INCLUDE IMPROV Creating spontaneous music is fun , plus it prepares you for those moments when you are called on to improvise in a rehearsal or performance . Make it a point to inject some focused noodling into your practice routine . Try improvising around some of the material you ’ ve been practicing . For example : if you are learning the G harmonic minor scale , take a moment and improvise using only the notes from that scale .
SIGHT READ REGULARLY Even in our quick-delivery technology world , there are still musical situations that require sight reading a chart at a rehearsal or recording session . Improve your sight-reading skills by frequently playing through a page or two of unfamiliar music during a practice session .
ROLL ON AND ON AND ON AND ON ... Are you able to sustain a double-stroke roll for a minute ? Can you keep a tambourine shake roll steady for 30 seconds ? Since a roll is the primary method of sustaining sound on most percussion instruments , periodically check on your roll endurance . You want plenty in your tank when you need it . Hit the timer and crank out a one-minute roll every week .
LISTEN WITH PURPOSE Listening to music is an essential part of our musical development . Musicians invest countless hours practicing , performing , and songwriting , but active listening often takes a backseat . There is a difference between passive listening ( while washing the car or cleaning the house ) and active listening , which requires more focus .
PRACTICE HARD STUFF Include difficult material in some of your practice sessions . Working on a challenging conga pattern you never use can still be beneficial . ( I practice drum set grooves I would not attempt in public .) Stretching out of your comfort zone promotes growth .
PROCESS PROPERLY The 100 % error-free musician does not exist . From beginners to seasoned professionals , we all make mistakes . Don ’ t be too rough on
yourself . Analyze , learn , and improve .
Maintain perspective . When you ’ re really cookin ’ and folks are pouring on praise , be humble , and grateful .
If we live by the Spirit , let ’ s also walk by the Spirit . Let ’ s not become conceited , provoking one another , and envying one another . - Galatians 5:25-26 WEB
When pride comes , then comes shame , but with humility comes wisdom . - Proverbs 11:2 WEB
© 2024 Mark Shelton Productions / Percussion For Worship
Mark Shelton Mark Shelton is a freelance musician , educational consultant , and content creator based in Dallas / Fort Worth . Performance credits include North Carolina Symphony , Tin Roof Tango , Daystar Television , Gateway Worship , Stonebriar Church , Wichita Falls Orchestra , Strata Big Band , TALEA , and Dallas Wind Symphony . www . marksheltonmusic . com www . percussionforworship . blogspot . com www . instagram . com / marksheltonperc photo by Josh Sorenson via Unsplash
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