Playing music is one great way to make a living, but like anything else it has its stresses. How you handle that stress has become the subject of much discussion and literature. Learning to relax can be as difficult as trying to master a difficult phrase.
Breath control, believe it or not, is a very important part of playing the drums. We live because of a pulse and so does music. Proper breathing will not only improve your time but a number of other musical elements as well; Here's a simple formula: Breath=Relaxation=Groove.
I start most practice sessions with a simple groove to get my musical, physical and emotional self in sync. When that happens the notes that I am playing groove more and my sound is warmer. Breathing properly enhances the flow of your groove.
Musicians and athletes, as early as the 1970's, began seeking ways to improve their concentration. This has evolved into the concept of awareness, simply being aware of what is happening musically will help your execution.
Musicians are especially prone to focus on what is difficult to play rather than what is playable. We lose our awareness of the total piece and intensely focus only on difficult phrases.
Intense focus on what is difficult often leads to negative feelings, frustration and a stilted performance. In the beginning, it is better to be concerned about the spirit of a piece of music than the letter. Hearing the total piece that you are attempting to play gives you context.
When you hear the full piece, the sum of its parts becomes less important. The difficult phrase becomes easier to play because you are hearing the approach to that phrase. Awareness of what is happening several bars before suddenly makes the difficulty easier to overcome.
I have personally struggled to gain some command of these concepts, but I have learned and experienced what looking inward can do. What do you think?
Breath control, believe it or not, is a very important part of playing the drums. We live because of a pulse and so does music. Proper breathing will not only improve your time but a number of other musical elements as well; Here's a simple formula: Breath=Relaxation=Groove.
I start most practice sessions with a simple groove to get my musical, physical and emotional self in sync. When that happens the notes that I am playing groove more and my sound is warmer. Breathing properly enhances the flow of your groove.
Musicians and athletes, as early as the 1970's, began seeking ways to improve their concentration. This has evolved into the concept of awareness, simply being aware of what is happening musically will help your execution.
Musicians are especially prone to focus on what is difficult to play rather than what is playable. We lose our awareness of the total piece and intensely focus only on difficult phrases.
Intense focus on what is difficult often leads to negative feelings, frustration and a stilted performance. In the beginning, it is better to be concerned about the spirit of a piece of music than the letter. Hearing the total piece that you are attempting to play gives you context.
When you hear the full piece, the sum of its parts becomes less important. The difficult phrase becomes easier to play because you are hearing the approach to that phrase. Awareness of what is happening several bars before suddenly makes the difficulty easier to overcome.
I have personally struggled to gain some command of these concepts, but I have learned and experienced what looking inward can do. What do you think?
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