Improving your Zoom sound

Published: Jun 17, 2020  |   Category: Uncategorized


FYI.   Great check list ( Thank you, Ben Dennis and Dan) Some things I’ve learned from classmates who have been exploring using Zoom for concerts and dance parties. Zoom was designed for the sounds of conversation, not the sounds of music. But there are some tweaks to your Zoom audio settings that will improve sound quality. First log into Zoom, then go to Audio settings.  • Uncheck the b.....Read More

On-line live teaching/learning can been really good...

Published: Mar 25, 2020  |   Category: Music Learning , Self Teaching materials


Dear Students and Friends. As all my teaching is ,of course, going on Skype or Zoom for privates lessons and also Group, I am developing a new system of worksheets and maps that teach both Music theory and its application to the fingerboard. Those will be combined with live interaction for warm-ups/workouts and technique, emailed Mp3's as well as.....Read More

Amazing USB recorders to record lessons

Published: Feb 8, 2020  |   Category: Uncategorized


Folks , These little things might be very handy. Chears, Bertrand.....Read More

Calendar use

Published: Mar 14, 2019  |   Category: Uncategorized


Hello Folks Seem like everyone's is becoming more complicated, judging from the amount of time I spend on scheduling and re-scheduling. Here are tips on how to use the calendar to cancel you own lesson. I am generally happy to pay for the website service ( Accounting will be improved very soon !) so please do use it. I appreciate the canceling TXT or emails, but please  do follow through with your active canceling of the lesson in 3 easy steps: 1) Click on the le.....Read More

How to use the Calendar to cancel your lessons.

Published: Mar 14, 2019  |   Category: Uncategorized


Hello Folks Seem like everyone's is becoming more complicated, judging from the amount of time I spend on scheduling and re-scheduling. Here are tips on how to use the calendar to cancel you own lesson. I am generally happy to pay for the website service ( Accounting will be improved very soon !) so please do use it. I appreciate the canceling TXT or emails, but please  do follow through with your active canceling of the lesson in 3 easy steps: 1) Click on the lesso.....Read More

Special concert in Cambridge by Manège à Trois featuring Bertrand Laurence

Published: Mar 1, 2019  |   Category: Special event


March is Francophonia Month worldwide ! Special concert by .....Read More

About the logic behind...

Published: Jan 4, 2019  |   Category: Music Learning , Philosophy


..." I' m canceling this lesson because I have not been practicing". That argument is totally understandable, and you are all free to come in and cancel anytime you see fit. However, I invite you to ponder a few thoughts: We can .....Read More

Spring Cleaning your guitar practice

Published: Apr 6, 2018  |   Category: Music Learning , Philosophy, Guitarist's Health


  Spring Cleaning your guitar practice That new, fresh energy is upon us, yes, despite that current, brutal wind shield factor. Some are getting in shape for that beach-worthy 6, and what would be the guitar equivalent ? Throw away the old habits ( fat) and welcome New drills, new routines and a renewed commitment to excellence (muscle definition)  right ? So I  am developing .....Read More

How to use the calendar tool for easy scheduling/re-scheduling

Published: Feb 5, 2018  |   Category: Time Management


Dear Students, I hope you can take the time to get familiar with and use the awesome calendar tool.   Scheduling  is one of the most time consuming activity in teaching. The user-friendly calendar make things a lot easier and save all of us a *lot* of time. You can cancel reserve, reschedule  and communicate with the calendar. An auto-reminder is sent, with the option of a message. So it is a great tool of communication and time management. .....Read More

Eternal repetition:::::::: why we need repetition in Music//2//2//3//3//2//2//4//4

Published: Oct 15, 2017  |   Category: Uncategorized


Students and friends, Here is a cool Video: "why we need repetition in Music" Yes, Rhythm is everything. We can argue that we are rhythm before melody: In the womb we hear mother's Breath and heart beat. (Hearing bering the 1rst sense we develop.) I hope the reflecting upon the notion of rhythm will help you befriend your metronome, sing while walking, and remember that guit.....Read More

