“The quality of your tone will probably have a more immediate impact on listeners than any other feature of your execution.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 22 We performers know the power of tone quality. Sweet tones can charm, almost like magic, and harsh sounds quickly put...
“There can be so much to cover in a practice session that it can seem overwhelming.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 6 We all know how demotivating it can feel to have much to do yet not know where to begin. By setting small, specific goals, though, we can ignite our...
“Treat everything you play on your instrument as an important piece of music, even if you are just warming up.” -Wynton Marsalis The Musician’s Way, p. 22 Countless musicians set their instruments aside as their lives unfold, yet their desire to make music remains. If...
“Gauge your sound and internal experience against the benchmarks of excellence.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 58 How can we master unfamiliar music in ways that are both soulful and efficient? In a few words, we have to be proficient with what I call the 3 components of...
“We’re smart enough and clever enough to give each other room to live in, to have respect for each other’s personalities.” -John Lewis, pianist, Modern Jazz Quartet The Musician’s Way, p.120 Unlike when we play or sing in conductor-led ensembles,...
“Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.” -Charles Mingus, bassist The Musician’s Way, p. 55 Musical problem-solving requires creative thinking, yet the style of thinking that’s commonly...
