This morning after reviewing the new sign ups to AVRooster.net, I thought it would be helpful if I gave you a little of my history and background.

Once upon a time in a land far far away (or Illinois), my parents signed me up for Cub Scouts where, after lots of pack meetings, we attended the annual Blue & Gold dinner. I think I was like six or maybe seven years old at the time and remember eating more than my weight in garlic bread and fried chicken. At that dinner was an entertainer who played guitar and interacted with the audience. For some reason, I was picked to join him on stage where he gave me some claves, showed me how to hold and play them and then I accompanied him for a song or two. To say I was a music junkie from that day on would be an understatement. Shortly thereafter, my family was visiting an uncle who let me attempt to pay his ukulele. Again, I was bitten by the music bug. My parents quickly saw my interest (and listened to my nagging) and bought me a small student guitar and I started lessons at home from Mr. Fuller. He would arrive once a week, wearing his jacket and tie while toting his guitar. This guy was a true music teacher.  He thought me how to read music and to understand and appreciate the theory behind what we were trying to accomplish with my lessons. He showed me how to change my guitar strings and how to care and respect the guitar that I deeply loved. Continue reading →