Learn about the Performer, Teacher & Composer
Before getting into the background from where I began my journey, I will start with my passion. I can't think of anything more rewarding than teaching someone how to play music and more so The Guitar. Most people will never become a famous performer but there is something you gain by playing music on a Guitar. Just the pleasant sounds sometimes can be a reward after a tough day at the office. It can be a place in your life where you find an escape from the day to day routine of life.
If I had to choose to teach someone and not make a dollar or work for a Company making a million a year, I would certainly choose to teach. The rewards that come from it, are not measured in dollars. I have a passion for teaching and seeing the light in someone's eyes as the mystery unfolds in front of them.
I was born in Dublin, Georgia, USA in 1964 and moved to Mobile, Alabama when I was 16 years old. Like most Guitar Players, I started playing in my teenage years. From my earliest memories I have always had an attraction to the Guitar. I would see pictures in the Sears catalog and it was like looking at something indescribable. To this day I haven't lost that attraction to Guitar and music. I think the most profound statement I have heard about the Guitar was that, "the guitar chooses you to play it, not the other way around!"
I give all of my passion and desire to play along with the talent I have, to my Father in Heaven. It was as I mentioned earlier above, a meeting that took place when I was very young that the love of an instrument was so deeply placed in my heart. For this gift I will always have pleasure and joy to know it was chosen for me, and that of course is why I know of only one instrument that is in itself a complete Orchestra: "The Guitar"
I begin a form of playing called rhythm playing. It wasn't very long before I abandoned the rhythm to a more meaningful type of playing.. "Finger-style". Finger-style playing offers much more control over the songs elements than any other type of playing. This type of playing that I performed has a much more recent name called Fake Playing.
Fake playing as it is called today is nothing more than accent on the melody with incorporation of the harmony (chords) in free style form. This leaves your eyes and ears open to expression instead of trying to read every element of the score. I played this way for many years in all styles of music like: Country, Rock, Pop, Heavy Metal, Blues, Broadway, etc. I have taught this style to anyone who would lend their time to me for many years. Most people who hear it will admire this form since it stays true to the melody but in more of a song-like version or expression.
As I have aged somewhat, I have left behind this type of playing. After studying Classical Guitar at the University of South Alabama for some time, my love over the last 10+ years has become Solo Classical Guitar music. I love this beautiful and expressive music and the complexity of it a leads to an almost endless pursuit of perfection.
Plagued with hand injuries, I had to put playing on hold for a short while. I left the University but kept on playing with limited mobility. I have learned now how to play to prevent injuries through various methods mentioned on this site. I have recovered from that and now rediscovering my destiny on this earth.
I can teach just about any style of music as it relates to Guitar on either Electrical or Nylon.
After approximately 28+ years of playing, I have realized only one thing, "I still have so much to learn." Most of us will never become Segovia but one thing is for certain, "Practice does make Perfect!" Some of the great Guitar players, performers and composer have left us with one notion: It is 99% practice and 1% genetics. So in my words, "dream you can be it and then live it to prove it!"
Don't forget to read the excerpts from the Mouth of the Master Himself, Segovia.
If you wish to learn more, feel free to email or call me:
Sincerely,
E. R Hudson