Scales, chords, arpeggios, reviewing some favorites, work on your new pieces, sight reading, ear training, and for jazz musicians there is always transcribing. Whew! Sometimes it is all a bit much. Sometimes the best use of an hour is just too...
Cheers, David Chitlin's Con Carne For Transcribing
Jimmy Smith Key F Kenny Burrell Key of C min Junior Wells Key of A min Stevie Ray Vaughan Key of B min
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This lick can be found in numerous pieces. Below is a sampling. Sometimes it is played in the minor key. Sometimes it is sung in the chorus, sometimes it is fragmented on the introductions, sometimes it is played during a solo, and sometimes it is played on instrumental breaks. Horace Silver plays the lick thirteen times during his solo. See if you can locate them. Practice suggestions. 1. Listen to each piece and locate the lick. 2. Figure out which key it is played in. 3. Play the lick with the recording, coming in only when the lick is played. David Story
Six not so secrets of learning we can take from babies.
I paraphrased these thoughts from the blog, "6 secrets infants can teach adults about learning" from Scientific American. The author is Rachel Wu a psychology professor at University of California, Riverside. Have a look. The author postulates that cognitive decline maybe linked to older adults refusing to learn anything new because of embarrassment. Ouch. See you in the practice room. David Story Obsession is good. It puts a lift in the day, week, month, and year. Below are some inspirational stories of folks who just went for it. Alan attempts Chopin's Ballade in G minor in one year. Gary takes up heavy metal guitar at 40 Tim learns to paint. What do they have in common? High intelligence, a bias for action, a naïve belief in themselves, and guts. Gary's second short video, the third on this list, explodes the idea you need 10,000 hours. A great place to start. Cheers, David BTW: I'm over the 3,000 hour mark in my drumming. That's 7 years of effort. ![]() This blog is a commentary on the following fine article. "4 Myths About Learning An Instrument As An Adult." by Connolly music. Background: I took up the drums age 50. I now play joyfully in Toronto with terrific musicians in the Jazz, Rock, and New Music areas. I still study and practice daily.
David Story PS, I'm off to practice my double bass drum pedal technique. ![]() The goal is to be able to hear in your music all the elements of a good performance.
Materials needed: Professional recording, a score, a pencil, good speakers or earbuds. The trick is to pay attention to one element at a time.
Daniel Barenboim has some important thoughts on deep listening. Enjoy. Cheers, David Story ![]() Meeting once a week with your music teacher has its challenges for both parties. Time is short. Adult students often have some knowledge of the subject, they may have spent countless hours on line with YouTube, bring lofty expectations after years of enjoyable listening, and all have pressured practice times. They often feel overwhelmed and may be looking for a shortcut. Some of spent years looking for this secret. They’ve read books, magazines, attended workshops, spoke to musicians. All hoping to find a quick path to musical success. In short, they can’t see the forest for the trees. The teacher on the other hand has an extensive body of teaching and professional experience, they can see the forest for the trees. They have watched students succeed and fail. They know the student needs to slow down and go deep with a few basic concepts. Now how do we match these two parties up successfully? A good balance of questions from the student’s experience and guided exercises from the teacher says I. To make progress in piano a student must discover and experience aurally and kinetically what they are seeking. Reading alone won’t do it. Mindless adherence to the teacher’s direction and/or mechanically non-reflective practice won’t do it either. Or worse, bopping around the internet chasing one interesting video after another. Some old-school attitudes to learning a musical instrument · They believe practice is a chore they must endure. · Teacher as drill Sargent. (Like “boot camp fitness” classes) · Teacher as joy killer. (Ouch!) · Learning music is about pleasing the teacher/master. (Load up the guilt) · The teacher knows everything, I’ll just be obedient and everything will work out. (Evading responsibility) Some new-school attitudes to learning a musical instrument · Practicing is what taking lessons is all about. · Teacher as coach. (they will support and guide me on my journey) · Researching Meta cognition, the science of learning about learning. · If practicing is not fun, change it. Change the repertoire, or your attitude, or the time of day you practice, or even amend your aspirations to fit your lifestyle. · Go easy on yourself. Patience is a virtue in music study. · Seek out opportunities to experience music making at a prominent level. For example, attending concerts to hear world class performers. Cheers, David Story I'm playing piano and drums. Last year's show was a sell-out. Bill's music is colorful, subtle, and thoughtful.
What Is Freedom? (Resistance is Fertile!) Bill Gilliam Art Ensemble Saturday April 22nd, 2017 at 8pm $20 / $10 students Program A performance of spoken word with composed and improvised new music inspired by texts and poems about freedom and resistance across time and cultures. The poems in this performance are examples of how different international poets responded and gave courage to people resisting the types of autocratic forces similar to what we are currently witnessing. The spontaneous music we perform in response to these poems is our creative way to energize and support the continuation of freedoms we currently enjoy. In the words of a banner from the January 2017 Women's March, "Resistance Is Fertile!". For further information http://www.gallery345.com/performances.php Cheers, David A good time to revisit the topic. My observations after decades of teaching piano.
