 Spent some time working with Blackmagic Design's Resolve today. Video editor. With the help of YouTube I've made some progress. I've learned how to add, crop, mix, and chop video clips, add cards and put in my own audio. Watch out Luis Buñuel. Seriously, this is going to work. I want to be able to add some polished videos on my sites and for my students. Mark Kelso gave us a fine example of his skills with his students the other day. Click on the photo of the kids to listen. I'm inspired. Stay tuned. 
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“It is not a mechanical routine but something essential to my daily life. I go to the piano, and I play two preludes and fugues of Bach. I cannot think of doing otherwise. It is a sort of benediction on the house. But that is not its only meaning for me. It is a rediscovery of the world of which I have the joy of being a part. It fills me with awareness of the wonder of life, with a feeling of the incredible marvel of being a human being. The music is never the same for me, never. Each day is something new, fantastic, unbelievable. That is Bach, like nature, a miracle!” Is it possible to improve at this age? Assuming the body is able, the answer is of course an emphatic yes. Can you address the shortcomings in your skill set? Of course.
I got my time together on the drum set at age 61. Really Do I have goals at the piano? Yes, one simple one and more complex. Be able to beautifully demonstrate for my students their repertoire levels 1 to 10. Secondly, refine my skill in teaching improvisation. You can consider which is the more complex endeavor. Drumming goals: bring joy to the bandstand, earn a skill level equal to my piano work, and teach drums successfully to keen beginners. For these goals I’ve created plans, made room, engaged coaches, and allocated my resources. David Lockdown is imminent. What to do?
  I had been doing the following things on a regular basis.
I did the following things on a yearly basis:
How did I practice in my studio?
Now what? No jamming for the next few months or even longer. No face to face, mano a mano interactions of any sort. A few assumptions before proceeding.
The plan is simple
Best, David Story Think you are too old to learn new tricks?
I've many students past the age of superannuation. What have they been up to?
Let's get going. Otherwise it is just Netflix, lethargy and death. David
I learning that it's important to check the sources of our knowledge in the autumn of our careers. So much of what we think we know, just ain't so. If it every was.
"With all the knowledge of the world on the internet how can there be so many stupid people?" Ronny Chieng comedian I've been working with some colleagues on my piano playing in the Jazz and Classical styles. I may have been saved just in time. Many, but not all, of my assumptions have been tested and found wanting. From the origins of Gregorian chant, rootless voicings, phrasing Mozart, bebop licks, and accents in Baroque keyboard literature. Nothing like fresh perspectives served on a slice of humble pie. 2020 will be an exciting time of woodshedding. David I was reading the comments for this video from the younger set.
1. I love your “old school” approach to recording 2. Tasty tasty tasty playing ..... mint feel.... loads of old school playing!! 3. Sick shit! Ol skool yummy fusion! Incredible playing Thomas!!! Damn, I'm thinking what masterful modern playing. Apparently I need help just to catch up to 1990! Cheers, David Preparing to practice is the space between our intention and playing the first note. My ideal routine?
best, David Story  Drumming stuff
David I've been enjoying "Breakfast with Vinnie!" a podcast with the incomparable Vinnie Colaiuta. I'm now all fired up to hit the practice room. Listen here: https://breakfastwithvinnie.com/  |