| I would suggest getting (or borrowing) a decent quality recorder. (DAT recorder, flash recorder, mini disc, laptop, etc.) Record yourself with the recorder placed at various distances. At a distance, you get the "audience's" perspective and how your sound interacts with the room acoustics. With the recorder closer to you, you get an idea of your sound without the room acoustics. Both perspectives are important, depending on the type of performing you do.
Play at different volumes, different articulations, different musical styles, different extremes, etc. Also, try playing towards the mic, then purposely play "off mic". This can give you can idea of your sound's directionality.
Record lyrical exercises. Does your "musical expression" or "intensity" print to tape? A lot of musical intensity in live performance is acheived by tempo and volume. Listen back to the recording at at low volumes. Does the intensity STILL carry?
Record yourself in ensembles and compare your sound relative to the others. ( Does it blend, does it dominate, does it cut, etc.)
Tone, pitch, musicality, technique, etc. are all intertwined. Mastery of one element is meaningless without mastery and connection with the others. Make all the elements "connect" with each other.
I think you get the idea. The "tape" doesn't lie. It can be your best, honest critic.
Garry |