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.