Learning by Osmosis (part 1)

Ceramic by Matthew Rohde

​I cannot express how important it is to be surrounded by people who are like you and have similar goals to you. It’s so essential to talk and share moments with people who are amazing at what they do. It rubs off! Every time I have gone to a festival (to compete, to participate, or to play), I have always found that I learn something new. You never know when something is going to click!
I am sitting right now in Ciudad de Mexico, after a performance that was not so great according to my taste and expectations… Usually, after a performance, I take the rest of the day off, as the mental strain usually wears me off totally. However, this time, I couldn’t stop thinking about what possibly went wrong with my sound and my lack of security on my right hand. I know for sure I don’t feel completely good about my right hand sound and technique, so I have been talking to a lot of people at festivals and everywhere else about their nails and their approach to the right hand technique. It was close to midnight and I was still practicing, when I decided… what if I just try to bring my right hand angle closer to the thumb? – this was suggested several times by my mentor, I had tried it several times, but couldn’t feel totally good about it. Then, at that moment, I remember something that a friend of mine told me in my latest festival in Dallas.. he said: “Since I am studying with my new professor, he’s been asking me to dig in more into the strings, and I love it!”. Two weeks later! It was 2 weeks later that I made a connection between the 2 and unlocked a small part of the puzzle. My sound improved drastically right away. Of course, it’s not perfect yet, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Learning by osmosis is a concept that I am convinced is the secret of successful music studios around the world. Sharing experiences, and constantly collaborating towards a common goal. Just simply watching and listening to someone play or talk can give you the next hint that will allow you to achieve the next level. Never miss an opportunity to grow! Pay attention to your friends, appreciate their experiences, and listen to those who have walked your path… 

Enjoy listening to this Passacaglia as you read

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