Talking Points

On this installment of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we will talk about some points I discussed with students this week. Points that are, IMO, important to all levels of play and/or involvement. First, we all come to music from different places...and THAT'S A GOOD THING.  We all had some song, artist, band or person created that first spark and the continuation of that spark is very personal. Formal music education aside, there are no requirements in the developmental path of a musician. You don't have to like any specific genre, or any "celebrity", landmark or celebrated player to be part of the community. The ultimate goal, IMO, is to be YOU. Not a clone of someone else. Second, your choice of gear, provided it is reliable, is totally personal (unless a gig requires something specific, then it is your choice whether or not to meet that requirement and do the gig). U need not follow every trend or fad...unless u want to. Try everything/anything you want, find what works, and go with it. I had a player ask me what preamp pedal I used. I told him I didn't use one...he was shocked! How do u get a "good sound?!?!?", he exclaimed. I use what I feel I need to do the job and get the sound that works for me (no one has ever complained, lol). Ur choices are yours and valid. Third, you don't have to buy into every technique. Techniques (not talking here about posture or the study of playing comfortably or economically) are methods of expression. You choose the ones you want to study. Obviously, the more you know, the more "marketable" you will be, if that is part of your goals. Please understand, THERE IS NO VALUE JUDGEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY TECHNIQUE! U do u! That is what art means. Fourth, you can take your art to whatever level you choose. Full time, part time. Playing in a band, playing solo, playing for personal enjoyment or anything in between. No one can make that decision BUT YOU. Decide what you like and dislike, what ur goals are and use those decisions to carve your OWN path in art. Of course, IMO, it is a good idea to explore as much as possible so as to make personal, purposeful and educated decisions. In conclusion, the eventual choices you make are yours and NEVER wrong...and many of them are reversible if things change. I regularly tell students the ONLY requirement of an artist is to EVOLVE....to become more YOU!!! That is how art continues to grow through the generations....and stays  fresh! NOW GO PRACTICE, lol. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons #www.charleysabatino.com.