Monthly Archives: March 2021

Metronome – Friend or Foe?

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While we’re used to thinking about our tools as our harp and the tuning wrench, we have other tools too.  Some we use more than others – electronic tuner, nail clippers, splines, music stand (and music) and more.  And then there are the tools we have but we resist using – like a recorder…or a metronome! 

Why do we resist using these tools?  Usually because we think (or we’re fairly sure) we’re not going to like what we learn when we use them.  It always feels like they are scolding us!

The metronome seems to hold pride of place as the most hated tool we have.  And I get that.  My parents gave me my metronome when I was a tween a million years ago when studying piano. It is a glorious wooden-cased Seth-Thomas.  But as much as I love that thing, I have hated it for years.   I was always late.  Or early.  Or just couldn’t get the subdivision right.   Or I was so busy  just trying to “hit the tick” that I’d forget to play.  And snaps?  Just wasn’t happening.*

Metronome Friend or FoeSo many mistakes – so very frustrating!

And I know I wasn’t the only one.  In fact, I’m writing this because one of you asked!  It is easy to feel like the metronome is not just a foe, but a diabolical one!

As “basic” as a metronome is, a lot of people don’t know how to use one.  And that’s exactly part of the problem.  After all it’s easy, right?  All of this will apply regardless of your choice of metronome.  Electronic or mechanical, they all do the same thing.

  • What is a metronome? A metronome is…(drumroll)… a glorified clock.  No, really.  Ok, actually it’s a simplified clock.  It measures time (that’s what “metronome” means).  Just like a clock – but in the increments you might need.
  • Why would you use one? A metronome is both regular and variable.  Regular in that it will beat out the tempo you set.  Variable in that you can change that tempo.  Typically, the tick represents a quarter note.  You can go slowly for laments (at about 40 beats per minute (bpm)) to reels (at about 125 bpm) to drum and bass (at about 180 bpm).  But more importantly, it helps you to be less variable.
  • How do you use it? The basics are, again, easy.  You select a tempo and play along.  Easy-peasy.  But it’s not.  My breakthrough came when I determined that I needed a tick for each subdivision rather than for each beat.  Setting the tick as a quarter note was confusing to me – if I was subdividing (counting in “ands”) then I needed two ticks per beat (a tick for the “1” and another tick for the “and”, a tick for the “2” and another tick for the and, etc.).  By adding these additional ticks, the metronome was ticking and tocking to match the way I was counting.  It also acts as a regulator so all of the tune is even.
  • When to use it? The best answer to when to use a metronome is – anytime!  But how you use it may vary depending on when you are in the music.  When you are just beginning and learning a piece, I’d suggest you don’t use it.  At all.  It’s too early, you’re probably barely hanging on to each note, the order they come, etc.  You probably don’t have the brain space to add that level of precision counting!  You can add the metronome in after you’ve gotten more comfortable with the music.  Initially you might use a slow tempo to assure you’re getting the rhythms right.  Once you’ve got that squared away, then you can gently increase the tempo to bring the tune up to speed.  In this phase, at the tender tempo, you can assure that the tune is even throughout, that the trickier parts aren’t slowing you down, and that the end and the middle are as strong as the beginning.  Then you can begin to approach the tempo noted.  Go up in small steps (one notch at a time on a mechanical or 2 – 4 beats at a time on an electronic) and as soon as anything is out of whack, slow down a little and approach the speed again (I go back 3 increments when I make an error).  This little bit of speed at a time ensures that you learn the tune rather than relying on momentum to get through it**.  Once you have the tune at speed, you can spot check your tempo on occasion to assure you have kept the tune the way you want it.

So, hopefully you can see that the metronome is your friend.  Even when it feels like it’s winning.  With the metronome (and any other tools you know you should use but keep avoiding) the more you avoid it the more you probably need it.  But anything that helps you gain clarity can not only help you grow but will do it as a friend (an honest friend!). 

What about you?  Is your metronome your friend or your foe?  How do you use yours?  Let me know in the comments!

* And in case you’re wondering, yes, I still have my beautiful wooden cased Seth-Thomas.  And yes, I still use it.  And yes do I love it – it always reminds me that my original fan club – my parents – knew what i was capable of, even when I didn’t.

** I tell my students to go back 3 increments when a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g is not right.  That includes a wrong note, a messed up fingering, a wobbly rhythm, a wonky phrasing, or anything that’s just not right.  The first reason is that you are doing this for you so don’t cheat yourself – expect your best.  The second is that you don’t want to keep practicing an error, so eradicate errors as soon as you identify them.  I guarantee you will not be able to perform the tune sooner by cutting corners!

