When someone asks, “Can you play this song?” I understand the excitement. Music is personal, and hearing a favorite song can make an evening special.
For my live performances, I prefer to prepare unfamiliar requests ahead of time. With 20+ years teaching and 30+ years performing, I’ve learned that time spent listening and arranging helps me give a song the attention it deserves.
A useful starting point for learning
Chord charts and tabs, including resources such as Ultimate Guitar, can help you start learning a song. A simpler arrangement can make the music enjoyable and achievable while you build your skills.
Using a chart is welcome in lessons. You do not need to memorize every note or play a full arrangement to make meaningful music. We can use your favorite song as a starting point and explore its chords, rhythm, and structure together.
How I prepare for a performance
A quick chart may not include the details I want in my own performance. I like to listen closely, check the harmony, choose comfortable fingerings, and work on phrasing and feel. That preparation helps me create an arrangement I can play with confidence.
If I don’t know a requested song during a performance, I may save it to learn later. You are still welcome to ask—sharing the title ahead of time gives me a better chance to prepare it.
Bring the music you enjoy to your lessons
Your interests help guide our lessons. We can start with a few chords, a melody, or a manageable section, then add detail as your confidence grows. Listening, experimenting, and using a chart can all be part of that process.
The aim is steady progress and enjoyment. Start with what you can play today, and let the music give you a reason to keep practicing.
Leave a Reply