Why study?

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 we talk "Why We Study ". This becomes quite a dilemma to some. I usually get.."I'm playing fine.."..."...what will this do for me in my band..."..."...I don't want someone yelling at me, telling me I'm doing everything wrong..."..."..study makes u a robot, I BREAK the rules..."..and on and on. Ok, let's address. Yes, ur playing fine...NOW. U have no idea what the future holds and...u don't know what u don't know! Second, if u go to a teacher like mentioned above, walk out immediately! I have written several talks on how to interview a teacher, if that is how u choose to study. Lastly, u have to look at areas of study not necessarily as rules, but as guidelines to help navigate ur creativity. They can start out feeling restrictive, but as u make them your own, they will allow u to grow. That's why the Italian chef goes to Singapore for two years and the Asian chef studies at Le Cordon Bleu, etc....to gain new insight and inspiration. Study is also a confidence builder. The more u learn, the more comfortable you become playing and more apt to "take chances" creatively. U dig? Study, both formal and informal changed my playing (for the better) many times in my career. I have also seen and heard it in my students. We, as artists, have one requirement IMO...to evolve..and the two best ways are study and performance. The goal is to be better and more creative every day. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons #www.charleysabatino.com.