- 1. Practice:
- Although it sounds simple, this is the
number one key!
- Keyboard legends seem to be "born",
but they are actually "made" along the
way.
- Any highly regarded player (regardless of
instrument) has an extraordinary
- dedication to practice and the craft
of making music.
- It really does help to eat, drink, sleep,
and breathe the keys!
-
- This said, having structured practice
sessions also help greatly.
- By having structure, one can address
specific areas like technique
- reading, or ear-training with goals that will insure balanced musical
development.
-
- When given limitations, it is usually better to practice
for shorter
- sessions more often than by practicing in
longer sessions less often.
-
- You will get better quickly if you train every
day.
- Regardless, any time spent with your
keyboard under fingers will surely pay off.
- Practice hard, seriously, and practice
often--there is no substitute!
-
- 2. Patience:
- No one comes out of the womb a
"star"...Well okay,
maybe they do.
- While it is probably true that we
all have differing levels
of innate musical aptitude
- if you want to play well "it costs
to be the boss".
-
- It makes no sense fretting because someone
else's accomplishments have come easier.
- You must have the desire, dedication, and
commitment to challenge and
- overcome your obstacles on the instrument (as
well as in life).
- This takes time! For some it takes
more, for others...less. Get over this, and get busy.
-
- Also realize that most great players know
that playing keyboard is a lifetime project
- and the better they get, the
more they want to get better.
-
- As a musician and human, it is
important to continually strive toward progress.
- Set goals to develop the skills for playing
better keyboard and becoming a better person.
-
- Remember that you must interact with others
(instructors, band members, fans
- and agents among others) to share your musical artistry and be
successful.
-
- Make a commitment to become both the
best player and person that you know.
- Accept the fact that patience is required,
but know that you wont regret the results
- once you are playing
as you have always dreamed.
-
- 3. Develop your ear:
- Duh, I'm a musician...isn't this a given?
- No! There are a number of ways and methods
for study but it is amazing
the number of
- instrumental musicians who cannot
distinguish basic interval relationships,
chords or notes by ear.
-
- In fact, without written notes,
some become lost.
- While visual music cues such as books, sheet
music, tabulature, and even
- M.A.M.I. Musical Scale Atlases are greatfor learning...music is still about sound!
-
Ears are to a musician as eyes are to a pilot. They are your true
guide!
-
- When properly trained your ears will
provide the aural "vision" needed to play
- skillfully,
creatively, confidently, and tastefully."Ears" involve not just hearing,
but actually listening.
- Listening means that in addition to hearing one
processes,
- categorizes, evaluates, and judges the
sounds that are heard.
-
- Listening is a skill that is developed
through ear training, and should not be neglected.
- The best way to develop "ears" is
through training and practice.
- Learn to concentrate on sound. Any sound,
all sounds.
-
- Close your eyes and judge its qualities. Is
it loud...how loud, soft...how soft,
- soothing, sharp, annoying, rhythmic,
musical, wooden, metallic, etc.
- What is producing it? What is its origin,
or direction. Are there intervals?
- It is moving...rising, or falling? Can
you reproduce it? Try it and see!
-
- and even non-musical environments.
- To be a successful musician, you must be
able to effectively characterize
- and judge the sounds that you and others
produce.
-
- Remember, music means listening!
- Do your "job", whenever you are
within a musical environment.
- Make it your mission and skill to listen
carefully and play well...
