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Well I've decided to make my first relevant post to this blog about guitar playing in front of people. In particular, I would like to discuss what is sometimes a touchy subject: Playing at a place of worship. This may seem like it's not relevant to your personal experience if this isn't something you do on a regular basis. However, some of the most relevant playing tips that I've learned have been in front of people who are worshiping their Creator. There is definitely an art to doing this that goes beyond description. If anything it's a sense and a feeling that comes over a musician when they play in this venue. Like most performing, this is what I call an act of worship to the One who deserves it, Jesus! I've been playing in church settings since I was a young boy and the most important aspect to have with you is an attitude of calm. It is the ONE thing that can help you be a better musician. Think about it for a moment. What would a policeman or fireman or even a lifeguard look like if he were panicking? Or an athlete. Yet, you rarely see them do it! So why should playing an instrument be any different? This leads to the second point: Be prepared! Never take for granted that everyone else has practiced and that it doesn't matter if you do. It always matters! If nothing else you will pull them up to your standard instead of them pulling you down to theirs. That doesn't mean every team or situation has a good dynamic. But, at least you did your part. Lastly, know your instrument! If you're just starting out, then get somebody knowledgeable to help you. If you're a skilled player, then you probably already know what works best for you. For further assistance - This is where I would like to mention my friends at Uptown Music in Keizer, Oregon who sell the finest Taylor guitars as well as many other brands. They are great to work with and will set you up with something in your skill and price range. I mention them because of the fine musicians who work there and the awesome instruments I've played there. So to sum things up, staying calm, being prepared, and knowing your instrument are key components to being a highly sought-after musician! #guitar #electricguitar #performance #artistry #ministry #worship #God

What is Gentle Haven Music? - Since this is a first post on this new website, I would like to provide a little context to you, the reader. I'm building a business for aspiring musicians to get a web-presence. Many musicians struggle with getting their music listened to and distributed or sold. The name of the new business I'm building is called: Gentle Haven Music, A safe place for musicians to play! Since I've been working in the Information Technology field, I've seen a huge evolution of the music industry and how music is promoted/published/distributed. What better way to get an artist's works out there than to build a website to do it with! Thus, the blending of music and technology. Please take a look at our Gentle Haven website and see if there's something we can help you with. I think there are more musicians around who would benefit from the exposure that a web presence would give than they realize. By the way, you can also get some tips from our website on how to get your music seen in the blog. Building your chops the fun way - Having said all that, I would like to introduce my blog on this website: Guitar Artistry - the Goolsby way. You're probably wondering: So what can this guy possibly know that a bazillion other guitar players already do? Well, that's a good question! I've been playing guitar now for many decades as a solo artist, in duets, trios, bands, jazz choirs, and yes, even at a funeral! To say that my experience is diverse would be somewhat of an understatement. There are so many little aspects about learning how to play a stringed instrument that I would like to share so this is my way of doing it. Stay tuned, I'll post more content as soon as I decide what the best subject to start with is! #guitar #music #musicians #electricguitar #performance