FBSMC5, Playing Through the Years, Session 5, College, Part 1

This video is about our college years. Freshman year is a time of new beginnings in many ways for people. Away from home, being a freshman again, new people, often times a new city, dorm life and new teachers. On top of this, it can be a time of starting over again on our instrument. It is a relook and deepening of the foundations of our playing, but this time from a more experienced place in ourselves. So here is a part 1 of college years.

FBSMC5, Playing Through the Years, Session 4, Middle School and High School

So let us continue looking at "Playing Through the Years" with focusing on Middle School and High School. In this 3 part series, we will see how things can start to change very rapidly during this time. With so many big physical changes alone there is much to discuss. The biggest factor is coming to the decision that one wants to pursue a career in music playing their instrument. I will talk about what I think is needed in practice time and what the requirements are for someone thinking about taking college auditions. There is so much to discuss in this area that I encourage people to email me or make comments that I can then respond to.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

FBSMC5, "Playing Through the Years," Session 3, "The First Couple of Years"

The first couple of years can be a very important time as we collect our first impressions of learning music and our instrument. In this 3 part series, I have focused on some basic feelings and thoughts I have about the teacher's role in helping the student develop healthy attitudes about practicing and technique without a lot of pressure or an unhealthy stress. I cite many examples from my own life as well and encourage others to reflect and find the value and (hopefully) inspiration from those early years. Not everybody's first couple of years might have been joyful. Some students who were really pushed into music could have had a terrible first couple of years no matter how talented they were. Hopefully, if they are still at it, there is a relationship that was forged from their finding their own love and connection with the Art.

In Part 1, I talk about my own experiences and address various ways a person may have come to play trombone, either self-motivated or inspired by any number of reasons.  I also speak about how regular practice sessions can be introduced in an inspiring way, with the spirit of the music being integrated during this early playing time.

In Part 2, I get specific about when to introduce more discipline and certain exercises to the young student. I also stress the importance of the teacher's attitude when working with the student and how to introduce healthy habits without stress. A first look at the Overlay System is introduced at this time, as well.

In Part 3, I get even more specific about the needs of of the student at this stage of playing. I also encourage young players to listen to music of all kinds or, at least, kinds they like. The importance of "analogy" is stressed a great deal in this video and I give numerous examples of how to do it. 

Part 1

Part 2




Part 3

FBSMC5, Session 2, "Making a Start"

Session 2 of FBSMC5, "Making a Start," gets into the those very first moments of playing! I tell my own story about my first few notes and lessons to inspire all of you to time travel back and remember that moment or time of your playing life. Everyone has their own story to tell and the human story is such a powerful and personal way to connect to ones life or the life of others. Ask yourself, "how much is that initial spark still in me?" Perhaps it has grown into a marvelous bright star that radiates in many directions or a lamp that warms the soul. Both?  Maybe it needs to be rekindled. Here is Session 2: "Making a Start"

FBSMC5! In The Beginning....

Year five of the Frequency Bone Summer Music Connection is here and so is video 1. In this first session called, "In the Beginning..." I will be giving an overview of what this summer will be about which is titled, "Playing Through the Years." I touch on some issues that come upon us at various times of our playing life and career and what will be the constant most important thing to be connected to. In the other videos, I will be more specific to each age grouping. So without further delay, here is session 1, "In The Beginning..."

The FBSMC 5! Starts June 28, 2013

Yes it is true! Frequency Bone Summer Music Connection 5 will start Friday June 28th. This year's videos and postings will be centered around the title, "Playing Through the Years." Since we all go through many years of playing, whether we become professionals or not, there are different changes on all levels, physical, mental and emotional and at the core of ourselves. How to handle these changes and to enjoy and be with that time of our lives will be addressed and gone into.

I will discuss the younger years of playing, from beginning through high school. Then college and after college. This will lead into all the years up to older age. There should be something in this FBSMC 5 series for all to enjoy, learn, get knew insights and to encourage our continued relationship with our love of music as it relates to our lives, those around us and our environment.

The first video will be titled, "In the Beginning.."

See you on Friday!

P.S. Take your love of music everywhere. Don't leave home without it! (Good advice for everyone, including the professional freelancer, professor and ensemble player).

Summer is coming...

It has certainly been a while since my last post! But, summer is almost here and soon it will be time for the Frequency Bone Summer Music Connection 5! That is right, year five. Time does move and it is true the older you get it moves quicker. Funny how that it is. The tempo of time seems to accelerate the older you get. I'm sure this is true for as long as your health stays in good condition, mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. By spiritually, I don't mean any one religion or faith. If that is the case though and it keeps  a person to always be improving and has the higher human values of care, patience, tolerance, good deeds, honor and respect, to name a few, then wonderful! If it is not a particular faith but has those and/or similar qualities, wonderful! For the higher inner core life that a person is anchored to, is going to be the stability that will last regardless of other changes physically.

It is the same with our Art. There will be a time for all of us, some earlier, some later, but all of us, where the physical aspect of playing will start to diminish. But your inner music can always grow. That is the value of teaching and passing on your love and knowledge to others. Or by writing music, books, or conducting groups. Or by simply enjoying and connecting to the essence of the music by listening.

That is why it is vital to create and form a relationship with your Art that goes beyond your own playing or performing. I can use music, by the connections I have made, to heal myself in many ways on several levels. To uplift my mental or emotional state if they get cluttered. To express inner thoughts that perhaps music can convey better than words.

Listen to the birds, hear the wind and rain, listen to people talk, listen and feel all what the world of sound does to you and make your own 'cocktails' of sonic splendor, upliftment, refreshment and rejuvenation. It is there waiting for you. Are you not your own composition, a walking symphony of life sounds and experience? Change your tempo consciously at times and meet another side of your own self created music. A side you might have never heard before...

Oh! The FBSMC 5 will be starting around the second or third week of June. Keep tuned for updates!