Chapter 1: A Weekend of Musical Discovery

This past weekend, I immersed myself in the series Mozart in the Jungle, a recommendation from my cohost Rob during our latest podcast episode.

Being situated on a beach in Florida can evoke mixed feelings. I know it sounds ungrateful, but there are moments when all I want to do is lounge in my pajamas and binge-watch shows. A persistent voice in my head chides me, “Noah, you only have one life! You’ll regret missing out on beach time!”

This internal conflict isn’t new for me. When I resided in the South of France, my apartment was right by the Mediterranean Sea. Even then, I sometimes preferred to stay in bed and relax. However, the different dynamics of travel—often crossing into Italy weekly—kept me from feeling guilty about my downtime. Ironically, despite living in the picturesque French Riviera, I experienced less guilt about staying in compared to today.

I’m now spending the next few months on the beach, and it’s only natural to feel a bit of FOMO since there’s no other place to explore. I’m still figuring out how to navigate these feelings—aren’t we all?

Despite my reservations, I have no regrets about indulging in Mozart in the Jungle. What an incredible series! My interest in classical music has only recently sparked, even though it has roots in my childhood; my mom often lulled us to sleep with Yanni playing on a vintage Sony stereo.

One of my greatest influences in this genre has been Brandon Acker, a talented guitarist on YouTube. He transitioned from playing in metal bands during his teenage years to discovering a passion for classical guitar. His videos showcase an impressive range—from performing well-known classical pieces on a nylon string guitar to demonstrating ancient instruments.

The first video featuring Acker performing Recuerdos de la Alhambra was my gateway into the world of classical music. When I initially watched it, I couldn't believe that only one guitar was playing; it sounded as if there were two instruments in harmony. I was convinced he had overlaid a piano track! But it turned out that the beautiful sound was solely produced by his thumb.

This video introduced me to the tremolo technique, enabling one to create the illusion of multiple instruments playing simultaneously. Essentially, the thumb plays bass notes while the index, middle, and ring fingers play treble melodies. After practicing tremolo for a week, I’ve noticed significant progress, even if I’m not yet fast—something typical when mastering any new skill. Learning this technique feels like re-learning the guitar from scratch.

With the tremolo technique now in my repertoire, my perception of classical guitar music has transformed dramatically. What once seemed mundane now reveals itself as intricate and enchanting, captivating the ears, eyes, and heart alike.

Classical music is a testament to human collaboration in crafting techniques, melodies, and harmonies.

If you’re skeptical about the power of collective effort, allow me to introduce you to the unifying force of music.

Interestingly, Eddie Van Halen’s Eruption reminds me of classical pieces. Special thanks to Keith for introducing me to my first Van Halen album—what a revelation!