If I can help you, call me. David A important addition to our knowledge of practice. Five minutes well spent.
Cheers, David ![]()
Patience: This is going to take some time. Playing a musical instrument is, in a large part, an athletic event. Like getting back in shape, sustained effort over time wins every time. Enjoying the journey: Musicians love to practice. In fact, that is what it is all about. Sitting at the piano is a joyous act. Learn to enjoy the little things, like an evenly played scale, a beautiful phrase ending. Organization: Pencils, recordings, ear buds, phone to record ourselves, some quiet time, and a plan on how to use that time. Review: Spend some guilt-free time just playing stuff you love and play well. Over time this list will grow, like a garden. A list you will be proud of. Keeping the inspiration well filled: Get out there. If you live in a city of any size, there is a music community of like-minded adults. Join them. Chat after concerts. You'll meet other adult musicians, make friends, get together and play duets. In short, have some fun. Cheers, David Story They did it!
Daniel Charles Terry Nicholas John Janice Simmi William We warmed up, and broke down some nervousness, by all playing multiple pianos together in the Steinway Piano shop. C major scales and chords. Then we started. Clapping, cheering, and with shouts of encouragement everyone got through it. Were they nervous. You bet. Did they conquer their fears and get up there and deliver. You bet. Were they excited and animated afterwards? Yes, yes, yes. I'm as proud as punch. David We are trying a first in our studio: the adult piano party. Yes, an adult piano recital. Lots of interest, lots of anxiety, lots of second thoughts.
Here are some thoughts to consider on reducing stage fright. 1. Be prepared. Chose a piece you know and love. Remember the other musicians present will remember how beautiful you played, not how difficult the piece was. 2. Go by the venue prior the event and check it out. 3. Bring your music. 4. Remember the stakes are low, really. 5. It will be good experience in preparation for a piano exam, if you are going down that road. 6. Leave critical family members at home. 7. When you arrive, speak with other musicians, who like you may be experiencing various levels of anxiety. Cheers, David ![]() Notes on Practice for precollege and college musicians. I wrote in New Orleans after hearing Mr. Jones speak. This could be subtitled, "how I raised myself from obscurity to playing in Lincoln Centre and how I keep my place in the band now that I've got there post." Start with your goals. This year, this month, this week, this day, this hour. And then 5, 10, 15 20 years out. These goals must be congruent. (I'll vouch for that) Sean's Four Hour Daily Routine
--------- Self assessment is important. These moments define your character as a musician. It takes for your body to catch up to your brain. Plateauing. Respect this, you are still moving. ------------ Practicing is proof you have it in you. ----------- Jamming and gigs take priority ------------ Consistency counts ------------ Rest as much as you play Endurance comes from enduring Don't hurt yourself Push to exhaustion but not injury ------------- Slow and clean ----------/ "Practice is the repetition of an action that gives you the results you want to achieve" ----------- "How I became a cornetist" book A how to manual from the 19th century (I'm reading this book currently. It is so inspiring) ------------ Educators, "Don't limit your advice to your own experiences" ------------ The music is the motivation to practice. Environment is important. Peer group affirmations. It was a packed room of enthusiastic music strivers. For more information click this link from Downbeat: https://www.facebook.com/notes/sean-jones/down-beat-magazine-article-master-class-chops-goals-a-three-part-practice-regime/146724975161/ Cheers, David Story ![]() Goals give direction and focus to our efforts. Habits will get you there. Habit: hab·it ˈhabət/ noun noun: habit; plural noun: habits 1. a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up. From: https://www.google.ca/search?q=habit+definition&ie=&oe= There are a lot of myths on learning music. "I'm too old, I'm too young, I'm too this I'm too that" Some of my finest students are in their 70's. Gary is swinging hard playing jazz, he is off to Jazz camp this summer with his cousin. Eleanor is arranging and composing up a storm exploring Scottish Folk Songs of her youth. She has learned to score her music, create a website, and post it all on the web. What do they all have in common? Good practice habits. Habit #1: When they practice, they practice thoughtfully and deliberately. No wondering around the piano. They are focused and expect to accomplish something that day. Habit #2: They listen to music, they go to concerts, they are involved in music. Habit #3: They seek feedback from the teacher. They work on their own, they know what they want, they understand that music classes are just one aspect of the journey. Personal exploration is the main focus. Cheers, David Story If you'd like classes give me a call, I'm all booked up now, but I'm organizing for July and September now. If you are a New Year resolution kind of person, you are familiar with the routine. I won't go over it here.
But, I will add this. When it comes to piano lessons, goals are great, but learn to enjoy the trip. Too many students are so eager trying to get to some point (i.e. Goal) that they are impatient, unhappy, and stressed out. Unless you have a hard deadline, like a university audition date, just start moving in the direction of your dreams and savour the views of your journey. Cheers, David Story If you can hear it, you'll play it sooner. Here is how I practice the piano on an ideal day.
