There’s a difference between grandma tootling down the road to meet friends at the organ club and a race car driver focused on handling a series of hairpin bends to get through a race. I’ll explain.
Grandma doesn’t need to go so fast or think too much about where to go – she knows the neighborhood well. On the other hand, our race car driver is focused on winning. Every move is calculated and he (or she) is constantly thinking strategy and looking ahead for the opportunity to get ahead. When you and I drive, we are probably somewhere in between [please drive safely!]. As musicians, we might be like grandma, happy to get up and play old favorites at the organ club, or just listen to someone else. Or, we might be like members of the Chic Corea band, intensely focused, using our finely honed skills to add to the groove. We are playing, while being totally aware of every rhythmic nuance and phrase being passed around, ready to take a solo perhaps echoing the sentiments of the previous soloist and adding something new. Are you thinking, “I wish!”? Personally I’m far from that level, but still happy to keep striving to improve. For those wanting to improve as musicians, this site presents three perspectives: mind, body and spirit.
Music making uses all three. For example, practicing music scales and technique helps the body prepare for whatever the mind calls of it. Studying music theory (mind) teaches the right notes to play at the right time. Finally, playing with all we’ve got communicates our passion (spirit).
Developing body, mind and spirit may not only help you become a better, more complete musician, you could make grandma proud!