Massage for Guitarists

Published: Oct 6, 2017  |   Category: Philosophy, Guitarist's Health


Folks, As you know, I am constantly seeking  ways, anything to make a difference in our guitar playing. I have found that very few massage therapists understand well the guitar player 's muscular apparatus, but Carie Oberting is one of them. She is a musician of the body Carie can be found and booked on line @ Inman Oasis in Inman Square, a very nice friendly place.  (say hi from me) .....Read More

A fascinating, paper on music learning styles, teaching and creativity:

Published: Sep 24, 2017  |   Category: Uncategorized


"MUSICIANS’ LEARNING STYLES, LEARNING STRATEGIES, AND PERCEPTIONS OF CREATIVITY" I don't expect anyone to read those heady 400 pages, but the fist few quic.....Read More

Back to “ShCool”

Published: Sep 14, 2017  |   Category: Uncategorized


p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 20.0px; font: 36.0px Helvetica; color: #2b2e2e; -webkit-text-stroke: #2b2e2e; background-color: #ffffff} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 20.0px; font: 36.0px Helvetica; color: #2b2e2e; -webkit-text-stroke: #2b2e2e; background-color: #ffffff; min-height: 43.0px} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}  Dear Friends and Students.....Read More

Your own ideal Practice Nook

Published: Jul 17, 2017  |   Category: Music Learning , Self Teaching materials


Friends & Students, Last blog was about binder control. Let's talk about your practice space, and how to make it inspiring & welcoming: you know the saying "If you build it, they will come", so let's look at some elements that will make you practice daily: - Make the guitar readily available and a wall hook or floor stand - Have a music stand with your current HomePlay on it. -Comfortable stool/arm-less chair, ( supporting leg b.....Read More

Binder Control and the practice of Practicing

Published: Jul 12, 2017  |   Category: Music Learning , Self Teaching materials, Organization


  Binder Control  and the practice of Practicing ? A few thoughts about how to organize your binder. It will help organize our thoughts and our practice time. What would be a  "balanced diet" to growth healthy musical bones consist of? Warm up/conditioning Theory  Technique Rhythm  Ear training. (intervals/singing) Songs(sorted by keys and or titles) Creativity/Original music.....Read More

Special Silent Movie nights with teacher on guitar !

Published: Jun 11, 2017  |   Category: Uncategorized


Dear Friends and students I am excited to announce that I'll be live scoring the complete Jean Renoir silent movies; As a student, I invite you to come free of charge, just let me know ahead of time. Harvard Film Archive Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts 24 Quincy Street Harvard University Cambridge, MA 02138 -With -thankfully- the amazing Susan Laurence on .....Read More

Writer song-singer (Great picker too) Peter Case @ Yukon's !

Published: May 22, 2017  |   Category: Special event


Friends and Students, I recommend that you get a ticket to a House Concert at Yukon's : The inimitable Peter Case. Folk Blues Rag, Swing, story teller, song writer of the highest order. Peter is the real deal, born and living on the road... See you there ;) Bertrand.....Read More

Easy feature for checking out your account

Published: May 16, 2017  |   Category: How to use the Site


Dear Student and  Friends, Let spend more time playing our guitars and less time in accounting! Some of you are asking me, how many lessons do I have left in my package? ... Well, it dawned on me that we do not exploit even half the great features on this excellent Teaching Site. (do poke around after logging in)  There is a handy feature to check out your balance: After logging in look at the white-on-black menu on the left: .....Read More

Making stuff up freely on the guitar

Published: May 4, 2017  |   Category: Music Learning , Philosophy


I cannot think of many things more fun that  making stuff up freely on the guitar. Call that noodling, its okay. I like to see folks do that too, and that motivates me to help you, dear student, do the the same. Where to start ? Well you can start now and make stuff up not knowing what you're doing and that is fine. You can also make stuff up knowing what you're doing, but the element of surprise is not really there.. So the idea is to maybe.....Read More

The Power of Hybrid Picking

Published: Apr 19, 2017  |   Category: Self Teaching materials, Technique, Styles


Hello finger-style friend   Not sure if any of you experienced the *amazing* Richard Thompson last night at the Sanders, but I thought it might be worth m.....Read More

Thoughts on creativity on the guitar.

