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MYMUSICMASTERCLASS.COM AUGUST 2020

18

WHAT'S GOING ON?

It’s August of 2020 and we
are all still dealing with
COVID19.  It seems like it’s
going to be a while until
things stabilize in our world. 
As we stated in our last issue,
we as musicians need to use
this time wisely and prepare
ourselves for the uncertain
future.

We need to re-invent our

methods, make
improvements, form a plan
and ultimately make things
happen.  Instead of focusing
solely on the negative
impact on our careers during
this “quaran-time”, we need
to take action.

That’s why you subscribed to

“The Motivated Musician” in
the first place, right?  So let’s
get moving!

Without great
solitude, no serious
work is possible.

- Pablo Picasso

MMMC | 01
Saying “No” to Help Your Career?
I wrote an article a while ago for My Music
Masterclass entitled SAYING “NO” WILL HELP YOUR
MUSIC CAREER. NO, SERIOUSLY!
The focus of this blog post was to discuss how and
when to deny gigs that interfered with more
important work.
There are only so many hours in a day and as your
career and life progress, time becomes more and
more precious.  If you find that you are unable to
achieve your daily goals or get through your to-do
lists, you have to take a deep look at what is most
important for your musical life/career and your
mental health.  This is often not an easy task,
especially if friendships are involved.
Often times, we as musicians end up doing favors
for our friends and in general, this is a healthy and
important part of life. That being said, there can be
a point when your favors are not being returned,
you are spending countless hours on something
unproductive and you are simply working for
pennies or for free.
Again, these can be complicated situations and you
have to be careful how to approach them.  The last
thing you want to do is lose a longtime friend or
burn a bridge that can help you down the road. 
Since I already addressed these situations in detail
in my full article, you can read it here if interested.
Or if you would rather listen to a podcast episode on
the subject please check out this link.
I reference this concept as it is connected to this
month’s challenge - optimizing your daily schedule
so you can actually get to what needs to be
done.  First, we need to make some organized lists
which you’ll find in exercise #1 of this month’s
workbook.
You’re going to have to be very detailed if you want
to get results, so make sure to fill out everything
completely and thoughtfully.  Once you are able to
visualize what you spend your time doing vs. what
you need to get done, you can deal with the
situation accordingly.
So, go make some lists!
MMMC | 02
 WHEN YOU SAY
NO TO THE
WRONG
PEOPLE, IT
OPENS UP THE
SPACE FOR THE
RIGHT PEOPLE
TO COME IN.

JOE CALLOWAY

MMMC | 03
Ron Jones (Composer of Family
Guy, etc.) did an amazing
masterclass video for My Music
THE
Masterclass several years ago
filled with golden nuggets of RON JONES
TEST
wisdom.  One of the many
important things he talked
about was being truly honest
with yourself and developing an
unbiased outside perspective of
your music, performances, etc. 
Since Ron is a famous composer,
he catered this video towards The purpose of this test is to provide a real
budding composers, but this perspective on your work, whether it be
information can be easily composition, production, performance or
applied to anyone in the music other.  So, what does Ron recommend? 
industry. Here it goes…

MMMC | 04
 RON JONES TEST LIST
Make a playlist (in iTunes or something else) of the music you hope to
match, meaning your favorite songs/compositions from another artist. 
Be specific with your choices and make sure they reflect what you are
1 striving to be.  For instance, if you are a composer and you love John
Williams, include his work.  If you are a saxophonist and you love
Michael Brecker, include his recordings.  You get the idea.

Now add your music to the playlist, right next to the music of your
heroes.  In order for this to be a successful comparison, you must choose
music that is comparable in style, feel and tempo.  For instance, if you
include an uptempo jazz guitar track of your own, you should match it
2 with an uptempo guitar track from George Benson, Wes Montgomery or
another artist.  A ballad should match a ballad and so on.  If you’re a
composer and you have included an action cue, again pair it up with
something similar.

Before we do a true A/B of the work, it’s important to note something. 

Depending on what you do, you will be listening for different details. 
For instance, if you are a composer, you will be aware of non-harmonic
3 and rhythmic aspects like the quality of the orchestral samples, the
volume/mastering of the recording, etc.  As instrumentalists, you may or
may not have musical examples that are of the same quality of your
heroes, but you can still listen for time, harmony, melodic choices,
rhythm, tone, feel, etc.

