The worldwide community of guitarists and musicians is one of the main reasons why TrueFire is where it is today. With our students’ input and feedback, we stay motivated to continue to expand our library and improve our music e-learning experience. So, while we spend a lot of time highlighting our incredible faculty and content, we think it’s time to move the spotlight on some of our most passionate users.

In this Student Spotlight series, we’ll be showcasing a member of the diverse TrueFire community and sharing their thoughts with you. We hope you find yourself inspired. Ignited we stand!

Student Spotlight: JoelDF

Your Name:

Joel F.

How long have you been a TrueFire Student?

6 years.

Tell us a little bit about yourself as a musician:

Played on and off for most of my life, close to 40 years. I prefer blues, both fingerstyle and electric. I seem to be permanently stuck in the late beginner stage; music theory and songs just don’t stay in my brain. It appears my brain doesn’t work that way. I’m much better at remembering electronics theory, and I build stompboxes and tube amps. I also build acoustic guitars. I’m currently redoubling my efforts to learn more applied theory. Hopefully, a blend of Robbie Calvo’s Guitar Interactives, David Hamburger’s Acoustic Blues courses, and the ultimate blend of electric blues instructors Calvo/Congilio/McErlain/Ford bust me out of my rut. I just finished Mike Zito’s Iconic Blues Rhythms, and I’ll be revisiting it often I think. I really enjoyed it.

What attracted you to TrueFire at first?

The courses. Song lessons are *finally* coming out. Most aren’t in my style, but if you keep it up and build a good library, then they will form a good adjunct to the courses. I suggest that you curate the song lessons and provide some filter tools. Perhaps loosely link the songs to Learning Path levels too.

What are some of your favorite TrueFire courses or lessons?

Howard Morgen’s Fingerboard Breakthrough. Blew my mind, and after a year I still haven’t finished viewing it. There is so much information! Truly inspiring to learn he was terminally ill whilst recording the course. That teaching spirit came through loud and clear in the course.

How has TrueFire helped improve your playing?

Playing cleanly.

Why do you use TrueFire, and how often?

Well, sometimes once per day, sometimes I’ll go months not at all. Depends on life and work pressures.

What is your favorite feature of the TrueFire learning experience?

It’s there when I want it.

Who is your favorite TrueFire Educator and why?

There is no single one. I like many often for the same reasons. You guys choose really good instructors.

What would you like to see more of at TrueFire?

More song lessons – curated, organized into styles, linked to learning path levels, and with filtering tools.

Any other comments?

I like the competitions.


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