dbacon

Tony, how important is the mental aspect in relation to Lead playing? Would you say this is often the determining factor for someone becoming a succesful pro? Seems like lot's of players may have enough technique/chops/sound/time whatever, but they lack the total focus/mental game a pro has.

kadleck

Great question Dave.

I think that all successful players have a certain amount of "mental toughness" that will carry them through jobs, even when they are not at 100%. For lead players, there is much to think about: how's my time, pitch, balance, phrasing, articulation, etc.? The only advantage a pro would have over an amateur is experience. (I know many non-pros who have a very high level of concentration and are always focused, just as I know many pros who let their minds wander frequently.) The more you're out there playing, the more chances you have to work on your mental game.

Broadway is an excellent example - you are forced to play the same show every night. For weeks, months, even years. It's incredibly easy to start thinking about anything else other than the music. The true pros will stay focused. We all have mental lapses (I had about a million during my 9+ years at "Beauty & the Beast", but the more chances you have to practice focusing, the more you'll be able to focus. Pros and amateurs alike.

Tony

Johntpt

Hi Tony-

9+ years playing B & the B?? That's a lot of Gaston's! I playing this show here in Mexico City right now. It's a 19 piece orchestra, and I'm playing 4 of the 8 shows each week. Looks like it should run 1.5-2 years. Opening night was Thursday and tonight's our first double - we'll see how the chops feel tomorrow morning!!

JU

kadleck

Good luck John. It's actually a fun show, but deceptively hard at times. I think by the end I wound up playing over 1400 of them, and that's just because by attendance was poor!

Tony

dbacon

Do you practice the "mental game" and do you have any strategies you could share with us?
Thanks!

gchun

Dave-

While we're waiting for Tony to reply, there's something I'd like to share. Years ago, I got to work (and room) with Jeff Kaye, of Ray Charles' band. Before the gig, he got out a book of drum patterns and a metronome and started tapping out the figures from the book. I asked him what he was doing and he said running down those various patterns with a metronome helped him get focused and tuned him in for a night of sight reading.

Garry

kadleck

Dave -

I'm afraid that I haven't found a way to "practice" the mental game. But I do go into gigs expecting anything and everything, so that I won't be taken by surprise!

Tony

dbacon

Garry

Sam Pilafian uses that same idea when he does rehearsals. Breathing Gym, use the Ryhthm Book to get the brain going! Fine concept.

dbacon

George Graham had a program for up and coming players, guys that had the chops but needed to know how to make that jump to the first string. Part of it was learning how to focus with no distractions, no conversations going in the mind while working. Playing in the zone all the time. I'd guess that's how first call guys go about their business.

Thanks for your posts Tony!
All the best.

BergeronWannabe

Good posts Dave & Tony! I'm still working on the 'chops' part, but good to know about the mental part too.
But being in school I still have plenty of time...just need more time to practice.
-Andrew