Published: Apr 13, 2017  |   Category: Uncategorized


Some thoughts creativity, coaching Vs teaching Feel free to comment. ChEars, Bertrand.....Read More

Why Learn Music theory ? : it's pretty sweet

Published: Mar 26, 2017  |   Category: Uncategorized


This smart, cool little rant may inspire you to fill or review  those "Harmony Grid" work sheet I gave you (See File area to down blanks). OR it may confuse (he goes pretty fast)  you and make ask me questions that will further your understand of Music, the great passion of our lives. Learn Music theory, it's pretty sweet. We' ll make it fun on the guitar ! ChEARS, B.....Read More

Pierre Bensusan: Amazing guitarist Alert !

Published: Mar 22, 2017  |   Category: Special event, Concert, Music Learning


Pierre is one of the most amazing musician on the planet. He happens to play acoustic guitar. Go see him ! May.....Read More

Jeff Foucault in Somerville Feb 24th : Country Folk Songwriter / Poet

Published: Feb 6, 2017  |   Category: Uncategorized


One of my favorite songwriter . At The Rockwell in Davis Square. Tickets.  -B.....Read More

Fabulous tips from New Orleans Finger-style Royalty John Rankin

Published: Jan 20, 2017  |   Category: Uncategorized


http://www.johnrankin.net/jrguitartips.html Enjoy, Bertrand.....Read More

Tools for guitar and human health : Humidity Control !

Published: Dec 10, 2016  |   Category: Uncategorized


What is good for guitars is good for humans. The right percentage of humidity will only prevent cracks in your guitar but cracks in your voice too ! * New guitar are particularly vulnerable to dryness. Also avoid big , sudden temperatures changes and keep the humidity at around 45%, Your immune system will thank you, your instruments will sound better too. Here are my favorite tools : .....Read More

Nail Care!

Published: Nov 21, 2016  |   Category: Uncategorized


 Nail Care!  This one goes out to Bob Hogan, who was mourning his good nails this morning. Yes nail care. Finger-style players depends on their nails for tone and attack of the string. Have you ever experienced the joys of playing with nails perfectly shaped at the optimal angle for you, and smoothed to a glassy glossy edge? CVS .....Read More

Live Guitar Music to A Russian Silent Movie : Sunday Oct 16 7 PM Harvard Sq.

Published: Sep 21, 2016  |   Category: Special event, Live Music for Film, Concert


Silent Movie with Live Music Piano/ Guitars Sunday Oct 16 7 PM Harvard Sq. At  the world famous Harvard Film Archives: I' m thrilled & petrified  to perform live music with the  amazing Suzy Lee on piano . -A mixture of classical, traditional Jazz, Folk and textural improvisations- Possible instrumentation: Piano accordion, 6&12 Str.Guitar, Banjo-uke, found sounds, maybe clarinet. .....Read More

"Chart that song" ensemble

Published: Sep 21, 2016  |   Category: Uncategorized


Also I am starting soon (TBA) a song based guitar ensemble. We' ll analyze, arrange, play and sing songs for a common pool. Probably Saturday  lunchtime or early afternoon. We would take turn on acoustic, electric, capoed/non capoed.....Read More

Leo Kottke: American acoustic guitar hero

Published: Sep 8, 2016  |   Category: Uncategorized


These are live  so the recording quality varies, but do not  let that  stop you from appreciating this one-of-a-kind musician. Leo Kottke in 1973 Live (Audio only full set) Youtube: Machine gun : 1973 again .....Read More

Amazing Music website

Published: Sep 4, 2016  |   Category: Music discovery


Hello Folks, For endless, historic musical discoveries it is hard to beat the Concert Vault. You can find there unreleased live performances by major artists, like Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder in the 60's/70's.  Today, I just downloaded for $5 a fabulous solo acoustic Blues performance by the legen.....Read More

