Week 48 Challenge:Try something new as a way to become a better musician:

I love getting comments from you about our Challenges! We can learn so much from each other, and I enjoy passing on hints to you that I have received through email responses.

Last week’s Challenge was about how to improve as a musician. One of my regular readers gave a simple tip: You don’t have time to practice? Then don’t!

Simply go to your instrument and play something. That’s pretty easy and could be no more than five minutes of your time. You could choose anything you like; make it something fun and not a piece that you struggle with. And you may find yourself playing for a longer session than you intended because of the enjoyment you get from the experience.

The above-mentioned reader suggested joining an accordion ensemble/club. Playing in an ensemble or even a duet (not just a jam session) does require practice, not only with the group rehearsals but also practicing your own part at home alone. While you are learning new music, you are also gaining experience in playing with precision as you rehearse with the group. In a good ensemble, there is no room for sloppiness!

I also received a response this past week from Dr. Mitchell White in Austin. Mitchell has retired from a long technical career in science, math, and engineering. He chose the field of music as a new venture (sure, why not music?). Actually, he is returning to the accordion after a long hiatus. (This is not at all unusual; we all know folks who are doing this.)

Mitchell says: “What am I doing these days to get better?
1. I practice between 90 min and 240 min each day. I break this up into focused pieces, of course.
2. I play with other musicians when I can. Usually 2-3x a week. Farmers markets, music clubs, etc.
3. I’m taking online group “discussion” classes with the Cory Pesaturo (CPez) Academy, 2x/mo.
4. I play along with YouTube videos and other recorded sources.
5. I spend some time each week analyzing sheet music and trying new bits.
6. I teach a couple of beginners. Yes, teaching sharpens the learning! Want to really learn? Teach!”  

Spend some time practicing your accordion and finding some new tidbits of information to share with others. Remember that one of the most popular activities each year is getting to play with others, for others, and picking up hints to become a better musician. See you in Richardson at the NAA Convention 2022, Wednesday, March 16th to Saturday, March 19, 2022.

NAA President Norman Seaton says, “The 2022 NAA convention registrations are rolling in! Have you registered yet?”