Monthly Archives: May 2017

Quick Performance Tip – Control the Room

When you talk to the audience, take total control of the room. Be bigger than life. Use a mic, lighting, whatever it takes. Own it!

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Quick Performance Tip – Keep the Stage Clear

Keep the stage area clear. It’s easy to trip on cables and stands, or to knock over instruments, if everything’s tangled.

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Quick Practice Tip – Work Out of Order

You don’t need to practice from beginning to end every time! (1) Don’t start at the top. (2) Do individual sections. (3) Fix the ending. (4) Actually try the section you most want to avoid.

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Quick Rehearsal Tip – Song Keys and Forms

Know your keys and song forms before the band gets together. This will save huge amounts of rehearsal time and lower the level of frustration in the room.

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Record Yourself

David Motto’s Practice Tip of the Week:Record Yourself As practicing musicians we are expected to do the impossible. While playing through a section of music and concentrating on playing accurately, we are supposed to listen carefully to identify the areas … Continue reading

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Quick Practice Tip: Work on Efficiency at Slow Tempos

Work on efficiency – minimizing movement, controlling pressure, staying in position – at very slow tempos in slow motion. When you go faster, you won’t notice these things, but they will definitely affect your playing and limit your ability to … Continue reading

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Quick Rehearsal Tip: End with Something Fun

End your rehearsals with something fun that everyone likes to play. You’ll remember the fun ending, not the hard work!

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Knowing Your Instrument Gives You Confidence

To all Musicians who play by ear: Even though you play primarily by listening, it’s still a good idea to know where all the notes are on your instrument. This knowledge will make you more confident whenever you perform. And, … Continue reading

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Quick Practice Tip – Have 3 Practice Goals

Decide on 3 main goals for your music today. This could be 3 sections of one song. Or, a scale, an exercise, and 1 section of your song. Do NOT start playing until you know what you’re trying to accomplish.

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Blow Off Steam

David Motto’s Practice Tip of the Week:Blow Off Steam The Power of Difficult Emotions Unlike many activities that should not be attempted when you are upset (like driving a car or cleaning steak knives), playing a musical instrument can actually … Continue reading

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