Re: Speed Reading


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Posted by Sean Chisham on February 21, 2001 at 00:45:17:

In Reply to: Speed Reading posted by Brad Martin on February 20, 2001 at 18:35:23:

Work on the fundamental patterns such as scales, arpeggios, thirds, fourths, etc. Most of the runs you will see are a scale or an arpeggio. Try working up a very challenging technical study or solo to the point of monotonous perfection through slow repetitions. Once your brain gets accustomed to playing a couple of well prepared fast tunes very quickly and very controlled, you won't freak out so much at seeing lots of black notes in a bar.

Also focus on the pulse. Hit the first and last notes on runs while keeping a good pulse and feel. Most people listening can scarcely tell the difference between a tubist playing a two octave scale in 32nd notes cleanly or sloppily as long as the scale starts and finishes on the correct notes. It is called faking the funk.

Of course, I don't advocate faking prepared tunes, but when the sight reading gets really hairy, focus on the fundamentals such as rhythm, dynamics, time, and style.

sean



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