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Becoming a Multi-Instrumentalist

Metadata

title
Becoming a Multi-Instrumentalist
description
Let’s talk about learning different instruments, how to look at goals, and why learning a new instrument shouldn’t get you down.
status
complete
date
2023-06-06
kind
solo
guestSlugs
listenUrl
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Becoming-a-Multi-Instrumentalist-e25a8os
appleUrl
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/becoming-a-multi-instrumentalist/id1567355195?i=1000615873451&uo=4
spotifyUrl
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4rfZSfC0Gn8UUC8ZYlvy26
topicsDiscussed
  • Bass
  • Guitar
  • Piano, synth, and keys
  • Creativity
  • Learning Instruments
  • Piano Techniques
  • Musical Goals
  • Recording Process
  • Multi-Instrumentalist Journey
  • Creative Exploration
  • Developing Skills
  • Overcoming Frustration
hostNote
Every instrument has one magic thing that makes the whole thing click, and until you find it, you're not bad at that instrument, you're just growing. That reframe changed how I approach learning entirely. I walk through three instruments: piano (where breaking left hand from right hand unlocked everything), guitar (where chord shapes started appearing everywhere once I saw the first one), and bass (which I approach like a drum kit, groove lives in tone and dynamic variation, not just note placement). The saxophone cameo near the end is me being honest about where I still haven't found that magic thing yet. What you take away is a framework for the learning plateau, how to recognize which stage you're in and why frustration is often just a sign you haven't found the right entry point yet.
selectedMoments
  • label
    The need for a personal connection to instruments
    startSec
    1
    note
    I emphasize understanding and dedicating time to different instruments.
  • label
    Discovering piano techniques
    startSec
    90
    note
    I share my method of breaking down piano playing into manageable parts.
  • label
    The linchpin of learning guitar
    startSec
    139
    note
    Discusses the importance of chord shapes and their application.
  • label
    Thinking like a drummer when playing bass
    startSec
    273
    note
    Highlights the relationship between bass guitar and rhythm.
  • label
    The importance of dynamics in music
    startSec
    406
    note
    Explains how dynamics can change the feeling of a performance.
  • label
    Finding the 'magic' in instruments
    startSec
    860
    note
    I reflect on struggling with saxophone and the importance of patience.
excerptQuotes
  • text
    The first one that I approached kind of unintentionally was piano.
    startSec
    85
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    That was kind of the magic thing that was like, oh, okay, now it kind of sounds like a pianist.
    startSec
    96
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    When I learned where these chord shapes were, you started to see more of these shapes around.
    startSec
    143
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    ...it's like a drum kit. And that's why I like playing it so much because it feels like playing drums to me.
    startSec
    226
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    The groove comes from variation. And it can be variation in placement, but more often it's variation in tone and dynamic.
    startSec
    412
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    You just bad at that instrument or you're growing at that instrument or you've yet to find the magic thing that makes the whole instrument click.
    startSec
    902
    reviewed
    true
faq
  • question
    What should I know about learning different instruments?
    answer
    It's important to develop a personal connection and understanding of each instrument.
  • question
    How do I become a better multi-instrumentalist?
    answer
    Focus on your musical goals, and explore each instrument's unique techniques and nuances.
  • question
    What techniques can I use when learning piano?
    answer
    Break down your practice into manageable parts, focusing on hands separately and essential chord structures.
transcriptPublished
false
draft
false

Content

No body content; see metadata above.