Reminder: Practice methods.

Overcoming difficulties in sightreading/music reading.

1. Take the piece as a rhythm study. With a metronome, (slow tempo) tap out or play a single note. Seperate hands.

2. Pitch study. Metronome again on slow. Play notes at 1 note per beat. Seperate hands again.

3. Put both rhythm and pitch together. Still seperate hands. Still with the metronome.

4. Finally, both hands. take it slow. Don't worry if you fumble. Play it through. Don't stop to fix things. In a real live ensemble, no one's gonna wait for you while you fix stuff. The music plays on.

5. Fix. Go through the difficult passages then practice those. It's better to over practice the difficult passages and under practice the easier ones than vice versa. Too many times, piano players do the opposite and the piece never gets finished.

6. Bringing the piece up to the required tempo.


Sightreading involves the whole mind, eye, finger coordination. Concentration is important.

idea

rented space. 6 at 20 5 to 6 class 6 day pop jazz. syllabus defined. more thought needed.

Progress

We cannot stay at one place for too long.
Comfort kills.
The human mind and spirit Must continually evolve.
Stretch.
Break away the shell that prevents growth.

reference

Sappho (c.610 - c.580 BC) Translated by William Bowles (17th century)
Sapho's Ode out of Longinus.
By the same.
I.
THE Gods are not more blest than he,
Who fixing his glad Eyes on thee,
With thy bright Rays his Senses chears,
And drinks with ever thirsty ears.
The charming Musick of thy Tongue,
Does ever hear, and ever long;
That sees with more than humane Grace,
Sweet smiles adorn thy Angel Face.

II.
But when with kinder beams you shine,
And so appear much more divine,
My feeble sense and dazl'd sight,
No more support the glorious light,
And the fierce Torrent of Delight.
Oh! then I feel my Life decay,
My ravish'd Soul then flies away,
Then Faintness does my Limbs surprize,
And Darkness swims before my Eyes.
III.
Then my Tongue fails, and from my Brow
The liquid drops in silence flow,
Then wand'ring Fires run through my Blood,
And Cold binds up the stupid Flood,
All pale, and breathless then I lye,
I sigh, I tremble, and I dye.

What I did...

Jan 21st - Feb 1st 2008.

Packing, getting a haircut, enjoying the food, playtime in the jungle, friends, jokes, a group hanging around someone's bed just to watch He man and the masters of the universe movie on someone's tiny ipod screen, more food, learning new stuff, finding out new stuff about yourself, smokes, more smoking, strength, funny moments, sleeping, appreciating your bed, shopping at the e-mart, running, falling into holes, Laughter, soccer tournaments, Ippt, This training and that training, pushing yourself, peace, quiet, moments when you cease to worry about the outside world, my mind was still, travelling, moving, no baths for 3 days, sleeping anywhere is fine when you're tired, sharing food, more smokes, painted faces, dirt, mud, the smell of the jungle after it rains, clear blue skies, clouds and thier patterns, surviving, no worries there's always a friend to lend a helping hand, support, talks, lectures, funny motivational speeches, Bathing is the best thing in the world when you haven't in 3 days, lying, resting, sand and water, rats snuggling up to us in the night, the cold, peace, the call to prayer in the morning, the smell of oil and sweat, Hot like an oven, in a tin can, spirit, karaoke night, nice voices, food and beer, our lil road trip, mustafa centre, the best thai mee goreng in little india, kaya toast and tea at 4.30 in the morning, someone's mom cooking at 6 plus in the morning, driving back as fast as we could like the amazing race, breakfast, bathe, hungover, sleep, more talks and prizegiving ceremonies, photo slide show, the last ciggy I had in camp, sad goodbyes, dragging my big bag out in the rain, home.