PRESENCE - Volume 38
Inspiration For Guitarists
The Night Pat Metheny Asked to Practice
A few years back, when I was still teaching at Davidson College, we hosted guitarist Pat Metheny for a clinic and concert.
If you’re not familiar with Pat, he’s one of the most accomplished guitarists alive — 20 Grammy Awards, 3 gold albums, and the only person ever to win in 10 different categories. He’s played with everyone from Bruce Hornsby to Joni Mitchell, and while he’s often labeled a “jazz guitarist,” that doesn’t really capture him. He’s one of those rare musicians who seems to live inside the sound.
But what struck me most that day wasn’t his resume — it was his curiosity.
He had just played a gig in Savannah, Georgia the night before. Drove five hours to Davidson, taught a masterclass, rehearsed for hours with the Davidson Big Band, and finally wrapped up around 10 p.m.
We were sitting in the empty performance hall afterward, just chatting quietly. Then he looked at me and said,
“Do you think it’s ok if I stay here for a bit to practice?”
I laughed and told him, “I’m pretty sure nobody’s going to say no to that.”
So there he was — one of the greatest guitarists in the world — sitting alone in the dark hall, practicing for another hour before calling it a night.
I snapped this photo as a reminder.
That moment has stuck with me ever since.
Even at the very top, Pat Metheny was still searching. Still listening. Still exploring what else was possible on the instrument.
And that’s really the heart of music — it’s not a finish line. It’s an ongoing conversation between your hands, your ears, and your curiosity.
That same curiosity is what I love helping people reconnect with as a teacher. - Dustin
PS: If you’ve never checked out Pat’s music, start with Beyond The Missouri Sky, his duo record with bassist Charlie Haden. It’s one of the most beautiful albums I’ve ever heard.