Have you ever heard musicians in interviews say things like “the most important thing about playing music is listening”?

Well, duh!

If you don’t listen, you can’t play. Then one day I learned that the way I listened when I played was not the way the great musicians listen, and exploring that radically improved my performances.

Listening: Musician vs AI Bot

Do you listen to music like a musician, or more like an AI bot? You see, musicians listen in different ways at different times and knowing when to use the right kind of listening can make all the difference.

There was a time when my listening was more like a bot. I was so focused on eliminating errors that I was only listening for mistakes. I'd concentrate on getting the notes right and, sure, I could play correctly, but something was always missing.

Perfection?

I would get so stressed out trying to get everything perfect, like trying to juggle chainsaws or I would get it right but the music wouldn’t have any life in it.

And there were always certain parts that I just couldn't get right, even though I practiced for hours.

When I stopped practicing, I always felt like I needed more time, like the song or the solo wasn’t ready. I started doubting myself, thinking maybe I just didn't have what it takes to play the way I wanted to. I thought I was listening, but really, I was just over-analyzing everything.

The Struggle on Stage Is Real

Ever feel like you're always struggling on stage, no matter how much you practice?

You're not alone. Many talented musicians find themselves in the same boat. But here's the secret - the pros don't practice the struggle, they practice "EASY".

The Common Problem

I've seen many students come to me with this problem. They put in the hours, they put in the effort, but when they get on stage, it's like they're always one step behind the music.

 They're stressed, they're beating themselves up, and it's just not fun anymore.

The Case of Paul

But what if I told you there's another way? Let's take my student, Paul, as an example.

After seeing him play for just a few minutes I noticed that he clearly knew a lot about music, but he made things much harder for himself. He was adding struggle where there didn't need to be any.

Paul had made that pressure a part of the way he played. He made such a habit of struggling in practice that it had become a part of his style!

Without knowing it, he actually PRACTICED struggling!

So when he got on stage, where things can be even more intense, playing was even harder!

The Transformation

Once I showed Paul how to practice being alert, fluid, and free from pressure, everything changed.

The first change we noticed was his tone: he was much more in tune and his sound got deep and full. His hand hurt less, and he remembered his songs more easily.

His sound had so much more charisma. That sounds weird but I don't know how else to say it!

The Result

Just one week later, Paul was pumped about his latest gig.

Instead of constantly trying to remember what the next part was, the music came to him like an insight, right when he needed it.

As he played more gigs he found that he could look out at the audience more.

He could really feel the people in the crowd in a personal way, like he was hosting a party!

Your Turn

So, what about you? Are you practicing the struggle, or are you ready to practice "EASY"?

Leave a comment below and let's make your next gig EASY!