The Woodshed: Ear Training

On this installment of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, I will continue the series on "The Woodshed". A caveat here. What I will cover is based on my experience as a student, performer and educator. Everything is open to discussion. This week, "Ear Training". Yeah, I know u have a great ear and can follow anyone on stage...yes, that is an amazing skill and is important. But, I'm talking about going further. The goal here is to develop a dynamic pathway from your brain to ur hands and be able to translate what is in your mind and/or what u hear to the board. This is a VERY POWERFUL skill. It leads to lines/melodues that are creative, have breath, dynamics and are sensitive to the rest of the  players and the music. Ok, how? First, you can develop fundamental ear training with a plethora of ear training programs. Many are "game-like" and are (almost) fun. Second is to develop an "inner ear". Here, the secret is to SING. Now, this is not a vocal class. U want to match the tones, not necessarily sound amazing doing it (my sightsinging teacher is probably STILL in therapy after me). Sing single notes, arpeggios, pentatonics, etc...in all keys. Start by singing what ur playing, then start playing what ur singing. Play a bassline or solo by alternating playing a few bars, then singing a few bars. Try to make it one continuous idea, all coming from ur brain. As u improve with this skill, you start to "visualize" your ideas...either as notation or on the board. U can be in a public space and hear something...and SEE IT in ur head! This is very powerful IMO. The creation process comes from the brain to the hands...NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND! U dig? I still practice this approach to ear training every day, and still reap benefits from it even after decades of study as do all my students. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons #www.charleysabatino.com.