Skip to main content

Some Tips On How To Master An Instrument

 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

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Not At MY Age! (for the nebby folks)

 This will come as no surprise to anyone - I'm not a morning person. Those of us who prefer the dark, quiet hours of the night do occasionally have to deal with the reality that there is a 5:30 in the AM as well as PM. It's an uncomfortable reality, but that's just life.  I had to deal with the AM version yesterday. Long story short, I had a doctor's appointment at 8:30, had no idea where the office was, and still had to attempt to function. My morning routine is non-negotiable. It's really the only way I can deal with most people. Yes, copious amounts of coffee are involved.  I had a check-up last week. My regular doc (I call him "Doogie" but I'm not convinced he fully understands the reference), who is younger than some shoes I own, was concerned about a growth on my nose. I wasn't...but I don't have the magic letters following my name, so my opinion is moot.  Let me be clear, I've dealt with this before. As cancers go, my previous bout o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Meatball

 I was always a dog person. I grew up with dogs. Dear ol' dad was never a fan of cats. Mom loved all animals. But ours was a dog house. Plain and simple. My first experience living with a cat was thanks to a roommate. He had a 40-pound lump of feline ferocity named Meatball. When he moved in with his girlfriend, the cat was left behind, due to the girlfriend's alleged allergies. I believe the reality was more like she was allergic to the oversized beast's personality.  Meatball was just mean. Maybe that's the wrong word. In his defense, he was a foundling. My roomie worked at a pizza joint, and Meatball was found in the alley behind the place...noshing on a discarded meatball. This was the cat's preferred food.  Aside from his obesity, Meatball had ear mites or something as a kitten. His ears flopped down, not unlike a pig.  Just imagine a 40-pound cat, with floppy ears, and a bad disposition. Oh, he was mostly white with some black spots. On the rare occasions he w...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Alleged Life and Times of Wynn Rainey

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected situations. - MCM Everyone in town knew Wynn Rainey, but no one really knew Wynn Rainey. Even today, in and around Downey Bluff, the Rainey name will get folks to talking. As far away as Norwich, people still remember him. Everyone has a story, and more importantly, an opinion. Depending on who you talk to, some will say Wynn Rainey was a man of means. The Wenberg family, who owned and ran the local savings and loan, did a lot of business with him, if stories are to be believed. Oddly enough, there never seemed to be an active account in his name. The same people who told these tales were the same ones who’d tell you that assets are better than cash. Wynn Rainey always seemed to have the latter. Usually at least a pocketful. Some would tell you he was loose as a goose with his money. Some would tell you he could squeeze ten cents out of a buffalo nickel’s ass. Lots of the old timers will share stories of Rainey paying everyone’s tab at...
Post a Comment
Read more