Post by Rusty on Mar 27, 2009 8:55:35 GMT -6
Well it wasn't until last night I realized that maybe i should address this issue. Talking about your personal practice time. I was discussing practice with some fellow musicians,and I guess I figure everyone already knows or feels like I do.
One says a couple of hours a week is enough to keep him sharp,and on top of his game,and others feel it's half hour a day.While this may be enough to keep you sharp,I don't know if it's enough to get you into a learning frame of mind,especially if you're just jamming with CD's. There is no time for creative growth.I learned that a lot of musicians while they have been playing for years have never just played their instruments with no music playing,they have never heard what it sounds like when they play alone.So I thought I would address this issue and maybe it will help someone
I usually start with a couple minutes of warming up,and then I just play to myself.Sounds funny I know,but I heard about this method in an interview with the late Billy Powell (Skynyrds Pianist),where he said he would just close the door and play himself a concert.So over the past several years I started to do this,and while it's awkward at first to play a lead solo to nothing,you can hear every little sound,and little nuance and tone of your instrument,and in the process you will find things you thought sounded ok really sound thin and need some change,and you can find some really cool things about your instrument you can't find while the CD is playing.
I also find that playing at a low volume also affects what I play and what intensity I play it at. As well as what guitar I use has an effect on the music as well. Each has it's own attitude so to speak. Actually it's the tone each has that inspires a different feeling. There are things that happen at performance volume that you can't get to happen through headphones while the family is watching tv.Trust me,once you start practicing at or near performance level you will start to find some things you didn't know about your setup. Also if you're a singer and have access to a PA,it is very beneficial to you to sing though the PA and get used to hearing your voice. Find those things that make you sound good,and ditch those that don't.
I know we all have to learn songs,and work on the bands songlist,and that time is limited for a lot of us,as well as space. But if you can afford to turn a spot in the garage,or the basement or even a spare room in the house into a personal practice space,or you have one,or can find a few minutes alone, I think you can find Billys method will help to promote you into a better place musically,and boost your confidence both personally and performance wise.
Take time to explore your music ability,and your instrument,there is no limit to what you can do once you think you can.
One says a couple of hours a week is enough to keep him sharp,and on top of his game,and others feel it's half hour a day.While this may be enough to keep you sharp,I don't know if it's enough to get you into a learning frame of mind,especially if you're just jamming with CD's. There is no time for creative growth.I learned that a lot of musicians while they have been playing for years have never just played their instruments with no music playing,they have never heard what it sounds like when they play alone.So I thought I would address this issue and maybe it will help someone
I usually start with a couple minutes of warming up,and then I just play to myself.Sounds funny I know,but I heard about this method in an interview with the late Billy Powell (Skynyrds Pianist),where he said he would just close the door and play himself a concert.So over the past several years I started to do this,and while it's awkward at first to play a lead solo to nothing,you can hear every little sound,and little nuance and tone of your instrument,and in the process you will find things you thought sounded ok really sound thin and need some change,and you can find some really cool things about your instrument you can't find while the CD is playing.
I also find that playing at a low volume also affects what I play and what intensity I play it at. As well as what guitar I use has an effect on the music as well. Each has it's own attitude so to speak. Actually it's the tone each has that inspires a different feeling. There are things that happen at performance volume that you can't get to happen through headphones while the family is watching tv.Trust me,once you start practicing at or near performance level you will start to find some things you didn't know about your setup. Also if you're a singer and have access to a PA,it is very beneficial to you to sing though the PA and get used to hearing your voice. Find those things that make you sound good,and ditch those that don't.
I know we all have to learn songs,and work on the bands songlist,and that time is limited for a lot of us,as well as space. But if you can afford to turn a spot in the garage,or the basement or even a spare room in the house into a personal practice space,or you have one,or can find a few minutes alone, I think you can find Billys method will help to promote you into a better place musically,and boost your confidence both personally and performance wise.
Take time to explore your music ability,and your instrument,there is no limit to what you can do once you think you can.