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What are the unexpected things a lifetime alongside the guitar can teach us? Join Rosie Bennet as she talks to our guitar heroes about the lessons that have most defined who they are and what we can learn from what they have already figured out!

Rosie Bennet


    • May 31, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 35 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Fret Not

    #3 Chris Stell: The ”Career Dream” Trap

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2022 71:36


    English guitarist and one half of the incredible Eden Stell Guitar Duo, Chris Stell and I (Rosie Bennet) discuss the benefits of having to start over building your confidence, strategies for making difficult decisions and how his meeting Mark Eden completely changed the course of the career that he had imagined. We mused on the positive changes that the 2020 pandemic brought about personally and how and why that time has reflected in Chris' teaching practice. A beautiful conversation with a wonderful friend! Enjoy xxx Music - Ão "Cover" Copyright Rosie Bennet 2022 Listeners of Fret Not get 50% off Augustine Strings with the code FRETNOT50 on www.augustinestrings.com for US listeners and www.ivormairants.co.uk for UK listeners

    #2 Jason Vieaux: Peak Mental Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2022 44:00


    Grammy award winning American guitarist Jason Vieaux and I (Rosie Bennet) discuss growing up in a non musician family, how he found his way into a full-time touring career and how he is managing his life in a post-covid world.  Listen to Jason's new album here! Bach Volume 2 A beautiful conversation with a long time hero of mine! Enjoy xxx Music - Ão "Cover" Copyright Rosie Bennet 2022 Listeners of Fret Not get 50% off Augustine Strings with the code FRETNOT50 on www.augustinestrings.com for US listeners and www.ivormairants.co.uk for UK listeners

    american uk grammy jason vieaux peak mental performance
    #1 Irina Kulikova: Childhood Stardom & Life on the Road

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 51:17


    Russian guitarist Irina Kulikova and I (Rosie Bennet) discuss her growing up in the USSR as a child star, studying at the Gnessin Academy in Moscow and the Mozarteum in Salzburg and how her move to Europe changed her circumstances. We chatted about Irina's daughter, how she balances being a mother with her busy career, how she overcame challenges of financial hardship and postpartum depression and what her advice is for those going through similar moves and displacements.  A beautiful conversation with a long time hero of mine! Enjoy xxx Music - Ão "Cover" Copyright Rosie Bennet 2022 Listeners of Fret Not get 50% off Augustine Strings with the code FRETNOT50 on www.augustinestrings.com for US listeners and www.ivormairants.co.uk for UK listeners

    #32 Aaron Larget-Caplan: Confidence & Competition

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 42:44


    Guitarist Aaron Larget-Caplan and I discuss his definition of success and by token his definition of mistakes, Segovia's influence and whether or not he would be able to make a career in the current industry climate and what it truly means to make a difference as a musician. Music - Ão "Cover" Listeners of Fret Not get 50% off Augustine Strings with the code FRETNOT50 www.augustinestrings.com  for US listeners and www.ivormairants.co.uk  for UK listeners www.altamiraguitars.com I play an N3 concert guitar  Copyright Rosie Bennet 2022

    #31 Matthew Mccallister: Why and Why Not?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 45:04


    Scottish guitarist Matthew Mccallister and I discuss what drives our need for people to like us, how he finds his artistic centre and history as a series of patterns rather than progress.  Listeners of Fret Not get 50% off Augustine Strings with the code FRETNOT50 www.augustinestrings.com for US listeners and www.ivormairants.co.uk for UK listeners www.altamiraguitars.com  I play an N3 concert guitar  Music - Ão "Cover" Copyright Rosie Bennet

    #30 Alan Gogoll: How to Feed Your Subconscious

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2022 36:01


    In today's episode Alan Gogoll and I discuss success, spotify playlists and why writing music with money in mind leads only to tears (if not money!). We touch briefly on the problems with extraction of data, the differences between the classical and the acoustic guitar worlds and how 2020 taught him the most valuable lesson he has learnt so far. www.augustinestrings.com www.ivormairants.co.uk FRETNOT50 for 50% off your Augustine strings - I use Imperial and Paragon reds. www.altamiraguitars.com Music - Ão "Cover" Copyright Rosie Bennet 2021

