How Do You Listen?

Critical or From 30k Feet

What do you hear when you play? Intonation? Color? Rhythm?  Do you scrutinize what you hear looking for places that could be better or convey your musical ideas more?

The type of listening I described is how I thought you are supposed to listen when practicing/performing.  This error detecting listening was downright frustrating. Would I ever be able to play the phrase the way I wanted it? Or the piece?

I was stuck in the weeds of my playing with no way out except for more of the same. 

I had an epiphany last week when working with a student on how they listen as they play.  Training listening is magical because it affects virtually every facet of music-making.  I have seen a performer transform their playing (and connecting to the audience in a powerful way) by opening up their listening.  

The style of listening I refer to involves hearing your sound in the context of the space you are in and as it relates to the sounds of other voices an ensemble. Think of it like listening as an audience member rather than critically as the musician. Or you can think of this as going out to 30k feet in your experience, instead of being at ground level.  Over the next few posts, I am going to guide you to develop your listening in this way.

The first step in the process is to take it out of practice by noticing the soundscape around you.  Hear the many layers of sound around you.  Some are intermittent others more constant.  Some are loud while others are soft.  This is nature’s (or should we say urban living’s) symphony.  It is happening all of the time whether you are aware of it or not. The practice is making it a part of your day.

As you experience your soundscape, notice that you can focus on a particular sound, maybe the bird singing in your yard, and still hear cars zooming by or noises in your house.  And you can shift your focus between the different layers of sound.

See if you can notice this as you work at your computer, brush your teeth, watch your favorite show, in meditation or while teaching.  What is it like to have your hearing fully open?  How do you feel?  How do you work?  Any changes in energy level?

Be curious…

Drop-In Body Mapping Classes for April & May Are Up. Join me and other curious musicians to dive deeper, Tuesdays 3-3:50pm

Not a musician? Join me for Body Mapping for EveryBODY on Fridays 11-11:50am. Build an accurate user’s guide for your body and move better!