Author Archives: David Motto

Quick Performance Tip – Take the Stage

Take the stage. Be noticeable and feel that you are worthy of being noticed. Make it obvious that you have arrived and that something important is about to happen.

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Quick Practice Tip – Micro-goals

Have micro-goals for every practice session. Plan what you can realistically accomplish TODAY. This makes your daily work a lot more worthwhile and fun!

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Quick Practice Tip – Find Identical Song Sections

Find sections of songs that are exactly the same. You only have to learn each section once! Put them together in order later. This is not only a big time saver but also makes sure that you master each section … Continue reading

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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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