Cheers, David Story ![]() Why not call me? You'll have fun, learn lots about music, the piano, and yourself. Some great reasons to make 2017 the "Year of the Piano"
Cheers, David Story "Ear training, instrumental skill, theory" All accomplished musicians who improvise play what they hear in their heads. Let's unpack this statement.
Let's break it down further. "They hear something in their heads." A developing musician must listen to the musical style they wish to improvise in: Jazz, Rock, Classical, whatever. How much listening? A lot. Last year at the Jazz Education Network convention in Louisville Kentucky there were several interesting young musicians in attendance. One, a young bassist, walked around with his ear buds in all day long. Complete immersion. With immersion, the knowledge students are acquiring in theory class starts to make sense. Theory is only helpful if you can hear it in the playing of others. Until you can, it likely won't make much sense to you. Or, will it be helpful in your playing. (An effective way to help your understanding grow is to transcribe music. Check out the video below for more information.) "They can execute rapidly in real time." Learn to play your darn instrument. Learn how to practice. Then practice, as much as you can, alone and with others. Cheers, David ![]() Taking up the piano after 50. Why the heck not? Here are some of the fears I've heard over the years.
Let's break it down. You are an adult, these are excuses. I have adults aged 18 to 78. All of them are improving, reaching their goals, and having a blast. The successful ones recognize that patience and goals that are congruent with time and available resources will works. The unsuccessful students are impatient, failing to recognize the importance of clear goals and practice time. Happy students understand that practice is the point. They enjoy watching and measuring the incremental progress that thoughtful practice reveals. "I can't learn anything new at my age" Of course you can, if you want to. Learning an instrument is a journey of exploration and discovery. Be in the here and now. Don't focus on the goal, just dive in and see what happens. I've taught adults for many many years. The successful ones just got busy and waited to see what became of their efforts. "I won't live long enough to get good" What do you mean by good? As good as Lang Lang, Oscar Peterson? You are probably right. If you work at it can you get better than you ever imagined. You bet. Can you take satisfaction in that? Of course. "I don't have a piano?" If you can afford lessons, you can afford to rent a portable electric piano. They are cheap. "I had a bad experience with a teacher in my childhood." I'm sorry to hear that. But, times have changed and so has piano teaching. My students played pop music, video game music, classical music, jazz music, boogie woogie, and country flavored Christmas music. "Piano lessons are boring, all the practicing and scales and stuff. I'd just hate it." I'll be honest, maybe music lessons are not right for you. Playing a musical instrument is about practicing. Ask any professional. We thrive on incremental improvements and discoveries. As Wayne Gretzky said, "I enjoyed every aspect of the game". No boring bits for him. "I don't love Bach" Then don't play Bach. Play something you like. As you grow as a musician you may find that those acknowledged masters of music had something to them. Playing Bach is like taking a walk through the Vatican galleries. Each visit impresses us with the depth of it's grandeur as we discover new things. "Piano teachers are boring" Some of us are fun. But, all the good ones will push you to be your best. Life is too short not to push yourself to reach beyond your grasp. "Practicing is no fun" Then you are going about it all wrong. Learning to practice properly is thrilling in every way. I'm cranky when I must stop practicing. "I don't want to go out to lessons on a cold night" I'll teach you on Skype. It really works. I've students all over Canada and the USA. Including in the GTA. "My spouse would just laugh at me" Couples therapy. Or, just get a set of headphones for that electric piano you rented and leave them out of it. Cheers, David Story ![]() What does fitness level have to do with music study? Answer:
Check out this abstract: "...The research suggests that physical fitness training leads to improved mood, self-concept, and work behavior; the evidence is less clear as to its effects on cognitive functioning, although it does appear to bolster cognitive performance during and after physical stress. Except for self-concept, personality traits are not affected by improvements in physical fitness..." http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/amp/36/4/373/ Sounds good to me. See you at the gym. David Story ![]() “Our object is to minimize the contrast between studio practice and public performance.” –Philip Farkas, hornist (The Musician’s Way, p. 149) http://musiciansway.com/blog/2010/09/performance-oriented-practice/ Enjoy David
Mozart taught his students to improvise I'm told. I think he would like this.
![]() A provocative assertion. Here are my assumptions behind this thought.
Simple stuff, written out its on about a Grade 3 piano level. The trick and art of course is to create this in real time which listening and reacting to the other musicians around you. That pulls it up to level 10 quickly. But, later when we play some of our old Classical piano favorites we find our fingers are slow and lacking their former finesse and grace. Classical piano kept our fingers limber and fit because of the composer's demands. In Jazz our hands follow our demands and elementary ideas. Not great for staying in shape. Solution? I keep my hands in shape by practicing Classical piano at the higher-grade levels daily. I practice my "Classical" piano technique: scales, chords, and arpeggios. I suppose one could skip the Classical piano repertoire and learn Jazz piano transcriptions in the same manner as you formally studied Classical. Either way the hands will stay in shape. Cheers, David Story Practice video of the week. Jazz metronome ideas. And the importance of recording your practice. Try it, it really works for all instrumentalists. |
You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail. AuthorI'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also a devoted percussionist and drum teacher. Categories
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