Linkage: 7/10/09
I’m an avid weightlifter. As such, I read a lot of information online about training an nutrition. With an article popped up on Combat Psychology and Sports Performance I was intrigued. As I read it, I realized this article is about any sort of situation in which anxiety takes hold. While most examples are about sports or MMA or lifting, the article can easily be applied to music performances. It’s a great read.
Derek Sivers says that it’s about you, not them. When you purchase a product that contains information, it’s not about what kind of person they are, it’s about how good the information is — does it help you.
This is similar to the open source model of software production. Or something like flickr. Some people contribute massive amounts of information. But as you get further away from those massive contributors, people may only contribute one or two things. Clay Shirky talks about this in Institution vs. Collaboration. It’s not about how much a person contributes — or what they are like as a person — it’s about how good or valuable the information is.
Jason Vieaux probably has more vowels in his name than any other guitarist. But he also gave a concert for NPR. It’s worth a listen. Interesting: he glues a chunk of ping pong ball to his thumb for every performance. While you’re over at youtube, check out this song about United Airlines breaking guitars.
Finally, I just put the packet i use with my non-classical guitar students for learning to strum. It’s $5, but you can probably convince me to give you a free copy by commenting on this post.
Aubrey
I just signed up for your blog updates and have been enjoying them very much. Do you think the “learning to strum” packet would be useful for a quasi-intermediate player who still struggles with some rhythm patterns? If so, I would very much appreciate a copy. Thanks again for such a great blog.
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I’m not sure if it will help, but I sent you a copy. I’d say that if you struggle with some rhythm patterns, try just working on clapping for a while. There’s plenty of books full of just rhythms, or you can clap things from your pieces. Or check out this website for automatically generated rhythms: http://www.practicesightreading.com/ -Chris
connie
i stumbled upon your blog and have been finding it to be a great read! i’d love a copy of your strumming packet to use with my students. in the meantime, thanks for all the posts and keep them coming.