Quantity or Quality?

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Which is better – Quantity or Quality?

Sometimes Quantity is all it takes.  Cash is a good example – most of us would rather have a high Quantity of it than a few pristine pieces (unless you are a numismatist!).

And sometimes Quality is really what’s needed.  A cashmere sweater is a good example – the Quality is important and will make a difference.

But what about when it comes to your practice time?  Then, which is more important? 

Quantity or QualityI frequently implore you to have a practice journal and to use it to make better use of your practice time.  I suggest to you that you learn by ear, that you learn by reading, that you do whatever you need to do to learn the music and to help yourself become a better musician.

And if you focus on that you’d think that I think that Quality practice time is essential.

But think more on it.  Think of all the times I have also implored you simply to sit at your harp and touch it.  To noodle, even if you didn’t feel like playing.  To stay in touch with your instrument, even if for a very brief time.

And if you focus on that you’d think that I think that Quantity practice time is essential.

And you’d be right!

WHAAAAAAT?

Yup.  You’re Quality and Quantity of practice time are both important.  Because each results in different gains – and all the gains are helpful.

First, we can start with the much-maligned Quantity of practice.  Don’t “people who know” always tell us not to waste time on garbage practice? Typically, yes, they do.

But let’s take a page from successful writers (did you see what a phenomenally bad pun I laid in there? Yes, I did!).  Successful writers often differ from less successful writers in that they write more.  And they have “tricks” to do that.  They set aside time to write, they guard that time jealously, they use the time to write (not to sharpen pencils or check internet sources, or daydream, or to surf Facedegram for “inspiration”).  And when they have no idea what to write, they just write.  And they just write junk until something better comes to them. Because sometimes Quantity is helpful.

When you’re practicing, this is time that you might not be “productive”, you’re not focusing on the intervals, or pursing musicality.  You might not even be trying to learn the tune – you are just playing.  But you have showed up.  You are at your harp.  You might be playing just junk – and that’s ok because it’s you, playing and spending time on the bench.  And if you keep sitting there playing, maybe the junk will transform into something else.  Or maybe not.  What you don’t know is when the “something else” will show up as “something better”.  Just because it doesn’t appear right at that moment when you’re at the harp doesn’t mean that it won’t appear later, or in another tune, or just by preparing your mind for something yet to come.  You’re going for Quantity.

So, yes, Quantity practice days are good.  Some of the time.

But what about Quality?  This is so talked about I feel like I almost don’t have to mention it.  But I do. Because you need to have defined what a Quality practice session consists of.  And this is trickier than it sounds – because Qality today may be Quantity tomorrow (and vice versa, see “something better” above).  Quality is not a monolith.  There are some general parts of practice that will help define a Quality practice session, but they are just big categories (warm up, technique, learn new stuff, solidify somewhat learned stuff, polish solidified stuff, performance practice, etc.) and within in each of these you will need to define what is Quality for that particular practice session.  For instance, this is where you define what “settling” is – you don’t want to settle for good enough when you’re seeking Quality (but you would if you’re in a Quantity practice session).  In a Quality practice session, you will not accept settling, you will expect yourself to accomplish something (have the phrase learned, smooth out the fingering in the tricky spot, have figured out how to get the left hand moving in rhythm, etc.) and you will work until you get it. You’re going for Quality.

The most important thing about Quality and Quantity is that they are both needed – at different points for different reasons.  You can’t skip one and rely solely on the other.  And no, one is not better than the other – they are two faces of the same coin.  They both have value.  And there is room for both in your practice sessions. 

I’ve heard from some of you (not in so many words) that in the last year you have been stuck in Quantity practice rather than Quality practice.  And some of you are pillorying yourselves over it.  If this is you, stop.  Instead, think about all the time you have spent on your bench – not losing ground, not giving up, not letting your playing slip away.  That is Quantity practicing serving its very useful function.  You will resume Quality practicing when your time is right.  And not a moment sooner.  And that’s ok.

So, if you find yourself “stuck” and not moving forward but you’re still playing, rejoice in your Quantity practice.  When you’re ready you’ll resume Quality practice.  And if you’re preening over your all Quality all the time approach, you might want to think about the occasional Quantity session, if only to enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Are you stuck in Quantity time or Quality time?  Or do you have a mix in your practice sessions?  What do you use Quality time for?  How about your Quantity time?  Let me know in the comments – I’m looking forward to learning from you!

Spring Sharing

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This week, Spring is trying to hard to break forth!  The time has changed (and so we’re probably logy as we have discussed here and here.   It’s never a great time – we have to adjust to the change in the daylight and the clocks, and our schedules and our rhythms and the apparently never ending discussion of disposing of time changes all together.

