How To Have A Successful Online Lesson
Posted inThe Woodshed

How To Have A Successful Online Lesson

These days, it's become more and more commonplace to study with an instructor over the internet remotely. After having taught upwards of 100 remote lessons via Zoom by now, I've come up with some things that will help anyone going into a "remote learning session" to get the most out of the experience. Know Your Gear! There's nothing more unnerving and frustrating than trying to get situated in a "live" setting where there's a time limit ticking, and the darn audio just...won't...work... so spend a little time and practice; call a friend from within the confines of your musical environment,…
January 23, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: ,
The Mental Game Of X
Posted inThe Woodshed

The Mental Game Of X

The activity of picking up and playing a musical instrument opens up many synapses and channels in the human brain, due to all of the concepts being put forth at once. The act of forming a thought in your mind and using whatever technique you've learned to produce a sound from said instrument requires a great deal of focus and practice. Eventually the channels of "thought/action" become easier and at some point, as natural as speaking. It's safe to say that once you get the physical motions and actions mastered, playing said instrument becomes a more cerebral and mental "game".…
January 12, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: ,
It’s All About Showing Up!
Posted inThe Woodshed

It’s All About Showing Up!

Some time back in the 1980s, I read an article in Modern Drummer by Rick Van Horn entitled "Show Up!", hence the similar heading. Nevertheless, the message stands clear and has stood the test of time, as I've used this "one weird trick" to keep myself working as a creative for nearly four decades. Rehearsal is where you go to learn how everyone else's part fits together with yours, not where you go to learn your part...Unknown As a lifer in the music business, one of the most oft-asked questions I hear is "how does one get a gig?" My…
January 11, 2023Posted inThe WoodshedTags: ,