Texas Bandmasters Association
Bandmasters Review • April 2016
25
L
he eight most important skills needed to be a great musician
are, in no particular order: Ear training, scale and chord knowledge,
composition, reading and writing chord charts and notation, repertoire,
technique, music theory and improvisation. Three were discussed in
the December 2015
Bandmasters Review
. Here are three more!
4) Reading and Writing notation and chord charts – this skill is
absolutely necessary for musicians to master. It’s how we communicate
with one another. Being able to walk into a room of musicians with
clear, well-written music and/or charts is essential for communicating
exactly how you want your music to be played. As a teacher, this
skill is as easy as breathing. To a student, it can be intimidating. Try
transcribing your original compositions or very familiar songs. Chart
out songs and try them out with your band mates. Syncopation is the
toughest skill to write, so get your reading sharp. Getting music you’re
familiar with is the easiest way of developing your writing ability.
5) Repertoire – To become competent in a particular style, one must
study the greats of the genre. If you want to sit in at the good sessions
in town, go check out what tunes are called. Every genre has its classics
and master musicians. Learn the best songs of the style.Another aspect
of repertoire is what you choose to play in performance. You should
strive to educate your audience as well as entertain them. Every genre
has its overplayed tunes. Watching what other successful musicians are
playing is a good way to learn what goes over. A well rounded musician
is proficient in a number of genres. Learning new material keeps you
and your audience sharp.
6) Technique – it’s pretty easy to reach a certain level of ability and
feel comfortable there. It’s also ultimately unsatisfying. Learning proper
hand position and posture can help alleviate a lot of playing related
issues. Right and left hand exercises are a part of a good practice regimen.
Find exercises you enjoy doing. Many exercises that require repetition to
develop dexterity I find more enjoyable while catching up on that latest
episode of a favorite show. Repetition is the mother of skill.
In the June issue, we’ll conclude our series on practicing with music
theory and improvisation. All
Bandmasters Review
articles are archived
on the website
Matt Smith is a New York-raised, Austin-based musician who has over 30 years of
experience performing, producing, instructing, writing, and leading clinics. Matt is
a lifelong musical performer. He’s performed with, opened for, or recorded with B.B.
King, Sheryl Crow, Trey Anastasio, Al DiMeola, Greg Allman, Los Lobos, Johnny
Winter, Buddy Guy, Adrian Legg, Ed Gerhard, Portishead and many others. A born
troubadour, Matt has performed at numerous international guitar festivals including
the Bath International Guitar Festival and the Montreal Guitar Festival. His family
history of bands includes The Matt Smith Band, The Monstas, Matt Smith’s World,
Chop Shop, and The Hot Nut Riveters. Matt is excited to be working on a new album
of his own.
F R E T T E D – M a t t S m i t h
The What and How of
Effective Practice for Guitar - Part Two
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