Acoustic Magazine July 2016 Back Issue

I must have been 10, maybe 11 and it was a school concert. Those of us fortunate enough to be having guitar lessons were due to play three pieces to the rest of the school accompanied by our long-suffering but inspiring guitar teacher, Mrs Turner. I can still recall clearly the feeling going to school that day and the excitement and anticipation of what was to be my first ‘gig’. In what was my first encounter with emojis, Mrs Turner had drawn a smiley face on the sheet music alongside the words, ‘Don’t rush and enjoy it!’ Wise words indeed.
Having finished our performance with only minimal slipups, we enjoyed a round of applause from a gathered audience of contemporaries and teachers. Of course, at such a young age, we all felt a massive sense of achievement and accomplishment. I still enjoy playing live to this day, but you never forget your first time.
I’m sure that many readers of Acoustic have, to a greater or lesser extent, played to an audience at some point. It’s generally a largely satisfying experience. All the practice, hard work and investment in time come together and, when it goes well, we can’t take that silly grin of our faces. For some, the adrenalin rush can be addictive, so much so that as soon as one gig is finished, we start looking forward to the next one.
Whether you play live regularly or rarely, can we urge you to get involved in what’s being dubbed the ‘Acoustic Jam’ at this year’s London Acoustic Show? If you’re not already aware, Acoustic columnist, composer and guitarist-extraordinaire Chris Woods has composed a special piece of music designed so that all of us, whatever level our playing is at, can select one of four parts, learn it and be part of a mega-performance on the Saturday afternoon. From page 58 you’ll find the tab, and online there are instructional videos where Chris guides us through the various sections. So, however capable you are as a guitarist, whatever guitar you have, get learning!