The time has come to compare your work to the masters.  It’s important
to be honest and critical, but try to stay calm and neutral as well. 
Remember this is work that we all have to do to get better, so don’t let
yourself get defeated or depressed if your music doesn’t stand up right
away.  Just make lists and document the differences as if you were
grading a paper.  For instance, write something like “my solo feel seems
4 rushed compared to John Coltrane” or “it seems like I don’t leave as
much space as Pat Metheny”.  Again, if you’re a composer it could be
something like, “My string sounds are thin compared to Hans Zimmer”,
etc.  Regardless of what you write, be as thorough as possible in your list
making since this will be the basis of what you work on in the practice
room/studio.  Once you know what you really have to work on, you’ll
stop wasting time practicing everything else! Check out #2 in the
workbook and get writing.
MMMC | 05
 MENTAL HEALTH
CORNER
Don't Worry, Be Happy!

As musicians, this directly correlates to feeling

I recently watched this very powerful TEDx
talk on negativity bias by neuropsychologist
Rick Hanson, PH.D.  Dr. Hanson speaks about
how experiences are hardwired into your
anxious/depressed after a bad gig, missing out on an
audition, losing work, etc. 
When we feel bad about our performance and/or
career, we tend to forget or at least not give the

brain and how you can make lasting changes same amount of weight to all the good things we
have accomplished.  It’s important to be truthful and
for the better.
unbiased when assessing oneself so that we can
improve, but it’s unhealthy to repeatedly beat
Essentially, the brain is very good at learning from
ourselves up over the mistakes we make along the
bad experiences, but very bad at learning from good
way.
experiences.  This is due to the hardships and
challenges of our ancestors, because if they survived
All that being said, instead of regurgitating the
a bad experience, they needed to learn from it
words of a real neuropsychologist I strongly
immediately in order to stay alive.  This is readily
recommend you listen to this short video (only 13:46
apparent in our daily lives.  If 5 good things happen
long) by Dr. Hanson.  Once  you’ve watched it, you’ll
in one day and then 1 bad thing happens, we tend to
be ready for this month’s challenge.  Check out #3 in
obsess about the bad thing, right?
the workbook and start making changes!

MMMC | 06
 ONLY WE
HUMANS WORRY
ABOUT THE
FUTURE, REGRET
THE PAST, AND
BLAME
OURSELVES FOR
THE PRESENT.

RICK HANSON

MMMC | 07

i Have _ i Need_II
Last Month we had you make 2 lists.  The first
list signified the skills you currently possess
which help you directly or indirectly in the
music scene.  That’s the “I Have” side.  The
2nd side called “I Need” is the list of skills and
traits needed in order to get to the next level
in your musical life and career.  Please refer to
the last issue (July 2020) for details and the
prior worksheet.
This month, we are going to work on
achieving some of the items on the “I Need”
side.  So, how do we do this without having a
panic attack over the vast amount of stuff we
have to learn?  We make attainable goals and
chip away daily! First look at your “I Have” list
and apply some of Dr. Hanson’s methodology
from his TEDx talk.
Take a moment to look at all the things you
have and soak it in.  Allow yourself to be
proud and feel accomplished for what you
have done.  Take your time and once you feel
calm and centered, check out your “I Need”
list.
MMMC | 08
19
Let’s start small.  Pick the “easiest”
thing to attain in your “I Need” list…
just one thing for this month.
Now, break this down into bite-sized parts.  What
steps do you need to do in order to learn or practice
this new skill?  If you need to learn a new
instrument, you can find a method book, learn from
videos, take lessons, etc.  If you need to get better
at talking to people and networking, there are
books and videos discussing those topics as well. 
We live in a cyber-world and there are myriad ways
to get information, so let’s assume that you know
what to work on.
You can start as simple as you like and there is no
rush to master this skill.  The fact that you will be
working at it every day will yield results by default. 
That being said, you have to make a pledge to work
on this daily, with no exceptions, but the amount of
time you spend is up to you.  So regardless of if you
have 30 minutes or 4 hours, you’re going to map out
a schedule that will force you to make this a
priority.
So, check out #4 in the workbook and get
scheduling!
 SOMETIMES
YOU HAVE
TO PLAY A
LONG TIME
TO BE ABLE
TO PLAY
LIKE
YOURSELF.