    #29 Jiji Kim: Nobody has it Figured out

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2022 33:01


    In today's episode Jiji and I discuss how she found her soul in electric guitar, how pressure nearly put out the flame for her with classical music and how nobody, not even the people you admire, have it all figured out. Music - Ão "Cover" www.augustinestrings.com Use FRETNOT50 at checkout to get 50% off of Augustine Strings! www.altamiraguitars.com Copyright Rosie Bennet 2021  

    #28 Sam Brown: Music as Craft & Ego Death

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 48:34


    In today's episode I talk to Sam Brown about how ego interacts with our ability to learn and listen, the ephemeral quality of our art form and where harmony, rhythm and their analysis fit into our life as musicians and as animals. Music - Ão "Cover" www.augustinestrings.com Use FRETNOT50 at checkout to get 50% off of Augustine Strings! www.altamiraguitars.com Copyright Rosie Bennet 2021  

    #27 David Leisner: Playing with Ease & Letting Go

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 40:11


    Guitarist, composer and writer David Leisner and I discuss how letting go of the need for control changed his life, his playing and his career, how loaded and political language in the music world reveals our deep rooted obsession with pain and what he's looking forward to this year. A wonderful episode with a lot of laughs!   Music - Ão "Cover” www.augustinestrings.com www.altamiraguitars.com Copyright Rosie Bennet 2021

    #26 Tariq Harb: Presence vs Perfection

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2022 42:14


    In today's episode I talk to Jordanian-Canadian guitarist Tariq Harb about his work as a guitarist, composer and teacher and his approach towards playing "in style" in each of those lives. We discussed the benefit of playing with presence over perfection (something new to me!) and Tariq even gave some exercises to practice being more present during your practice. Hope you enjoy this one - we spent forever talking and it was wonderful! Rate, review and subscribe, Thanks x www.augustinesstrings.com - I use imperial reds and paragon reds www.altamiraguitars.com - I play an N3 model Music - Ão "Cover" Rosie Bennet copyright 2022

    #25 Rebeca Oliveira: Being Honest About Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 44:30


    Portuguese guitarist Rebeca Oliveira and I discuss her wonderful Seixas CD, how it has helped her feel like an authentic part of the guitar world and how she is learning to be proud of this huge achievement. We talked briefly but honestly in this episode about how being overwhelmed and anxious can dominate the musical education experience - if you feel you have been or are currently affected by the topics covered in this episode feel free to reach out to me either at www.instagram.com/rosiebennetguitar/ or by writing an email to the podcast email address: fretnotpod@gmail.com   Rate, review and subscribe, Thanks x www.augustinesstrings.com - I use imperial reds and paragon reds www.altamiraguitars.com - I play an N3 model Music - Ão "Cover" 

    #24 Gohar Vardanyan: Confidence, Striving and Thriving

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 40:21


    Armenian guitarist Gohar Vardanyan and I discuss hobbies, passion and hard work, confidence with the guitar and how moving to America changed her life.  To get 50% off of Augustine Strings use the code FRETNOT50 at the checkout on augustinestrings.com for US listeners and ivormairants.co.uk for UK listeners, my favourites are Imperial Reds and Paragon Reds. This podcast is also brought to you by altamiraguitars.com - use the code ROSIEBENNET to get 10% off of your purchase.  Feel free to write me on www.instagram.com/rosiebennetguitar to get some recommendations for which guitar might suit you! Thanks for listening! Rosie x Music - "Cover" - Ão Copyright - Rosie Bennet 2021

    #23 Rosie Bennet: The Lessons I've Learned

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 43:05


    In today's episode I talk about the lessons I've learnt in life, guitar and the podcast. As we start the new year and the new season of Fret Not, I want to thank you all for tuning in and for liking, subscribing and being part of this amazing conversation!   To get 50% off of Augustine Strings use the code FRETNOT50 at the checkout on augustinestrings.com for US listeners and ivormairants.co.uk for UK listeners, my favourites are the Imperial Reds and Paragon Reds.   This podcast is also brought to you by altamiraguitars.com - use the code ROSIEBENNET to get 10% off of your purchase! Feel free to write me on www.instagram.com/rosiebennetguitar to get some recommendations for which guitar might suit your needs, purpose and personality.   Winners of the rosiebennetguitar X Augustine Strings giveaway are: Bendiamondguitarist, Stevenmring, Gustavoramosart, Connor_fitzgibbon99 and Say_jose182 - reach out to AugustineStrings on Instagram to claim your prizes!!   Resources for injured musicians: bapam.org.uk  helpmusicians.org.uk   Thanks for listening!    Rosie x   Music - “Cover” Ão  Copyright - Rosie Bennet 2021

