Fear and clConfidence

On this "holy crap, another Friday the 13th" installment of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we discuss "fear and confidence". I'm not just talking stage fright here, although that can be a big issue. I'm talking more fundamental fear. Fear of trying something new, fear of going beyond ur comfort zone. Fear of failure. I see it all the time in lessons. Students will play something for me then all of a sudden, go from confident and powerful to quiet, meek and tentative. I can also tell when a student regularly avoids a certain topic I have assigned. It happens to all of us at some point. An area or skill that terrifies us. Luckily, the shed is the place to explore these areas of terror and make them areas of comfort and exploration. Remember, the shed is the place to keep u sharp on the things u already know and to introduce you to the unknown to help u progress. It also helps to address playing "tentatively ", a very common issue with players. By working on fundamentals as well as your "terror zones", you build CONFIDENCE. Probably the most important tool a player can have. Confidence based on the work you have done, ur experience and the knowledge and skills you have gathered. It is a continuous process that builds over time. It requires planning, work, rigor and patience. It allows for more creative and original play. It helps you to "go for it" artistically. It allows YOU to come through. U dig?  As usual, how? This one gets a little complex because confidence comes from within. Working on the fundamentals and challenges I have talked about is a start. Identifying ur "terror zones" and beginning to address them as well. Also, be mindful on HOW u play. Try ur best ro be "in the moment". Try to get to the point where u play something "because u meant to". Understand direction in your playing..over changes, through a song, etc. Build ur preparation with playing experience. Find friendly, comfortable situations to begin and then venture out to more challenging ones. Teachers/colleagues, etc. are always a resource.  U got this...As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons #www.charleysabatino.com