A remarkable and breathtaking moment from the fourth movement of Mozart’s Sonata in D Major, K.311. 

Nothing seems to please me more than an a regression (although with some theory this could be argued otherwise, but that’s what my ears tell me). If I feel up to it, I’ll post an update later with some analysis, but for now, enjoy this beautiful moment. 

Listen to it here, played by Jaekyung Yoo

Josh Nesmith: A word about drum tuning

joshnesmith:

Recently, a good friend and fellow drummer had contacted me requesting advice about drum tuning. In the past I have done quite a bit of investigation on the subject and typed up this as a response. It ended up being such a focused effort that I decided I would archive it on this (barren) tumblr…

A wonderful post about drum tuning by my Friend and Colleague, Josh Nesmith. 

  • 39 Plays
  • Cissy StrutJAAM Collective

mattleece:

Live recording of the funk chart Cissy Strut, performed by the Jazz and Art Music Collective. The ensemble for this recording was Josh Nesmith on drums, Shane Nesmith on bass, Bryan McMasters on organ, and me on guitar. Recorded by Josh Nesmith at Bloomsburg University. Check out the JAAM Collective HERE.

Reposted by Myself, Bryan McMasters, on the Organ. 

The “Zone”

Since I first started seriously studying music, the end goal in my playing and performing was to reach, the “zone.” Those who play an instrument most likely know what I am talking about; That perfect moment when everything just “clicks,” and it feels as if you are utilizing 100% of your total capacity.

Reaching the zone has been a mindset of mine for the past 3-4 years or so, and now, I am only realizing that this is a fruitless goal. This Zone is rarely reached, and if reached, once it seems to be acknowledged I start to become superstitious about all of the details in my routine that day that my have allowed it to happen.

A more realistic goal is to be able to push yourself so that no matter what the situation, there is a basic level of competence that can be expected. To be able to look at something and see it as simple enough that it is almost impossible to not play it correctly. This, in my mind, is what I call being a professional; performing to an expected standard at any given moment. 

The goal is to raise the standard, not to constantly be searching for this elusive zone. Although I still sometimes find myself on the hunt for that moment, I think they will happen naturally if I don’t force them, and let things unfold organically. 

Here’s a clip of me playing “Giant Steps.” It’s not quite up to speed, but it’s still tricky to navigate through the changes none-the-less.

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