RIP Toots , world famous harmonicist

Published: Aug 22, 2016  |   Category: Amazing Musician


RIP Toots , world famous harmonicist .  He whistled while he worked. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlE8eba6y9I .....Read More

The French Side of my " repertoire " (pardon my French)

Published: Aug 11, 2016  |   Category: Uncategorized


Check out this Live Radio show from yesterday, August 10 on MIT's  WMBR's only French show. Mark Chenevert (Clarinet) and I had fun with our radio pals Brian & Yves, despite the incredibly early hour in the AM... played a few new tunes.  Vive la Liberté, Bertrand Stream: .....Read More

Acoustic guitar master John Fahey : A must see DVD documentary

Published: Aug 11, 2016  |   Category: Uncategorized


Hello Folks This DVD will inform you about one of the most, if not the most influencial  steel string flat top player ever.  The Dvd contains amazing performance footage, interviews of the man, and fascinating, generous and passionate testimonies by the great Pete Townshend and Chris Funk fro the Decembrists.  Amazon.....Read More

Using Youtube as your own music learning library

Published: May 28, 2016  |   Category: Music Learning , Self Teaching materials


Hello folks.  As you know the internet has proven to be an amazing tool for both teaching & learning. The impetus for this blog has come from the embarrassment of riches I get from students via emails: .....Read More

Binder Control and the practice of Practicing

Published: May 18, 2016  |   Category: Music Learning , Self Teaching materials


  Binder Control  and the practice of Practicing  A few thoughts about how to organize your binder. It will help organize our thoughts and our practice time. What would be a  "balanced diet" to growth healthy musical bones consist of? Warm up/conditioning Theory  Technique Rhythm  Ear training. (intervals/singing) Songs(sorted by keys and or titles) Creativity/Original music .....Read More

Why do we need Music (and Art?)

Published: Apr 27, 2016  |   Category: Philosophy


Art (Music) in a time of Crisis. A short yet inspiring conversation with YoYo Ma. Ch'Ears, Bertrand.....Read More

Making /learning Music is the best Brain work out ever.

Published: Apr 18, 2016  |   Category: Music Learning


Dear Students and Friends, As I am working on a new blog about how to maximize your practice routine, I stumbled onto this inspiring and fun video: Enjoy and stay tuned, Best, Bertrand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng.....Read More

Up on the Low-down: Thinking like a bass player.

Published: Apr 8, 2016  |   Category: Music Learning


Some of you might remember my invitation for you to  "Think like a bass player!" . You may also the series of visual  "root mapping" , &  movable chord progressions that follows. Here is a great article that helps further the idea of "picking bass player brains" as guitarists. Bass players are after all.....Read More

On live scoring "The Black Bird" movie this Sunday

Published: Apr 3, 2016  |   Category: Special event, Live Music for Film


Thank you for those who came to the film & concert today. It  is always a treat to play guitar live for a movie and an audience. This one was quite a journey, much of it improvised. This crime/romance/intrigue caper was harder to score than the city-symphony film or any poetic films we've done. Also we had so little time to prep.Thank .....Read More

Hand-made, hand-played: Two new Videos clips on Youtube.

Published: Mar 30, 2016  |   Category: Music Videos


Dear Students, I hope you will enjoy those two fresh videos made you know where. Some of you actually played that hand made smallish maple guitar One  Folk tune , "City Line" from my last CD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7Pq5kfyUA8 A Country Blues tune by Shirley Griffith: "Delta Haze "(from my 1rst CD) .....Read More

Welcome and thank you !

Published: Mar 20, 2016  |   Category: Special event, Concert


Thank you all for coming to my free student appreciation concert at Yukon's shop. Thanks to Aeronaut Brewery for providing spectacular beverages. Locally made guitars pair well with locally composed music and locally brewed brew. "Long lost students" meeting new ones was a cool thing to behold. Thank you again Yukon, for hosting......Read More