The hosts discuss the importance of practicing your craft to develop your artistic voice. They highlight the benefits of setting boundaries and goals in practice sessions and emphasize the value of cultivating artistry beyond just accumulating information. The episode also explores Mark Levine's impact on jazz theory and the significance of embracing individuality and experience in musical growth.
Focus on developing taste and personality in music content rather than accumulating information.
Engage in persistent practice routines to enhance individual style and musical expression.
Emphasize the importance of 'how' in music playing process through slow practice and musical immersion.
Deep dives
The Art of Practice: Moving Beyond Information
Focusing on how to play rather than what to play is emphasized in the podcast. While information is essential, it's the artistry and personality conveyed in the content that truly matters. The discussion highlights the importance of developing taste, engaging with the music more spiritually, and freeing oneself from the obsession with accumulating information.
Experience Over Information: The Key to Growth
The podcast delves into the idea that experience and personal growth in music require more than just collecting information. Simply gathering scales or voicings isn't enough to become a better player. The focus shifts to engaging with the art of music through persistent practice routines, developing individual style, and transforming one's playing through personal experience.
Practicing the 'How' of Music
Anecdotes of extreme practices like Wayne Shorter's six-hour half-step sessions highlight the importance of focusing on the 'how' of music. By concentrating on the process of playing, rather than the sheer accumulation of knowledge, musicians can enhance their sound, feel, and musical expression, leading to a deeper connection with their art.
Developing a Practice Philosophy
Practicing efficiently involves focusing on 'how' over 'what,' emphasizing the importance of slow and basic exercises like practicing scales and solos. By concentrating on elements such as slow practice, rhythmic feel, and ear training without overly fixating on outcome, individuals can enhance their musical connection and technical skills.
Listening and Internalizing Music
Listening to a variety of music, especially performances by renowned musicians, is essential for developing one's musical taste and internalizing the desired sound. The process of immersing oneself in diverse music genres and styles serves as a foundation for creating personal musical expressions and honing discernment to connect with the music one desires to produce.