MILES DAVIS

MMMC | 09
 FEATURED CATS
Many of the elite musicians we film at My
Music Masterclass talk about how they like to
practice new things to stay current.  Many also
say that they are always checking out the
young cats to see what new sounds are
becoming part of the musical landscape.  ZALESKI
This is important work for musicians because
although there are only 12 notes in western
music, techniques and sounds evolve.  So if you
want to continue working in the scene and
remaining relevant across generations, you
must stay aware of what’s trending in music.  At age 16, she was awarded the
In this section we feature artists who in our
opinion are doing some really cool stuff!  Here
are this month’s picks…
MMMC | 10
CHRIS
BECK
GLENN
DOMI
DEGALLE
Chris Beck 
Chris Beck currently performs
with talented musicians such as
Cyrus Chestnut, Oliver Lake,
Rufus Reid, McCoy Tyner,
Martha Reeves and the
Vandellas, and many more.
Glenn Zaleski 
His most recent release, "Live at
Jazz Standard" (Capri 2019),
features his long-standing co-
led trio in a live set at the
legendary NYC club.
Domi Degalle 
full Presidential Scholarship by
Berklee. Her career started
when 2 videos of her jamming
at Berklee were posted on
Facebook and reached almost a
million views in 2 days. She
went on tour with Ghost-note
and played shows with
Thundercat.

The quest for the perfect tone
can be a lifelong journey and
many musicians are constantly
working and obsessing about
their sound.  This is crucial work
because sound/tone can be one of
the most identifiable things about
a musician.
If you are solely recognizable by
what you play, you may be boxed
into a corner creatively, but if you
have a unique sound, you can
skate across styles and always
retain your essence.  Also, if you
love your sound, you will play
better.  Have you ever been
wearing headphones in a studio
session and felt uninspired?  It’s
hard to play when you don’t
sound like you, right?
On the other hand, have you ever
performed in a room where your
instrument sounded amazing due
to the acoustics or setup?  You felt
like you could play anything,
right?  The point is that if your
tone is pleasing to your ear, you
will be more inspired and you will
play better.
So, how do we work on this?  First
of all, we start with the gear. There
is always a better instrument or
piece of equipment out there, but
we need to get the best sound out
of what we have.
How’s Your Tone?
And remember, if you can make
mediocre equipment sound great,
imagine what you will sound like
when you upgrade!  Tone, just like
everything else, needs to be
practiced.
You must make a conscious effort
to dedicate a portion of your
practice to sounding the way you
want.  Think of it like a
meditation.  Relax and solely
concentrate on making your
instrument sing.  This can be with
long tones, a simple melody, with
a metronome at a slow tempo, This is a lifelong practice for most musicians
whatever.
and a rewarding one.  So, don’t get frustrated if
You can think about specific you don’t sound the way you want right away. 
pitches or opt to play free Be patient and it will pay off.
melodies.  The only thing that
matters is that you are focused
100% on the sound.  You may
We have included a
want to close your eyes, play in
the dark, light some candles, etc. 
simple page in our
worksheet to
Get creative! I would recommend
at least 30 minutes of this work at document your
the beginning of your practice
sessions until you can connect
sonic journey, so
sonically with your instrument. check out #5 in the
If after a period of time (months, workbook and make
years) you feel that you have
found your perfect sound, you some sound.
now have to sustain this, ensuring
everything you play contains this
sonic essence.  MMMC | 11
 WALT WIESKOPF
5 QUESTIONS

What have you been listening to

recently?

Mostly classical music to be honest, I've

become permanently tuned to the
satellite classical station. Heard a great
piece yesterday by American composer Peter
Boyer. Excellent music.

MMMC | 12
What are some of your favorite albums of all time and
what is so special about them?

Charlie Parker "Bird With Strings"

I was introduced to this record by my first teacher (Tom Soccocio,
Syracuse, NY) when I was maybe 14. My first two transcriptions were
"April In Paris" and "Just Friends".

Miles Davis "Kind of Blue"

I guess there's a reason this is the best selling jazz record. This music to
me is almost sacred (no disrespect to sacred music). I have wondered
often if these guys knew how momentous this recording would become.
Probably not.

