Music in General

Aside from dynamics and articulation, what other musical elements can we use to make music groove? This article will answer this very question. Pulse/Tempo Pulse is one of the most obvious ways in which popular music and classical music vary. Popular music is commonly characterised by a steady pulse; any changes in tempo are usually sectional and rubato is not used as often as in classical music. Classical music is more susceptible to changes in tempo. Rubato, rallentando, accelerando, and other such changes in pulse are more commonly used and are imperative in creating the desired expression. Regardless of these … Read more

Groove? Groove is a word familiar to most musicians and non-musicians, but it is a concept shrouded in ambiguity. “That band grooves!” or “This doesn’t groove at all” are the sort of things that people say to express an opinion or feeling about music. However, groove is certainly not abstract, but it covers so many musical aspects that it is easier to comment on groove than to single out each aspect. This article will define the word and look at key aspects which create groove. All music should groove but not in the same way. In popular music, groove is … Read more

In my previous post I introduced you to the Metronome and shared a technique that I call ‘metronome reduction’. Metronome Displacement In many ways Metronome Displacement is similar to Metronome Reduction. You’ll be playing at a moderate or even fast tempo while the metronome is set to an extremely slow tempo. The metronome will be your guide, informing you whether or not you’re in time. I highly recommend starting this exercise after step 6 of Metronome Reduction (a click on beat 1 of every bar), that way you will have had enough time to internalise your starting tempo. The key here is … Read more

Having decided on some short-, medium- and long-term goals, let’s think about how to structure your practice. This structuring could take written form by means of a practice diary or plan. But, if you are confident in your ability to remember what you’ve been practicing, how far through a goal you got, etc., don’t feel obliged to write down your plans. Personally I find that writing down my practice routine helps maintain focus, even if it’s just a few simple retrospective notes once I finish practicing or playing. Optimal Practice The fact is that there is no definitive answer as … Read more

Setting Practice Goals I believe that goal setting is a fundamental skill that needs to be developed in order to get the most out of your practice time. What you practice or play, how you go about it, and how much time you spend doing it should all be determined by a series of short-, medium- and long-term goals. These goals don’t have to be written or even spoken and will inevitably vary among different learners. There are no right or wrong goals; we all learn differently and have different inspirations, and our goals should reflect this. This article will … Read more

We all practice to improve on something we decide to do and achieve the goals we set out for ourselves. Yet a surprising number of my music students often tell me “Brendan, what/when/how should I practice?” Let’s be clear on something; for me practicing is like any other skill—you have to learn how to do it. Learning how to practice can make your practice session a lot more fun and enjoyable. Practicing correctly also saves you time. You will know what to focus on and make the most out of your practice session. Imagine if we were all born with this amazing ability … Read more