G.K. Chesterton: How to Find Endless Wonder in Your Music

Tuesday Quotes are short explorations of music, life, and the daily endeavor of practicing classical guitar. Enjoy!

We are perishing for lack of wonder, not for lack of wonders.
G.K. Chesterton

What’s so interesting about stamps? Baseball cards? Fancy decorated eggs?

And what’s so interesting about turtles? Whippets? Dinosaurs?

And what’s the big deal with history? Astronomy? Engineering? Music?

The answer is: nothing.

There is nothing inherently interesting or wonderful in any of these. Or anything else.

But each becomes an entire universe when we add one alchemical ingredient. Each becomes full of fascination, depth and endless discovery.

And what is the key to unlock the gate to any garden?

Curiosity.

But not the noun curiosity. Not the word to be thought about. But the verb curiosity. The action of looking closer and wondering. The act of prodding and poking and asking questions.

Any subject, including music, is rich with nuance and detail, just below the surface. And it’s there to be discovered, if only we dig.

If ever we feel the world dry and lackluster, it’s not because it is so. It’s because we’ve zoomed out too far. We can remedy this in an afternoon of verbs: Learn. Question. Engage.

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.

I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.

Thanks for your on-going support. I never expected such a personalized approach when I signed up.

~ Harlan Friedman

-Harlan Friedman

Hello Allen,
I feel my guitar proficiency is improving considerably. Every day I’m exceedingly comfortable with my right hand technique and overall fluency. And my sight-reading has improved as well. Thank you for creating the Woodshed. It’s thoughtful construction and scope and sequence of knowledge and skills has advanced my guitar skills significantly. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

~ Michael Immel

-Michael Immel