Joy and despair…
Well, I don’t mean to be too dramatic with the title, perhaps we can just say fun… and not so fun.
Last night I had an absolute blast conducting a workshop at the New York Classical Guitar Society. I presented some of my research that I have been doing on the topic of sight reading and I was really happy with how it went. I really enjoyed meeting the guitarists at the society, made some new friends and even bumped into some old ones!
Today, however, is a different story. Part of my studies for the doctoral program require ‘comprehensive exams’ which involve writing three substantial essays over the course of a weekend. As you can see, by the sheer fact that I am writing on my website, its tough to get the ball rolling.
One of the questions is a discussion on how classical guitar performance practice has been influenced by other plucked instruments int he guitar’s lineage (vihuela, lute, baroque guitar etc.). Another question is a comparison of the writings of Claude Debussy and his compositions. The third, well its a little complex, but let’s just say its going to involve a lot of books, a lot of scores and an hourly dose of caffeine.
If you want to send me messages to help me procrastinate I would be grateful 
See you on Monday,
Simon
Hello darling son, Only just read this message tonight – Monday night – otherwise I wouldn’t have helped you procrastinate. I am an expert.
Talk about obscure questions!
Love
Mum and Andy
Simon — I trust by now that your “writer’s block” has passed, and that you are almost to that third question. I simply wanted to let you know that my wife, Marie, and I very much enjoyed your on-line playing, and are looking forward to hearing you live on March 16th. (Marie’s family is Swiss from ZH and we spent 3 years living in GE, so that adds to the anticipation.)
Best,
Bill
Simon – It took a while to reply but hope it was a productive weekend mate. Looking foward to hearing about it on the 25th at your degree recital.
We were buried in 4 feet of snow in Baltimore that weekend. Whilst You did cross my mind there was no way to communicate as all power was out for 4 days. I wanted to tell you what you were going through was more difficult then digging and digging and digging a footpath up a 300 yard driveway.