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August 31, 2006
New Challenges
When I was a young piano student, seriously pursuing my studies of classical music, I spent a great deal of time working on my “technique” and “practicing”.
Now, as a non-classical (or “pop” player) I work on my “chops” and “woodshed.”
It’s all the same thing, I’m trying to improve as a musician and a player.
Do you want to get better at music? One way to improve is to take on new challenges.
· Agree to play a three-hour gig, where you will have to do some cover tunes, and you’ll be forced to learn some new songs.
· Write a song in a style that’s not “normal” for you. Sheryl recently wrote a full-on gospel song in collaboration with our friend Lathan Hudson. Rhonda Mallard will be recording it.
· Co-write a song with someone new.
· Work with a songwriting, vocal, or instrument coach.
· Learn to play a different instrument. (I need to pick up that bass!)
· Singing in a new style. (Get your vocal coach to help you!)
· If you’re a self-taught player, learn to read music, and study a little music theory.
· By the same token, if you are a classically trained pianist, learn the “pop” style (which I happen to teach!).
The point here is to stretch yourself musically and mentally. Keep learning new things.
This is not a new concept, but it is so easy to fall back on what we already know, that we need to keep reminding ourselves.
We need to keep finding new challenges.
Posted by leon at August 31, 2006 01:02 PM