Mix It Up!

Tennis ball heaven ~ Image by WickedVT via Flickr

I’ve been watching tennis again.  The Rogers Cup just finished in Canada, and the Western & Southern Open is in Cincinnati all this week.

It looks like the players who ”mix it up” the most come out winning more matches.

I’ve been thinking about the value of mixing it up in music, too.

We maintain life balance:

• We work and play.
• We vary our diet.
• We don’t wear the same clothing every day.
• We try new things.

We all know musicians who have done the same thing for their entire careers, whether that is playing the same instrument, the same type of music (i.e. classical), or the same kind of concert (solo or chamber music).  We aren’t required to mix it up.

Why bother?

• Because variety keeps life interesting.
• Because we are more interesting when we are always stretching ourselves.
• Because our playing lives can have many different things going on in the same day.
• Because it’s important to be flexible, especially in a weak economy.
• Because we might discover that we enjoy different styles, concert venues, etc.
• Because mixing it up keeps us on our toes.

Some options

Have you ever said to yourself, ”Oh, I wish I could play…” (that piece, that style)?  Take a chance!

• Play around with a jazz/gospel/soul/blues piece.  You may just decide to include it in a program.
• Listen to recordings from a different genre.  What do you hear?  Read reviews.  What did you find out?

Have you ever played for something you’re not used to?

• Play for a chorus rehearsal.  You could be a sub first.
• Play for a church service.  You could play one piece during a service first.
• Try opera!
• Play for kids in an elementary school.
• Play for the residents of an extended care facility.  You will meet some interesting people!

Have you ever sung in a chorus?  It’s fun!

• Google ”chorus” in your area.
• Talk to people to find a good fit.
• Go audition!

Have you ever performed with a type of ensemble you’re unaccustomed to?

• Play for an instrumentalist.
• Play for a singer.
• Play in a trio, quartet, quintet, or larger group.

My plan

Today (Monday) I am going to begin practicing ”for real.”  For me, that means commiting to daily work, in preparation for the Fall season.

My practice session will include the music for a voice recital, beginning to decide on a solo program (or more), and learning spots in G&S so I can nail them in Sept. and Oct. rehearsals.

I’m recovering from a bad cold, so I”ll probably be marking quite a bit.

That’s my plan.  What’s yours?  How do you mix it up?  Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!​​​​​

E-books

Learning a new piece? New program? Heading back to school? Looking for teaching ideas? Then this is the perfect time to read “Goal-oriented Practice: How to Avoid Traps and Become a Confident Performer!”

Goal-oriented Practice

Review by pianist and conductor Andrei Strizek

When You Buy a Piano

How to Maintain Your Piano

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