    #22 Derek Gripper: Epiphany, Inspiration and Letting Go

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 54:35


    Derek Gripper and I discuss music education and the search for gurus, addiction to epiphany, how to handle inspiration and how to work out what you want through harnessing the power of your inner critic. Use code "FRETNOT50" at the checkout for a 50% discount off of Augustine Strings on websites: www.augustinestrings.com for US listeners, and www.ivormairants.co.uk for UK listeners.   Music - Ão "Cover" © Rosie Bennet 2021

    #21 Kasia Smolarek: Can Artistic Objective Truth Exist?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2021 39:45


    Polish guitarist Katarzyna Smolarek and I discuss context, research and validation in classical music performance, sense of self and identity and whether or not artistic objective truth and truths can exist. Let me know if you enjoyed this debate style interview on www.instagram.com/rosiebennetguitar/ or @fretnotpod, or on the Fret Not Pod email address - fretnotpod@gmail.com Music - Ão "Cover" © Rosie Bennet 2021

    #20 Chuck Hulihan: ”Flavour of Insanity”

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 65:47


    Director of the GFA guitar summit, guitarist, educator, conductor, narrator and arts administrator Chuck Hulihan and I discuss how a single moment can change your life forever, how to manifest and capitalise on your luck and how to balance a functioning work life with a functioning home life!  Let me know if you enjoy this longer format on Instagram www.instagram.com/rosiebennetguitar/ or @fretnotpod, or on the Fret Not Pod email address - fretnotpod@gmail.com Music - Ão "Cover" © Rosie Bennet 2021 

    #19 Michael Chapdelaine: Perseverance & Rebuilding a Career

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 38:12


    Acoustic/fingerstyle/classical guitarist Michael Chapdelaine and I have a heart to heart conversation about his famous masterclass with Andres Segovia and how it has transformed his career, life and relationships ever since. A wonderful, honest and thought provoking conversation with a man I have wanted to talk to on Fret Not for ages, enjoy!  If you enjoyed this longer format episode, let me know on Instagram @rosiebennetguitar or @fretnotpod Music - Ão "Cover" © Rosie Bennet 2021

    #18 Evan Taucher: Focus and Vulnerability

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 51:55


    Guitarist Evan Taucher and I discuss focus, what it really means to be open and how to be vulnerable in front of a large audience whether that be physical or virtual.  If you enjoyed this longer format episode, let me know on Instagram @rosiebennetguitar or @fretnotpod Music - Ão "Cover" © Rosie Bennet 2021

    #17 Jack Hancher: Outside the Practice Room

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 25:32


    Guitarist Jack Hancher and I discuss the reasons why we shouldn't be compensating for the guitar's quiet nature, why the life outside the practice room is just as important than the one inside and how he learnt to trust his musical instincts. Music - Ão "Covers"

    #16 Drew (ThatViolaKid): Estimating and Honouring Your Worth

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2021 30:11


    Grammy award-winning violist, co-host of Faking Notes Podcast, blockchain entrepreneur and content creator Drew Forde and I discuss how lack of information and education about financials is stopping musicians getting the most out of their talent, how to estimate your own worth in a world that is intent on discouraging you and different strategies for inspiring classical music audiences.   Follow Drew on Instagram: @thatviolakid Follow Fret Not on Instagram: @fretnotpod   Music - Ão "Cover" © Rosie Bennet 2021  

