I usually hate to sing when I have to for practice or performance purposes, but I cannot deny that it helps to create better phrases and melodic lines than just playing the notes.
Great insights. My first bass teacher made me sing every line I was trying to figure out. It’s been a lesson I’ve taken with me ever since, 30+ years later.
Very insightful, thanks for sharing. Your instruction to sing everything brought Mathieu’s book The Harmonic Experience to mind. Worth looking up if you haven’t read it.
Thank you! A friend of mine actually posted about this book on his Instagram story a few days back and we we're chatting about it--the "harmonic lattice" is something I definitely want to dig into, reminds me a lot of Bartok's axis wheel but seems even more expansive.
Fantastic and accessible tips, and some new information for me after many years of playing. Thanks for putting this in writing. Your studio looks great btw. I miss my Rhodes! Greetings from Amsterdam!
Singing is also the interface between hearing something in your mind and then playing it on your horn. If you don't sing it first, it's easy to fall into that deep chasm between the mental and physical realms.
Thanks! I actually linked the book above (available free on the internet archive) — it’s definitely an academic text and a bit dry as things go, but interesting stuff nonetheless.
I can absolutely resonate with the ‘sing everything you play’ approach. It took me a long time to implement this. It wasn’t until I started studying classical guitar later in life (my 20’s), that this became a habit. And the progress in regards to ear training and musical recognition, was immense.
No worries at all! Excited to keep an eye on what else you share.
I’m passionate about making music inclusive and accessible via my charity. And helping people become confident and creative musicians with my teaching. So posts and messages like yours are brilliant to see.
I usually hate to sing when I have to for practice or performance purposes, but I cannot deny that it helps to create better phrases and melodic lines than just playing the notes.
Great insights. My first bass teacher made me sing every line I was trying to figure out. It’s been a lesson I’ve taken with me ever since, 30+ years later.
Very insightful, thanks for sharing. Your instruction to sing everything brought Mathieu’s book The Harmonic Experience to mind. Worth looking up if you haven’t read it.
Thank you! A friend of mine actually posted about this book on his Instagram story a few days back and we we're chatting about it--the "harmonic lattice" is something I definitely want to dig into, reminds me a lot of Bartok's axis wheel but seems even more expansive.
As someone who’s hopped around trying to learn music a softer approach really resonates with me!
Fantastic and accessible tips, and some new information for me after many years of playing. Thanks for putting this in writing. Your studio looks great btw. I miss my Rhodes! Greetings from Amsterdam!
Greetings from Brooklyn and thanks for stopping by!
Singing is also the interface between hearing something in your mind and then playing it on your horn. If you don't sing it first, it's easy to fall into that deep chasm between the mental and physical realms.
Lovely stuff, nice work.
Enjoyed the read and the video. I recently decided to start trying to making music, so hope you keep making these.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! Thanks for sharing and I think I'll find that book on Audition.
Thanks! I actually linked the book above (available free on the internet archive) — it’s definitely an academic text and a bit dry as things go, but interesting stuff nonetheless.
Really enjoyed this!
I can absolutely resonate with the ‘sing everything you play’ approach. It took me a long time to implement this. It wasn’t until I started studying classical guitar later in life (my 20’s), that this became a habit. And the progress in regards to ear training and musical recognition, was immense.
Looking forward to checking more of your posts!
Dang this is awesome to hear, and I’m glad you enjoyed the piece — thank you my friend!
No worries at all! Excited to keep an eye on what else you share.
I’m passionate about making music inclusive and accessible via my charity. And helping people become confident and creative musicians with my teaching. So posts and messages like yours are brilliant to see.
All the best!
Great read!
"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win,"
"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."
Which one is best?
The second.