Pushing the Envelope!

On this installment of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we discuss the concept of "pushing the envelope". Understand, as artists, our only requirement is to EVOLVE. This means, we have to venture outside our comfort zone. In the shed and eventually and on stage. It is the only way, IMO, to progress and be truly creative. I tell students all the time, sometimes you have to jump. If there's no net....oh well.  Constantly striving "for the edge" is where the magic happens. This can be seen in many areas of life...science, athletics, culinary arts,  etc. Why not us? U dig? Ok...as always...how?  This starts in the shed and eventually moves to live playing. As I have covered many times, the shed should consist of fundamentals and challenges. I have spoken about fundamentals many times. Now challenges. Determining these can be difficult. Sometimes it can be more difficult fundamentals or skills. Sometimes it can be taking chances on a tune or bass break or solo that u may be afraid to do (right now) live. Whatever it is, it should be something that you would like to do, but are either afraid or don't have the proficiency to pull off at the moment. This process not only improves your ability to perform a given skill, it also improves your ability to consciously and purposefully push yourself in a playing situation. Be patient, this activity can be frustrating. IMO, the shed could sound like ur slaughtering livestock (I know mine usually does..). Find ways to expand your playing horizon. Get a teacher, start an online course,  ask a friend or colleague. This may take some research. It may be something as simple as playing something faster than ur used to. Playing it  on a different part of the board. Playing the bassline and sing the melody (or visa versa). SOMETHING that makes u think and be a little (or a lot) afraid. It will go a LONG way toward finding areas that need improvement and buildingur confidence. I do it all the time. It is humbling, frustrating,  infuriating and enlightening all at the same time. You will be amazed how it will improve your playing and mindset.  As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons