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Administrative Note

Writing these posts on my iPhone seems to be working really well. You know how wordy I can be. Just see my older posts. That kept me from updating this blog because each post was a project. Now I can compose each idea I have quickly and relatively succinctly. I can also do them on the go. I think there is a more general lesson in there somewhere too.

Tue, 2011 03 15 at 3:50 PM |Permalink for this entry

Charlie Is Right

I’m tired of pretending I’m not a totally bitchin’ rock star from Mars.

This phrase has been going thru my head lately. No doubt, the guy is certifiable, but he is right about at least one thing. Why in the world shouldn’t each of us think we are awesome? We should be going after the good things in life and what we do with zeal, with gusto, like we mean it, like we own it.

I’m not saying we should “be like the boy” and push to the front of the line, wear our bathrobe all the time, break all the rules, and say, “cowabunga.” I’m just saying we should do the things we love like we love them.

We also should be doing them like we believe we can. Our possibilities are infinite. I’m tired of seeing people sheepishly say, “I don’t know. I don’t think I can do that…” Why not?

We don’t have to live at Sober Valley Lodge with the goddesses (or gods, if you prefer) to have an awesome life. We all have the tools. Pick them up and use them. And have fun.

Mon, 2011 03 14 at 9:00 AM |Permalink for this entry

I Get It Now

Last night a friend invited us to see a couple of guitar playing singer-songwriters. One was a local guy, while the headliner was a guy who is touring and apparently was on American Idol (I’ve never watched).

What these guys made me realize was the level of playing it takes to really accompany yourself. The headliner was beyond that level (Caleb Hawley - check him out), but until this show, I didn’t have a clear idea of where some of these levels are.

This is good, because knowing what can be done is at least half the way to getting there.

Sun, 2011 03 13 at 8:43 PM |Permalink for this entry

In Case You Missed It

On Sunday I had the privilege of sitting in on a couple of tunes with Melissa Savčić (or Savcic if you’re Anglicizing it). It was a blast and I can’t thank her enough for letting me do that.

Prior to that, in preparation for the gig, I had one of those moments I’ve talked about before. I suddenly noticed a big improvement in my technique. This is something I had been working on lately but had not noticed any results until that point. This is what I was referring to in my previous post. It’s always cool when those moments happen. I still have a ways to go, but I’m trying to enjoy where I am as well.

Fri, 2011 03 11 at 5:18 PM |Permalink for this entry

Resting on Laurels

Yesterday at my lesson, my piano teacher and I discussed the progress I have made recently. Then he went on to say that he is not one for resting on laurels and would keep pushing me.

Sigh. I get that, but sometimes it is nice to stop, take a look around, and enjoy the view for a bit before you get back to climbing that mountain.

Onward, I guess…

Wed, 2011 03 09 at 3:58 PM |Permalink for this entry

Going Mental

I’ve become convinced that playing a musical instrument is almost completely mental. What I mean by that is that it is the belief that you can do it. We have all heard those stories of the little kid playing something incredible out of nowhere or the idiot savant who could play beautifully. My argument is that they do it because *they don’t know they can’t.*

I am having trouble finding the exact quote, but Henry Ford said if you think you can do something, or that you can’t do something, you are right.

(You thought that from the title of this entry it was going to be about Charlie Sheen, didn’t you?)

Wed, 2011 03 02 at 10:19 AM |Permalink for this entry

Music vs. Web Design

One of the differences between independently working on music versus web design is that when I am between gigs as a musician, I can write songs, learn songs, build up my chops, etc. On the other hand, it's not like I would build web sites for myself just for fun…

Fri, 2011 02 25 at 11:33 AM |Permalink for this entry

Never Give Up

I was reading something today that said if you do what you love, you’ll love and appreciate every aspect of it. While I agree on a certain level, the reality is that some days are better than others.

It was recently suggested to me that perhaps I move in a different direction career-wise. This was after a recent setback, and it was said with the best of intentions. But after I gave it some thought, I decided that I was not going to throw away the work I had done and instead I am digging deeper and pursuing my dreams with more effort and interest. It won’t always be easy and I’m sure I won’t enjoy every moment. There will likely be more setbacks but I will deal with those just like everyone else has to. You are crazy if you think I’m going to give up now.

Thu, 2011 02 24 at 3:28 PM |Permalink for this entry

Rehearsal and Requirements

I've long held the theory that rehearsals are as much for people's confidence as anything. When the band leader says there is one thing he's concerned about, nail that part first and make him happy. If you're lucky, he won't keep doing it with more parts. Instead, he'll be happy and impressed. Then you can move on to the rest of the parts you are worried about.

Wed, 2011 02 23 at 3:03 PM |Permalink for this entry

Exercise!

The idea is if I write these on my iPhone they will be shorter yet more frequent. We will see.

Lately I've simply been working on some finger exercises and jazz stuff. Believe it or not, I've never practiced all 12 (15) scales. I've always gotten away with it until now. Little did I realize how much that held me back. I've also been revisiting Hanon book one. Anything to get these fingers playing like they should!

Wed, 2011 02 23 at 7:04 AM |Permalink for this entry

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