Practice does *not* make perfect

If you're a musician, you know the drill: practice is everything. Without practice, you're not a musician. Hours are spent trying to perfect techniques, and the only way to do that is through repetition.

Practicing is how a musician solidifies their memorization of a piece, finalizes musical nuances, captures the flavor of the notes, etc. etc.

However, just going through the motions isn't enough. Practicing something wrong does not lead to improvement. It only strengthens the habit of playing something wrong.

In order to improve, active listening is required... which is easier said than done. It's too easy to lose yourself in sound rather than analyzing what works best for the piece.

Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Supernatural

Watched the first disc of the first season of Supernatural in one sitting last night.

Afterwords, I remembered why I put off watching it for so long. I'm a wimp. And I got scared. Reeeaaaally scared.

As in sleeping with the lights on scared. Lol.

Song: Free Falling

So about this new song... it's titled "Free Falling" and it was inspired after watching the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy "Push," namely Lexi and her relationship with Mark Sloan.

It was so heart wrenching watching Lexi breakdown over Mark... I actually rewinded and watched the scene a few times.

I've had part of the piano section written for a couple of weeks, but just couldn't find the right tone for the lyrics. That scene was like lightening striking. And the song took off.

I think I've finalized most of the lyrics (need to let it sit and marinate first), and I'm starting to work on the bridge.

I'm so excited about this song, and can't wait to finish it so you guys can hear it!

tumbling through life

For anyone interested, I got a tumblr account:

http://amylinmusic.tumblr.com/

... and.... I have another new song in the works! So yay me!! :D

Kleenex has been my best friend this past week

I've got a cold.

Apparently, I'm not very inspired when I'm sick. Barely any music in me.

I used up an entire box of Kleenex in one week (300 sheets of Kleenex, people!).... I'm all at once impressed and appalled at the accomplishment. My nose thanks you, trees.

Anyways, I'm on the mend, and even got a rough musical sketch down today!

So this is what it feels like

A friend asked where she could download my songs. I am full to bursting with happiness!

So inspired now.... and I'm going to put that inspiration to good use! (after I squeal and jump around for a bit)

:D

Music Success in Nine Weeks

After following The Shy Singer/Songwriter's blog for the past few months and reading all the encouragement and progress she's made from reading "Music Success in Nine Weeks" by Ariel Hyatt, I've gone ahead and ordered it via Amazon.

Of course, after I ordered it, I realized that I could download the ebook version for immediate access from Ariel Hyatt's website. But by then, it was too late to cancel my order. :(

Oh well. It'll be nice to have a physical book to read from.

Estimated arrival date is this Saturday. Can't wait to get started!