The Fundamentals

A thorough concentration on the fundamentals is a mainstay for any venture, corporate and individual. That axiom is never more true than is how we approach a musical instrument or a specific genre of music. There are not short cuts, by the way. 

Skills development is sometimes not that most fun aspect of learning to play music, but it becomes essential if the players wishes to play the music they enjoy the most. 

Our brains capture an idea before our muscles do. This is why we practice slowly leading up the the normal tempos. If we practice too fast, our muscle memory never has the chance to play the tune or song correctly giving every note its full measure of time. 

Understanding the history behind the music helps me interpret the  composition in the era it was produced is another fundamental. More than once someone has commented that my recordings sounded old or old timey. I feel the reason is that when I play a song like The Battle Cry of Freedom, I try to put myself in the 1860's and what was happening during the Civil War. What is interesting about this song is that it was the campaign song for the  Lincoln-Johnson presidential bid for re-election, but I see a sadness and sobriety resulting from how the nation was torn apart and so many lives lost. 

In my opinion, if one wants to learn a musical instrument and to become a true musician they should consider maintaining a focus on the fundamentals as a key to success. They should look for an instructor or teacher that will provide them with the resources needed to develop and hone these skills.