Getting started

Here is, in a nutshell, what I’ve learned over the years about what gets in the way of amateur music-making:

1. We don’t set clear and reasonable goals – short term or long term.
2. We have an optimistic view of the time required.
3. Because of #1 we waste time looking for the “secret insight” that will validate #2. Not discovering one, we decide it’s our fault and we give up.

Nothing you’ll be asked to do here is particularly difficult. What is difficult is spending countless hours doing repetitive things that you’re tired of listening to and bored with. (I didn’t play “Misty” for almost two decades after learning it – I don’t know how Erroll Garner did it.)

Still, you must do those things to have any chance to become a song player – or more.

Boredom will be your biggest obstacle. Be vigilant and prepared. Find ways to make your practice sessions more fun and curious. Do the boring stuff but make time for “playing around”, in the most creative and unrestrained, childlike sense. Before you sit down have a plan for how much “practice” you’ll do and how much “playing around” you’ll do.

Let me be clear: You simply cannot learn this type of song playing without mastering “playing around”. Your brain will always get in the way.

Also realize that if you’re practicing the way you should be, no one will want to listen to you. “Dear, you’ve been playing the same three chords for a half hour! Can you move on?”

This will be your second biggest obstacle – although they’re probably interchangable. Unless you are unusually single-minded and living alone, you’ll need to address this. Give serious thought to a practice instrument that you can plug headphones into. Or set aside time when you’re alone. Or reward your housemate or spouse for being a saint.

Above all, have fun with this serious quest. You must. If need be, take a break, give yourself time to find that sense of joy that led you to music-making to begin with. Persistence and patience will pay big dividends.

LET’S GET STARTED:

On your home page (and on the drop down menu below “Student Home”) you’ll see the link to the Sudnow Weekend Seminar. Click and work your way through the videos in order – the software will keep track of where you left off and you can go back to review any lessons at any time.

-David Haynes