So far, we’ve learned that what we practice and what we can perform for others are two different things. We’ve also discovered that performing can help resolve many issues in real time. We concluded the last entry with a cliffhanger: What should we do if we don’t have a band to try things out with?
Here are a few solutions.
- Play with the metronome. I admit that this device is crude, but it pushes you to move on to the next beat no matter what. That pressure helps the body and mind to understand that no matter what, the show must go on.
- Create a playlist of songs to play along with. Similar to metronome, but it’s a bit more fun and it has all sorts of benefits like developing a sense of form or following the swells of the music.
- Play what you work to your friends and family on a regular basis. It means that in a week of practice, you can have a recital for a person or four before your next lesson. This will tell you where you’re at.
- Go to a jam session. This one is a bit more radical, I admit. So, pick a day and a club that hosts events and go on stage! I did it a lot and it was not easy. You’re going to need lots of courage but you’ll develop a lot of confidence in the process.
- Record yourself. These days it is super easy to do this since every phone can work as a recoding device. Prepare something, and when you think you got it, play it for the microphone. But don’t cheat, you can’t do more than two takes.
- That’s all I have to share. And remember, the most important thing for any musician, beginner or professional, is to have fun!
