Dig Into the 'How?'

Clarity Leads to Change

Yesterday I described the process of making my first sounds of the day.  This process-oriented approach yields the foundation for my playing, resonant sound.

I realize that this process requires that I clarify the ‘how?’ behind each step. Knowing how to manipulate breathing, or how to release tension in my arms so that my fingers can move and coordinate more fluidly, or simply how to optimize the way I relate to chair or floor.

Today, if you are looking to change the way you are doing something, ask yourself ‘how do I do this?’  Is your answer clear and concrete or is it metaphorical? Metaphors are open to interpretation.  Go for clarity.

For example, if I want to change the way I blow air, how do I do it?  When I ask this question to students and clients, they may point to their lips or their abdomen and say, “tighten or push from here.” This tells me we need to clarify the movements for changing air speed.  Being accurate guides them to better movement and a solution to the change they seek.  Without clarity, finding a solution is like searching a dark unfamiliar room for a penny.

Be curious… if you come up with questions, shoot me a comment!