Today – April 18, 2020 – is the 10th anniversary of the day that I, with the able assistance of my always amazing daughter, launched this blog.

Today is also the 22nd day here in New Hampshire of living under the stay-at-home order issued by our governor in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Finally, when I first looked out my window today, it was snowing.

April 18, 2020, the 31st day of Spring.

So… given the present situation this little bit of celebration called for something unique.

How about a 10-string guitar?

Yes, there really is such an instrument, and I’ve found a remarkable musician to play one for us.

Marina Krupkina is a performer, composer, arranger and recording artist from Smolensk, Russia.

As a classical guitarist, Marina studied at the Smolensk Regional Music College and the Moscow State Classical Academy.

In 2012 & 2013, she was a prize-winner at a number of international classical guitar competitions in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Marina made her debut on 10-string guitar in 2015. She released But Does It Djent?, her first album of music for the 10-string guitar in 2018. Her second album, Decacorde Stories, came out in 2020.

“Ouroboros” is a piece composed by Marina Krupkina and included on But Does It Djent? This mesmerizing live performance video is from July, 2019.

Go ahead. Take a few minutes and watch/listen to this. You’ll be very glad you did!

Here’s to the decade past and whatever lies ahead.

Now and always, “Good music doesn’t get old.”

JTLYK: “Djent” is the name given to a subgenre of the style of rock music known as progressive metal.