Panoramic Listening

for depth, dimension & flexibility

Often when we play we become hyper-focused on hearing our sound.  We listen for articulation, intonation, color, and how sounds related to each other.  The narrowing of our listening introduces tension into the body which inhibits flexibility and the ability to respond and adjust.

I invite you to turn on your panoramic listening, which is listening to how your sound interacts in your space and all of the other sounds in the environment.  There is virtually a symphony of sound at any moment if we expand our listening.  Birds, cars, chatter, TV, radio, heating systems (yes it is snowing here in Boston!) together form a symphony of sound.  In class, I refer to this as the “layers of sound.,” which we can add our sound to.

Today, as you prepare to play, listen to the sounds in your space.  Be aware of them as you deliver your instrument. Be aware of any that you can hear as you play, many will be drowned out by your sound, notice is something you can still hear.  Listen to how your own sound reflects off a wall or ceiling.

Another way to practice this panoramic listening is to turn on a podcast or recording and see what it is like to hear it as you play.  Maybe it will mess you up or maybe you will begin listening in a new way that brings dimension and depth into the way you hear your own sound which will influence the way you play with others.

Be curious…