But this year also continues the ongoing pandemic with the promises of vaccines and longer days and potential end to the ridiculousness all around us.  But the reality is that it isn’t over yet.  This gives us the opportunity to ask ourselves how we can contribute – to make this Spring a little easier for those around us. 

Now, I know that Spring isn’t ready to burst out everywhere, but in my little corner of the world, the days are growing more glorious, sunny and warmer.  And I’m excited about inviting my neighbors to join me for regular weekly concerts #LiveintheDrive. My neighbors are stalwart, coming out each week to share time together while I played – just short, informal, but fairly regular, concerts – just me and my harp – for friends. 

So, I’d like to encourage you to do the same thing where you live (when the weather is cooperative – it is Spring after all – possibly the most contentious season!). 

There’s something in you that the world needs.

Before you begin the litany of NO, I made you a little plate of courage (below) to which you should feel free to refer if your resolve wobbles. It’s really just meant to remind you that you have a gift and the sharing of that gift just might improve someone else’s day.  It is your opportunity to do something to care for others.  Don’t just spend time – invest it.

If you’re really enamored with this graphic, leave me a message and I’ll send you a full page printable of it*.  Or you can leave it here and visit the site when you need a reminder to overcome your practicing hiccups, your performing woes, your fears, your insecurities…and just share your music with those near you!  I hope you’ll put yourself out there to care for others.  And if you’re willing, send me a photo of you sharing, or just tell me here what you decided to do!

 

*I’m sure there’s some law somewhere that will require me to tell you that if you are not currently subscribed and would like the printable version that I will add you to the subscription list. But hey, you’re already here and that will just save you a step. 

Apples or Oranges

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Do you want to be a better musician?  It’s a not unreasonable question.  But if I answer honestly, I would say, “Better than what?”

I DO want to be better. Better than I am today.  And even better than that on the day after.  At this point, I’d like to call your attention to two things about what I have said –

  • The inward focus – I’d like to be better I am
  • The forward look – Tomorrow, I’d like to be better I am today

Let’s start with the inward focus.  The question, “Better than what?” is really important.  I hope that you’re in a place in your harp life that your better-than-what is you.  Better than you yourself are right now, not focused on anyone else. 

This can be a hard thing to learn.  Especially if you spend any time on any kind of media – the information (and the temptation) is ever present.  Whether it’s your harp hero or someone you don’t even know on Facedegram who’s been playing for 15 minutes and has already uploaded 50 videos of their triumphant harpysteria*, it can be easy to develop an envy of someone else’s progress (and their unmitigated willingness to share it). 

But none of that matters.  What matters is you.  How YOU are coming along.  How YOU are developing.  How YOU are progressing to where it is YOU want to go.  How YOU have improved today.

This can be particularly vexing if you’re not at the beginning of your harp life.  When you’re harp-young, every day you can find something to notice that is a little better than it was.  Your tuning isn’t from some alien planet anymore.  You actually landed on the string you meant to on the first try.  You no longer confuse the sound box and the pillar.  You closed on the string rather than snapping back from it like it bit you.  Heck, you used more than one finger!  Every day has success potential.  When you’re harp-young there are so many things to improve and they’re so obvious, even to you – a newb.  Every day when you practice you can see some improvement. 

But after a while, as you progress, you begin to realize that while it was easy to not sound like an injured animal right off the line, the internet didn’t lie.  The harp is one of the most difficult instruments to learn to play well.  Your obvious improvements (the kind you can’t miss) seem to be farther and farther apart.  And it’s easy to forget the small advances after they happen**. 

This is also a time when many people begin to go out and meet other harpers (or in the time of plague, seek them out online).  You have an opportunity to see others play and you might begin to compare yourself to them.  I have a story to share on why this comparison is such a very bad idea.

In my harp youth, I was on the verge of quitting (again).  My incredibly wise teacher strongly suggested that I attend an adult beginners event and specifically suggested a workshop with the fabulous Sue Richards.  I was extremely nervous, and struck up a conversation with the person sitting next to me.  I shared that I had only been playing a few months and I thought she said she had too.  I held my own for the first tune and was extremely pleased with myself.  But when we got to the second tune, I was lost.  My brain was full.  My new friend, with whom I had kept pace in the first tune, sailed through the second, even playing the left hand harmony!  I was devastated, clearly in way over my head, never going to learn the play, I should just go home.