    #15 Brian May: Highs & Lows

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2021 26:20


    Dr Brian May, musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, author, astrophysicist and lead guitarist of rock band Queen, and I discuss the highs and lows of fame, artistry and the music making process. We chat about reading vs ear training, confidence in the face of adversity and what it feels like to have an audience of thousands of people singing a song you wrote back to you. Use code "FRETNOT50" at the checkout for a 50% discount off of Augustine Strings on websites: www.augustinestrings.com for US listeners, and www.ivormairants.co.uk for UK listeners.   Music - Ão "Cover" © Rosie Bennet 2021

    #14 Ciyadh Wells: Diversity & Delusion

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2021 26:50


    Activist, podcast host and guitarist Ciyadh Wells and I discuss the pitfalls of the narrative around diversity, the dark depths of teacher separation anxiety and the similarities between the Roman Catholic church and the classical music education structure.   Music - Ão "Cover"

    #13 Sean Shibe: Toxic Relationships, Teachers & Systems

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2021 32:28


    Musician and recording artist Sean Shibe and I discuss toxic teachers and education systems, the insidious nature of classical guitar competitions, the problem with classical music review culture and the nature of interpretation.    Music - Ão "Cover"

    #12 Hannah Murphy: Enjoying the Process

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2021 33:35


    Guitarist and Instagram guru Hannah Murphy and I discuss, the metrics of success, a life online and how the interior decor of a Jimmy John's set her free. Music - Ão "Cover"

    #11 Pavel Steidl: Classical Music Egoism & Playing with Humour

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2021 21:37


    Guitar phenomenon Pavel Steidl and I discuss listening, being open and humility as a pathway to discovering your own voice. Music - Ão "Cover"

    #10 Nicolas Haumann: Collaboration in Creation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2021 31:44


    Musician, video artist and guitarist Nicolas Haumann and I discuss the origins of Open Strings Berlin, why talking about your ideas is so important and how to escape the sunk cost fallacy.   Music - Ão "Cover"

    #9 Yan Kok: Investing in Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2021 26:30


    Classical guitarist and all round wonder woman Yan Kok and I discuss investing in oneself, love, kindness and understanding and the complexities of existing as a musician.   Music - Ão "Cover"

    #8 Bokyung Byun: The Nature of Competition

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 29:58


    Classical guitarist Bokyung Byun and I discuss competitions, learning to trust and how her journey across the world to study taught her more than just classical guitar. Music - Ão "Cover"

    #7 Gerald Garcia: Passion in Adversity. Death and Destruction

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 28:13


    Composer, guitarist, educator and conductor Gerald Garcia and I discuss his experience with focal dystonia, how the injury helped him diversify his career, the passion of the amateur, the mystery of death and "YOLOOYOOADIAYASSWAESY". Music - Ão "Cover"

    #6 Adam Levin: Balance in Chaos, How to Succeed

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 32:48


    Classical guitarist, Educator and Activist Adam Levin and I discuss humility and pressure in classical music, cultural appreciation and nuanced conversation and how to create an artistic career that you enjoy.   Music - Ão "Cover"

    #5 Kevin Loh: Life Long Learning

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 26:50


    Classical guitarist Kevin Loh and I discuss sharing knowledge, changing narratives in classical music education and how to learn from every experience.   Music - Ão "Cover"  

    #4 Alexandra Whittingham: Social Media and "Selling Out"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 27:41


    Guitarist and YouTube sensation Alexandra Whittingham and I discuss the role of social media in the current classical music climate, the nature of judgement, how to overcome it and the powerful language that shapes our self confidence.   Music - Ão "Cover"

    #3 Stephen Goss: Talent, Genius and Tradition. Debunking Classical Music Myths

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 30:02


    Guitarist, composer and professor Stephen Goss and I discuss the myths of talent, genius and tradition, and explore how prejudice and bias shape the way the classical music world operates.  Music - Ão "Cover"

    #2 Rene Izquierdo: Learning how to Learn

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2021 29:00


    Classical guitarist and pedagogue Rene Izquierdo and I discuss digitisation of the guitar world, the poetry in the process of learning and how to be gentle with yourself.   Music - Ão "Cover"

    #1 Laura Snowden: Authenticity in Classical Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2021 29:02


    Classical guitarist and composer Laura Snowden and I discuss the power of words and communication, developing musical taste and the ups and downs of life as a performer.   Music - Ão "Cover"

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