PERCUSSION
[ LISTEN | Mark Shelton ]
J.S. Bach took a break from his worship leader Classical, jazz, blues, art rock, electronica, LISTEN TO VIRTUOSO PERFORMERS
job to listen to the music of Dietrich Buxtehude. salsa, Celtic, and klezmer! A myriad of genres Whether it’s Yo-Yo Ma on cello, Wynton
Since the invention of the phonograph was and sub-styles awaits your exploration. Listen Marsalis playing trumpet, or Phil Keaggy
about 170 years in the future, Herr Buxtehude carefully to what makes each type unique. picking the guitar, extraordinary musicians are
EXTRAORDINARY. Listen carefully to their tone
had not cut an album. Plus, he lived some
distance down the road from Bach. LISTEN TO PERCUSSION-PACKED MUSIC quality and subtle nuances in phasing. Hearing
No problem; Bach walked to hear Buxtehude. Immerse yourself in West African drumming, amazing percussionists such as Giovanni
percussion ensembles, marimba bands, and Hidalgo on congas and Glen Velez on frame
drumlines. The world of percussion abounds drums can be an “imagination catalyst.”
250 miles!
with interesting instruments and rhythms.
LISTEN TO ASSIGNED MUSIC
Bach was really determined to get in some
listening.
LISTEN TO PERCUSSION-LESS MUSIC Whether playing in the worship band, jazz
Bask in the beauty of a slow movement from ensemble, or symphony orchestra, study
Listening to music is an essential part of a string quartet. Study how bluegrass grooves recordings
our musical development. Musicians invest without a drummer in the band. Listen to rehearsal. Pay attention to how the performer
countless hours in practicing, performing, and unaccompanied solo guitar. on the recording phrases the part that you will
of
the
repertoire
before
the
be playing. Take note of spots in the music that
songwriting, but active listening often takes a
backseat. There is a difference between the LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC can function as cues. Pre-rehearsal listening is
passive listening to music (while washing the We listen with our eyes as well as our ears. a confidence builder.
car or cleaning the house) and active listening, Experiencing music in a live setting is special. which requires more focus. Attend concerts and enjoy the beauty of the LISTEN TO YOURSELF
real-time moment. Hit the record button and lay down a track of
For most of the people reading yourself playing a musical passage
this article, listening to music is or
convenient. No need to take a improve,
400 kilometer hike to check out a critique, improve. Keep repeating
great musician. We’ve got Spotify, until happy or exhausted. Listening
iTunes, and motorized vehicles. Take to recordings of your playing is a
advantage of the easy access and healthy reality check.
exercise.
Listen,
record
critique,
again,
listen,
dive into active listening.
Active
listening
educates
and
LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC-- inspires. Bach was probably seeking
WITH A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE both when he made his epic journey.
While listening to your preferred type My eclectic listening suggestions
of music, search for details that have will provide you with over an hour
escaped your notice during casual of creativity-stimulating music. You
listening. Is that gated reverb on can find the entire playlist by going
the snare drum? Does the electric to Spotify and searching for Worship
guitar double the bass line on every Musician
chorus? All the recordings are available on
Percussion
Listening.
iTunes.
LISTEN TO UNFAMILIAR MUSIC
Venturing
outside
your
I made sure to toss in some Bach
musical
and Buxtehude.
comfort zone is a great way to pick
up new ideas for your sonic arsenal.
October 2017
WorshipMusician.com
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