“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...
“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...
“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...
“Wise artists seek out critical evaluations.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 297 Musical collaborators come together out of a shared passion for music. And intense feelings about art can stir up ardent criticisms. How can we harmonize the critical give-and-take that’s...
“The heart of performance is about sharing music with someone else.” –The Musician’s Way, p. 154 In the June 2014 issue of The Musician’s Way Newsletter you’ll encounter a wide array of articles suited to performers, educators, and music lovers. On the...
“Whatever music you play or sing, your objective is to express musical ideas, not spew out notes.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 24 Accomplished musicians bring vibrancy to every sound they make – there’s an emotional power to their music that...
“Leaving your troubles behind, enter the exquisite realm of music making.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 6 The beginnings of practice sessions set in motion everything that follows. When we start practice with clear intentions, we accomplish more in the shortest...
“Being a musician isn’t about pursuing some nirvana of artistic enlightenment; it’s about endless refinement and discovery.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 110 This blog and The Musician’s Way book explore diverse strategies to practice deeply and...
“Keen self-listening is central to musical excellence.” -The Musician’s Way, p. 16 Without the ability to hear ourselves precisely, we can’t perform to professional standards nor solve problems in practice. Fortunately, today’s digital recorders empower us...
