In a recent interview Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, credited that company’s success to "relentless, consistent, disciplined action based on constantly updated information." Yeah, baby, let’s do that!

He’s talking about commitment. The new school year is an opportunity for each of us, students, parents and teachers alike, to renew and deepen our commitment to the process of learning music. Make the commitment to daily practice. Commit to making music a priority at least equal with sports and other extra-curricular activities. Commit to experiencing a variety of music and being actively involved in the learning process. Commit to the principles that not practicing won’t cut it; not listening doesn’t work; putting music last is just wrong. Guitar is a class and there is homework. Focus some energy and just do it. The reward is more than worth the effort. Anyone just going through the motions is wasting time and money and that’s just not good enough.

My commitment is to give the best instruction I can to each student based on their goals and abilities. If we are all fully committed, we can do some good work toward achieving those goals and expanding those abilities. Let’s have a good year.

This is the week to run around like crazy and be sure you’ve got notebooks and binders, shirts and shoes, don’t forget pens and pencils of various types. This is also a good time to make sure your music student is well supplied.

Guitar involves some expendable items like picks and strings. You should have at least 6 picks and a complete set of spare strings on hand at all times. Electric players should have a spare cord.

Now think about those other accessories: a music stand, electronic tuner and metronome, all in good condition, are necessary. Don’t forget spare batteries. Depending on what they are studying, a capo and slide may be needed. A comfortable strap is needed to play standing. A guitar stand keeps the guitar within easy reach.

For that all important paperwork be sure there’s an 8 1/2 x 11 spiral notebook and a book of music staff paper.

Having the tools and supplies they need will help your student hit the ground running this year.

Good news—the Summer scheduling nightmare is almost over. Bad news—I said “almost”. It’s time to put the schedule back together for Fall. I try my best to put everyone back where they were but it’s not always possible. Things get shuffled around a bit but somehow it all seems to work out.

Then again, you might not want to be back where you were. If you want to change your time, that’s fine but the sooner I know about it, the better your chances. My schedule is nearly full and it’s first come, first served so call me now at (206) 725-0182 or email to jwh@BeadGame.net.

While we’re on the subject, the same applies to those occasional times you may need to reschedule a lesson. Advance notice rules! If you call me the morning of your lesson, I’ll try but there’s probably not much I can do for you. Give me a couple of days and I can usually make something happen.

And if I call you to ask if you can change your time, I’m asking a favor so if it doesn’t work, just tell me.