The Beauty of Seamless Transitions
Yes, Another Lesson from Parkour
What is it like moving from duple to triple to odd subdivisions as you play? What is it like to transition from technical playing to lyricism?
I have been thinking a lot about the way we transition as we play. I am completely inspired by great movers who appear to seamlessly move over, around, and between obstacles with beauty, flow, and ease.
This got me thinking about how we move through a variety of subdivisions and textures, and keep the music flowing. This process can feel jagged and downright awkward. As in Parkour, I believe flow comes when we seamlessly move from one thing to the next.
Here are some components of fluid transitions…
Whole-body - It is not just the body part or region doing the most work. When the whole body works together, effort is distributed globally instead of isolated.
Trust in One’s Skill - Practicing with curiosity from many different and unusual perspectives. Scaling challenges to build coordination, skill, and confidence.
Awareness - Experiencing the process as it unfolds. Feeling, seeing, hearing, as we play so we can shift as needed instead of getting stuck.
Embodiment - Mind & body organized together creating a visible (audible) form. Owning your playing by knowing yourself, your habits, and what you want.
As with everything I need for music-making, I am practicing away from my instrument, allowing life to inform my playing. Finding ways to learn about myself as I navigate obstacles, and have fun along the way.
Be curious…
BTW - Evan is one of my Parkour coaches. He amazes me with his skill along with his equally amazing ability to make learning dynamic movement accessible from the ground up.