JTB Concert Weekend #99

March 7th & 8th 2015

Our 99th concert weekend at The Mint was a blast. The Mint really came through by hosting our event on such short notice.  We did receive some feedback regarding how understaffed The Mint was on Saturday. Unfortunately, the server scheduled for the day had an emergency, and they could not get anyone to come in and cover the shift. We apologize for any inconvenience.

CONCERT

Overall, everyone had a good show. We had quite a few new band members this session and they all did very well. Getting over the hump of your first performance is a big step.  Most people never even attempt to set a goal of performing on stage. However, you took this huge step and you did perform on stage. You should feel good about your accomplishment.

Many of our veteran JTB band members exhibited noticeable improvements.   Each “live” performance will only make you a better musician and help you gain more confidence in performing on stage.  It is the both the preparatory effort and the actual “doing” which make a difference.

Occasionally, we do see/hear band members changing the way they played a part(s) during their rehearsals. This is not a good idea. The rehearsal is where you work on what you are specifically going to perform live at the concert.  Your band members are relying on you for consistency. This is not to say that you always have to play music the same way every time. As you grow as a musician, spontaneity makes music very exciting to play. But before you can explore your spontaneous side, you need to first develop a strong base.

I will also add this… Just standing on a stage in front of a live audience can make your brain stop working.   This can make you play things differently than you did at rehearsal. I have been there many times. You get caught up in the whole environment…lights, cameras, roomful of eyes watching you, the way the room sounds etc.   Eventually though, with each passing show, you will relax more and just let the music happen. Remember….the music wants to come out of you. Try not to get in the way. Allow it to flow. At this past show, I saw a few of our band members “channeling the music.”  You can usually spot this by seeing someone playing with their eyes closed, their head tilted back to the side and a serene smile on their face. Either that or they are sleeping. :)

PREPARING AND EFFORT

The effort everyone puts in preparing for a live show should never be taken for granted. The amount of practice time you put in may vary from session to session. However, the effort is what matters.  Sometimes you may feel as if you put in a lot of preparation and yet feel no improvement in your playing/singing. However, the baby steps invested are compounded over time and eventually will pay out.  Plateaus are inevitable. You must learn to work through them. Younger players tend to improve quicker and have shorter plateaus. More experienced musicians tend to have longer plateaus . However, like anything else worth working towards, you need to put in the effort, ride out the plateaus and stay focused on your goal.   You will progress over time. Be patient. Progress will happen.

No matter what your level, this consistency of effort will prevail.   Time is the key. Do not compare yourself to others. Hold only yourself accountable to just “doing the work” and seeking the advice of your teachers and mentors. Only you can do this. Nobody can do it for you.   There is no “magic wand” approach.

We have students of all levels of ability at the studio. Some put in more time than others. What makes the difference in progress is the amount of effort and consistency, and the willingness of the student to listen to, and learn from – teachers and mentors. You definitely reap what you sow

Dedicated to your musical success,

John Mizenko

Program Director

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GUITAR STUFF

Think about what you really need. Avoid trying new sounds on stage for the first time. Minimize your choices. Most pro players minimize their set up. You do not need that much “stuff” to sound good. Most of your “sound” is in your hands anyway. A new guitar and/or effects pedal will not change the “feel” of how you play.