Cannonball Adderley "Portrait of Cannonball"

I transcribed "Minority" during summer break in college.

Stan Getz/Charlie Byrd "Jazz Samba"

My teacher (T.S) had to explain to me that Charlie Byrd and Charlie
Parker were two different people. I was very influenced by Stan Getz
then and now. A recording I discovered a few years later I highly
recommend - "For Musicians Only" (Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Sonny
Stitt). I transcribed all the saxophone solos on this recording during long
bus rides when I was with Buddy Rich (1981-82).

Sonny Stitt "New York Jazz"

Huge influence for me. The rendition of "I Know That You Know" is
pristine - as good as it gets.

MMMC | 13
Quincy Jones "Walking In Space"
This recording was one I grew up with. I can't remember how I came
upon it. On reflection, it shows how effective great arranging can be.
Also great examples of early fusion.

Gil Evans/Miles Davis "Sketches of Spain"

I have been captivated since I heard this album years ago with the
beauty of classical and folk influences fused with jazz. Also (of course),
Porgy and Bess (Miles/Gil), Quiet Nights (Miles/Gil).

John Coltrane "Giant Steps"

No surprise either, Coltrane was a big influence on me.

Dexter Gordon "Go!"

Huge influence when I was a kid and still.

Hank Mobley "Soul Station"

I learned about Hank Mobley when I got to college. He was introduced
to me by one of my closest friends then and still, Brian Scanlon (great
L.A. based alto and tenor saxophonist). I didn't "get" Hank Mobley
initially. Took me awhile but when I did, I really got him. So many iconic
recordings; "Remember", "This I Dig Of You", "If I Should Lose You" and so
many more.

Wayne Shorter "Speak No Evil"

When I first heard this recording it was a revelation. I wore out my copy
and bought a new re-mastered one during my first trip to Japan in 1981.
Every cut on this recording is masterful.

Freddie Hubbard "Skydive"

Totally hooked on the perfect melding of jazz small group
complemented by the beautiful orchestrations of Don Sebesky. Huge
influence for me.
MMMC | 14
What are you currently working on in the practice room
(can be any instrument)?
"Hot House" in 12 keys. This has been on my to-do list for years and I
have finally gotten to where I can play the head and blow in every key. If
I practiced nothing else again ever, this would keep me in shape.

What younger or up-and-coming musicians are you

digging right now?
My colleague (in WWEQ - Walt Weiskopf European Quartet) Carl Winther (based
in Copenhagen) is someone I really like and admire in the "under 40" category.
Carl is into all kinds of different creative projects. Great writer, great pianist. He just
released a new rap project called “The Odd Couple-The Second Chapter”
featuring KRS-One & Sonja Blade. Also, Matthew Halsall, great British pianist
and composer.

How are you staying sane in this quarantine and do you

have any tips for other musicians currently in isolation?
I guess sanity is a relative concept right now! I am trying to look at this time as
an opportunity for more time to practice and write. I am trying to play the piano a
little each day also. Not much success there but it's better than nothing. I'm
working on major scales with both hands and also basic two-hand 2-5-1 voicings.

Really looking forward to getting back out there performing. I have a nice gig
coming on September 18 @7:30pm at Blue House Productions with my NY-DC
connection band (Harry Appelman-p; Amy Shook-b; Steve Fidyk -d)
LINK TO SHOW.
Also my new album "Introspection" has been released HERE
MMMC | 15
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MMMC | 16
 BY HARMONY ALL
PHENOMENA ARE
FORMED AND
SUSTAINED. THERE IS
A SCIENTIFIC
STATEMENT TO THE
EFFECT THAT THIS
EARTH IS A VAST
HARMONIC WAVE
SYSTEM THAT IS BUILT
AND SUSTAINED BY
UNHEARD MUSIC.

CORINNE HELINE

MMMC | 17
CONCLUSION
OK, so that was our second issue of
"The Motivated Musician".  We hope
you are all staying strong, safe and
healthy in this strange time. 
Remember, if you feel like you're
losing focus or motivation, please
revisit these words and challenges so
you can get back on track!  We’re
here to help!  Anyway, enough sitting
around...there's work to do!

MMMC EDITION 002