Some Tips On How To Master An Instrument

* find the instrument that speaks the language you comprehend

* if you believe you "can't", you won't. If you push yourself, you'll do just fine.

* you will start at the beginning, just like everyone else.

* you will progress at your own pace.

* you will find obstacles in your way. You can either give up or learn how to overcome.

* you will not always remember everything every time.

* learn to make sounds before notes, chords, arpeggios. It took you years to learn how to speak. This won't happen overnight either.

* it will be difficult at times. Learn to enjoy those times.

* practicing is fine. Playing is better and often more productive.

* learn to play with others

* learn to understand and appreciate the space between notes

* mistakes happen. Pay attention to them. They might teach you something cool.

* you probably won't become rich and famous. Be thankful for that.

* you will have good days, bad days and everything in between.

* listen to others but find your own style. Speak in your own voice.

* be honest, humble and proud.

* keep pushing yourself

* there's always someone better

* it's OK to ask for help

* not everyone is going to enjoy your music

* music is music, there's no good or bad music. You won't enjoy everything you hear but take the time to appreciate it

* don't compare yourself to others

* getting paid is nice but play music because it means something to you

* you will never be compensated for a life of music. The music itself is the only guarantee and that too may pass

* keep your word - to yourself and others

Comments

The Money Miser

I'm usually not one to suggest products or suggest against products...unless I think they're really fantastic or utter pieces of crap. Well I'm here to tell ya, the Money Miser Coin Sorter SUCKS ROTTING ZOMBIE ASS! I've always been frugal...but don't take that as cheap . I work hard for my money and I like to save when/where I can. For the past few years (which from 2007-2010 were really tight), I've always kept a jar on the kitchen table, and when I get home at night (or in the morning as is the case most days) I dump whatever pocket change I have into said jar. I'd usually cash it in at Ye Olde Coinstar machine just before payday...in case I needed gas, lunch money, or just a night on the town. I would usually amass $60 or per month this way. This past year has been pretty decent financially so around May, I switched to a bigger jar. I hadn't taken anything OUT of the jar since around April. Well, the jar finally got so full (and so heavy I co...

Haunted Pittsburgh #2: A Ghost Close to Home

You could almost say I have a ghost in my own backyard! Well, not quite my back yard but at least close to home. You'd think that living close to a cemetary, I'd be telling of ghosts there but you'd be wrong! This is the story of Peter, a little boy ghost. I've heard this story for years! My family has lived in this area since the early 20th century. Up until recently, the oldest house in Allegheny county was our family homestead, but after the death of my great aunt Alberta, the house was sold. My grandmother and great aunts used to tell me stories of prohibition and all the crazy times. I wish my great aunt Ann was alive so I could get more information on this alleged 'bordello'. (she lived right up the street...but WAS NOT a working girl! LOL)Anyhoo, on with the story... BLAHA FLOWER SHOP (Etna, Allegheny County) Shop owner David Kornely relocated his flower and gift shop to Bridge Street in Etna in 1991. He had heard the building was haunted but had no secon...

FEEDING SERGEI

I've always got on well with gas station people. I can't really tell you why; maybe it goes back to my teenage years. I would often hang out at the Clark station, shooting the breeze, and smoking Marlboros or for a time, Lucky Strikes. It probably started when a friend of the family started working there. He was my brothers' age, and sort of a big brother figure in some ways. Through him, I got to know the couple who owned and ran the franchise, and the other employees. Most importantly to me, it was a place I could hang out, smoke cigarettes, and people watch. The steady drip of customers and conversations always held my interest. A gas station is one of those places where, on a long enough timeline, you're going to meet everyone - and I did. Everyone had to stop for gas at some point. This was a time before gas stations began to focus on being convenience stores, although they already were, in a way. They were just more efficient. You could gas up the car, grab smoke...

The Real Memphis Mike (don't settle for imitations)

Search This Blog