I learned later that I had misheard her – she wasn’t a beginner.  She was a professional.  And already knew that tune.  She was so encouraging to me throughout the workshop – but my confidence had gone.  I was comparing myself to her – and falling miserably short.  I thought I was never going to learn to play the harp.

I spent a while nursing that hurt and comparing myself to everyone else I met.  Except there was one thing even I couldn’t overlook.  When you meet other people – it becomes clear that you have NO IDEA what they are on the inside.  Playing a week?  Or 20 years?  Or 20 years, but really only 5, due to interruptions?  Practice 15 minutes every other day or 4 hours every day?  Health issues?  Complicated existence?  Love the harp?  Like it? Endure it?  YOU DO NOT KNOW.

And if you don’t know – you can never compare apples to apples.

If you can never compare apples to apples –

why bother to even look at your orange?

The only thing to do is look forward – where are you going?  Everyone else’s progress has no bearing on yours.  Nothing is as it seems (especially on facedegram) (and quit scrollcrastinating – go practice!).  You can only work on your goals, your dreams, your growth.  Your harp playing. 

When I finally got it, I practiced in my time. I learned at my pace.  I got bold in my tempo.  I kept meeting people – some more developed than me, some not yet as far along. 

Sometimes I see someone play and feel a twang of impatience at my own growth.  But then I remember that what they are doing is not what I was hoping to do.  It’s just cool…and I’m happy for them!  Sometimes I become aware of someone comparing themself to me…and try to encourage them focus on their goals rather than mine. 

This is the real reason I’m always suggesting you focus on your goals, your progress, and tracking that – so you’ll know you are making that progress and don’t fall victim to the comparison trap.  How about you?  How are your apples? Let me know!

* Why, yes, I did notice that I’ve already made up two words in one sentence.  Go with me, it’s one of my superpowers.  Facedegram is any social media cesspool brain drain and harpysteria is not a person who makes harps in a coffee shop, but rather is a portmanteau of harp and hysteria.    

** Those tools I’m always suggesting?  All ways to help keep focused on what you want rather than on what someone else might. 

Five Things I Can’t Live Without

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Harp players cannot live on practice alone.  There is, after all, more to life.   Like performing.  Or maintenance.  Or just plain enjoyment.  We all have those things we need to have – things that are essential to us.  Stuff that makes the difference between a good day and a less than stellar outcome.  Have you ever thought about what you just can’t live without at when it comes to playing your harp?

Well, I have.  We all have those things that we really rely on.  And since you asked (after all, where do you think I come up with these ideas for blog posts?) – here’s my things I can’t live without, my essentials* –

  1. Tuner – there are loads of tuners out there. They range from fairly simple to awfully complicated.  I have four – a Snark ST-2 (the red one), a Korg CA-1 with a pickup, a free app download (G-Strings), and a tuning fork.  Clearly each one has a different application.  I like the Snark because it’s small.  The Korg is great in a group.  I love that the app is almost overly precise.  The tuning fork is just for fun – and when I feel like I need a challenge I use it to tune by ear and then double check my accuracy of the tuning with one of the other tuners. 
  2. Spare strings – ok, this is a “duh”, but I am always surprised when someone tells me they don’t have a spare string. My strong recommendation is that you get a spare set of strings – an entire set.  And, if you have already broken a string, don’t forget to order an extra with the set (one to go on the harp and one to complete the set).  That can be kinda pricey, but it’s the only way to have a string on hand when one breaks.  
  3. Recorder – I am always suggesting that you record yourself – so you can hear what you haven’t heard, so you can see what you can’t see, and so you can know what you would otherwise know if you weren’t too busy playing when you needed to know it. I use a(nother) free app).  It doesn’t have a lot of features, but it does have my favorite – the big red DELETE button.  We’re not recording for posterity – just to learn…and then we ditch it!
  4. Notebook/journal – You didn’t think I’d leave this off the list, did you? We’re all busy and it can feel like we don’t have time to journal our playing, but that’s a missed opportunity.  Be reflective, think about your playing, practice, and performance.  Be active, not passive, and write it down.
  5. Great tunes – All that stuff is really in service of great tunes. After all, it’s more fun to play really great tunes you love than to just bang through stuff you don’t like. An incredibly wise teacher once told me to play music I like and leave the rest.  Someone else will like the tunes that don’t beg you to play them – focus on the ones you love. 

There are, of course, load of other things that could be on this list – like a harp, the tuning key, the perfect bench, that light that makes everything easier, and more.  What do you find essential?  What can you not live without?  Let me know in the comments. 

 

*I’m not smart enough to be paid to endorse stuff, so these are my opinions – do with them what you will.  I really am interested to know what your favorites are – I’ll learn something and possibly shift my list!