Thoughts for bringing the - A Game! Ive always had great mentors who have taken me under their wing and showed me kindness and also helped me to learn about music and life in general. In recent years due to my career path and my association with Warwick Ive met many players who have been life long heros, many of whom I now call friends and are a very important part of my life. I continue learn from them and this is real blessing, I think in some ways I too give back and this sharing is an integral part of what keeps me growing. One musician who Ive had the honor working with teaching at various music camps over the years has been Regi Wooten ( oldest brother of the famous musical family ). We were teaching together at a summer Camp in Jackson Hole, Wyoming recently. While eating a meal together he shared a concept with me that he used to encourage all of his younger brothers with as he taught them about music and what it takes to succeed in music industry and in life in general. They (The Wootens) have a concept which they call Playing at an Olympic Level. Its a way to clearly visualize your sights high and then set your mind and heart to achieving goals and consistently pushing yourself to play at the highest of your ability. I love this concept, because musicians are like Olympians in a way, we train our whole lives usually from a young age and devote ourselves to our craft- its a passion thats in ways indescribably instinctual - its as if we are born to play and music choose us, we did not choose it. What I took from his advice and sharing with me was- There are numerous ways and areas of development that we all have to consistently nurture and be mindful of. This does not only mean chops, in fact thats only one of many areas of what playing at an Olympic Level means. Although, in the event of the opportunity to have a Thump Off or take a solo ride it certainly is good to be ready and in command of your instrument to confidently step up with your own voice, to unleash your self, to rock out, and to just go for it! The list below indicates the 10 areas that I personally believe playing at an Olympic Level requires. 1) Olympic Level - discipline 2) Olympic Level - ears 3) Olympic Level - harmony/theory knowledge 4) Olympic Level - facility and instrument command 5) Olympic Level - individual style & creativity 6) Olympic Level - entertainment factor 7) Olympic Level - professionalism 8) Olympic Level - attitude 8) Olympic Level - willingness 9) Olympic Level - gratitude 10) Olympic Level - business mind set & infrastructure Thank You Regi - Elijah Reginald Wooten
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 04:23:49 +0000
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