Balanced Perception and Learning:
The Forest, the Trees, and the Leaves
You’re probably aware that when you listen to music, you’re drawn to certain elements more than others. You may have also noticed that not everyone responds to the same elements. For some people it’s the rhythm that moves them and for others it may be the melody or the lyrics. You may not even be drawn to any one particular element, but instead just respond to the general feel of the music. Alternately, you may focus on tiny details that escape those around you.
It’s helpful to consider what parts of music most often grab your attention, because those perceptions will influence and potentially limit the way you learn and perform a song or musical piece.
You’re Focused on the Trees (and maybe even the leaves!)
When you focus narrowly on a small detail in a song, you not only risk missing the feeling of the piece, you’re also less likely to complete it. If you recognize a tendency to obsess over details or small segments of a song, practice listening to the song as a coherent expression. When you zoom out, you may discover that the detail you were so drawn to isn’t integral to the song, however interesting it may be to you. Learn to play the correct chords, rhythms, and signature riffs and then decide which embellishments you want to add and where you want to place them.
You’re Missing the Leaves (not to mention the flowers!)
Maybe by avoiding spending a lot of time on details you’ve acquired a collection of songs that sound okay—but is there anything notable about them? If you’re satisfied with a broad rendering of a song, you may never explore the details that make it special.
If that’s a pattern that seems familiar, challenge yourself to find and learn the bass lines, refine or emphasize the dynamics, and add in techniques such as bends or slurs that enliven a performance.
Finding the Balance
Before you can play a song well, you need to understand it. Approaching your songs with a sense of the whole will help you do that—but don’t stop there. The details are not only fun, they provide interest for the listener and generally elevate your performance.
If you’re not sure how to get your songs to the level you desire, I can help, either in lessons or through Single Song Support. After we’ve worked on one or two of your songs together, you’ll get the hang of it and be able to find more balance and artistry with each new song!
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