was a pop quiz question; luckily I got it right!

H a p p y F r I d a y

Ok seeing a little pattern perhaps. Not feeling like practicing piano … then practicing anyway (despite the feeling)… leads to positive feelings. Saw that again today. 

Forty

Was tired this evening but got in about 40 minutes of piano practice. Glad I did it. Added a few more measures to the main song I’m learning, went over maj, min, aug, sus4, and dim chords. Also worked on playing by ear to the 1-6-2-5 progression. I’m liking this routine of practicing daily.

Health wise, continuing to work on keeping my blood sugar in an acceptable range (diabetes II). 

p i a n o

Confused about thirds….  Went to the piano and started a new version of “Embraceable You,” and had some negativity. But I forged on and it turned into being something quite enjoyable. Maybe this stuff is stuff I can do.

Music Day

Played at Mass today with the Church group. Acoustic guitar. I wanted to do How Great Thou Art like gospel music; upbeat. We ended up doing it straight and boring.

I practiced piano a lot today and continue to work on Ebraceable You. Sounding better than the version below, but not by much. Recording really does help; identified in playing it back how stilted I sound; that’s ok for now! As I worked on it, there is one line that I’m finding difficult. Dealing with that by trying to memorize it. 

Update on the kids. Oldest is now 26, middle one is 23, and youngest one is 21. There is now an empty nest, except for the two doggies, Oliver and Millie. 

Dealing with diabetes now, and glucose levels. 

Embraceable You / (Take 1)

Getting there:

https://soundcloud.com/guitarjazz/my-song-48

Ok Piano

Almost didn’t practice today, but it turned out to be a productive one. Worked on two songs, scales, chords. 

IF YOU (Me) BUILD IT (Practice) IT (Piano Playing) WILL COME 

Musicians…

Piano

A little practice today in day 3. Added a new song, worked a little on that and “Embraceable You.” Scales, major, minor, augmented, diminished triads. Must keep momentum!

Piano Practice 2

Day 2 of piano practice. Did my chords, scales, and continue to work on “Embraceable You.” I like how it was relaxing yet challenging. Thinking that if I just put in the time, then the results will come in time. It’s not my job to race ahead… my job is to Put In The Time.

PUT IN THE TIME

Put in the time focused on quality, and the results will come in time. 

P I A N O 2023

Ok so I guess I’m full circle here. Can’t get the piano out of my system yet. Started lessons (again). Started yesterday with an excellent teacher! Started yesterday, and had my first practice session this evening. Working on a song (Embraceable You), working on triads (major, minor, augmented, sus4, diminished), to work on some major scale fingerings (forward and back), learning how to use diatonic harmony to help remember songs, etc. 

IM BACK !! 

Time to Piano

Starting piano lessons again, using the chord approach. First lesson to be July 25. Taking lessons online from someone who I took lessons before years ago. 

June Gig, 2023