Transcribing yourself

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Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

Transcribing yourself

Recently the G (grisha), gave the advice to practice as if you were transcribing yourself. I thought it was profound and quickly switched over to playing like that. I wanted to report a little of my impressions.

It's a mentally challenging exercise for sure. Actually it may not be an exercise, but maybe a way of life. Certainly it's a way to make yourself mindful, to make sure you are not lazy and are playing exactly (or as near as physically possible) to what you want. But recursively, it makes you realize that you didn't know what you want, or makes you know what you want. This probably sounds nonsensical, so let's backtrack.

I think it works this way: If you play with only part of your attention and focus, what will come out will most likely be somewhat vague and incomplete. You are not listening intently to the music in your head, so what comes out is approximate.

If you listen very carefully, that will force you to create a more accurate musical line in your head, and thus you will have the opportunity for more precision.

It's a strange thought and by no means do I have it all figured out. As an example, I noticed (by paying attention) that I tend to "cheat" on position changes. At the end of a phrase, I would cut it a little short in order to make sure I got to the next one on time. Casually, this isn't too bad, but if you are really listening you hear that cut and it annoys you. You realize that's not really how it's supposed to go, that it sounds sloppy and breaks up the music. So just by listening intently, you stop doing that. It forces a quicker and more precise movement, and the end effect is more musical.

Another thing is that I noticed on picado runs, I would slop the _first_ note. The reason was that I didn't really trust the RH to play accurately, I wanted to get "in the flow" too quickly. Again, in a picado run the 1st note isn't the most important, if there is a pickup, but it's a bad habit. When you realize that 1st note must be dealt with, it forces you to realize that the RH has to play very quickly and precisely to get the right sound.

I didn't need a teacher to tell me this, it just came from listening very carefully to my playing. I think it is simply the difference between underachieving and playing to your current potential. Again, it is a foundational concept that, once firmly a part of your attitude and mental state, can lead the way to higher and higher levels.

Is it a lot of work....? Yes, I think it is. I think one would get used to it after awhile, but it is more work and more effort. But no one ever said it was going to be easy, did they?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 10 2006 16:08:00

Escribano

Posts: 6418
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Transcribing yourself (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

Got me thinking. It makes sense, otherwise bad habits and familiarity beckon.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 10 2006 16:50:42

rickm

Posts: 446
Joined: Jan. 23 2004

RE: Transcribing yourself (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

does the idea of stepping outside yourself to see yourself seem appropriate here? I have been reminded of that inmy posts by someone. (remember the recuerdoes posts) but it is something that is vastly important. I can relate it better to the gym where you never see your mistakes but others do. thats why there are mirrors in the gym actually. we do get wrapped up in our own little idiocyrcacies cant spell it and someone or some cold self analysis needs to be present to wake us up. Nothing beats playing for people who know already to really heat up the ball game. Years ago when I played for rock bands, a friends band was opening up for van halen at rosemeont horizon, I went along as a backstage hand. When you peek around the curtain at 60,000 people that is fear. Better not hit a bad note!. I asked them how they do it- it just smiled and did another line. Seriously, the self analysis thing is critical to all learning, warrriors and social discourse. No, Im not preaching, but it is the hardest thing for us to master.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2006 14:31:20

Thomas Whiteley

Posts: 786
Joined: Jul. 8 2003
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Transcribing yourself (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

Mike;

I have been playing musical instruments for 57 years. When I play, how I feel, and how much time I have dictate my approach to my music. Sometimes I just play for the joy of it and at other times I practice a new piece.

Whenever I have a problem in life, including music, I tell myself (and everyone around me) to become a “third person”. You are then personally detached from the problem and are able to analyze it and find a solution. When you are the first person emotions get in the way. This is not the same as being a critic, for a critic can only state an opinion that boils down to “I like it or I hate it”.

Now there are many types of music problems. Your job is to determine what the problem seems to be. It could be the fingering you are using, or a transition point in any piece of music.

There was a falseta I learned many years ago that I decided to play one day. I used the original fingering and it sounded ok. Then I wrote out the music in TablEdit and defined the original fingering. Next I tried a different fingering that came to mind by analyzing the notation. Guess what? It was easier to play and sound good!

Following what your teacher demands is important while you are with that teacher. When you are on your own you will truly learn. We are all different in so many ways so you really have to keep an open mind and not close it.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2006 16:48:18

Rain

Posts: 475
Joined: Jul. 7 2005

RE: Transcribing yourself (in reply to Thomas Whiteley)

Great post Mr.Whitely.
Thank you.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2006 17:40:18

Gummy

Posts: 495
Joined: Nov. 27 2005
From: North Carolina, USA

RE: Transcribing yourself (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

I wonder about this. On one hand it will keep one from being lazy but on the other, it may force one to be too analytical while playing. It will force you to be "left brain" in what should probably be a "right brain" activity. I have heard guitar players state that when they are at their best, they are sort of zoned out as if they are watching themselves play, sort of letting something take over. Many artists describe a mental state like this when painting, sculpting etc. They are sort of zoning out, not concentrating and letting things flow. I have never been good enough with the guitar to get into this state many times. I have sort of experienced it while drawing. Maybe while practising it would help to concentrate on every detail but while performing let it flow?
Rod

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2006 20:12:09

Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: Transcribing yourself (in reply to Miguel de Maria)

Rod,
there is probably a lot of truth to this. In fact, Grisha, who triggered the whole thing, cautioned that this is an essential element to obtaining technical mastery, but that being a musician and art is a whole different thing. So I would say one should definitely practice this way, but while playing you might have to let go.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2006 20:50:11

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