My Music Journey

  For those of you who have been following my thread, it will come as no surprise that I struggle endlessly with rhythmic timing.   The previous few weeks I have been using a setting called 'Voice Counting' on my metronome. The metronome is called Pro Metronome (free download on iPad) and voice counting is an option to replace the traditional clicks.  Its been a game changer for me. The other change I have made is, when learning a new piece of music, or returning to an old piece, I place Rhythm first. Before touching the piano, I clap out the rhythm  whilst at the same time count out loud every syllable of 1&2&3&4&.  If you are like me and struggle with rhythm, give it a try. .. its working for me.   Going to celebrate with a weekend of sailing.

Major focus this month: Rhythm and Timing.  Bossa Nova Comping: --> before playing this, in fact every piece, develop the habit of counting in . This will set the tempo and set me up for a strong groove. - record myself doing this to see if i can hear the tempo stay steady or if i tend to speed up/slow down! It Could Happen To You Chet Solo:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSkHz5trdhc -> using this piece to develop a focus timing and fingering and an intro to scat singing. -    play along with the recording when timing and fingering is down. --> Settings - Play Back Speed - 0.75 -    sing along with Chet too without playing! This is a great solo to get in my head and this will ultimately help my rhythm. Blue Bossa: Focussing on the beat 1 of the melody - RH only --> play along with Ireal! --> turn drums up in preference to the click. This helps lock in the groove. Next time:  - Try thinking or singing the melody while doing the bossa comping through Blue Bossa. - try t

Bossa Nova Comping: --> Set your own tempo and count yourself in before you start playing  - record yourself doing this to see if you can hear the tempo stay steady or if you tend to speed up/slow down! Counting in might set you up for a strong groove! It Could Happen To You Chet Solo:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSkHz5trdhc -> up to bar 8 - no need to go further for now! Just focussing on timing and fingering - play along with the recording if you can! --> Settings - Play Back Speed - 0.75 - sing along with Chet too without playing! This is a great solo to get in your head and this will ultimately help your rhythm. First 4 Bars: **Gmaj7 - Abdim7 - Am7 - Bbdim7 Check out iReal chords. Blue Bossa: **Swap metronome practise for Ireal this week! Practise might look like: - putting on Ireal for 10 choruses (or just a very long time!) - playing through each exercise twice   1. LH bossa rhythm with melody 2. LH chords with melody 3. separate hands with Ireal Pro 4. LH bossa bas