This week I went to Panama to play with Sofia Valdes. In this video I talk about how I prepare musically for a new gig, as well as my mindset going in. Enjoy!
Writing specific chord charts is HUGE. Definitely a good way to keep it in your brain. The process of putting pencil to paper does wonders for my memory as well!
This is possibly the most relevant video to my career as a session keyboardist that I've seen on YT. I think I'm going to try exactly this formula next time. It makes so much sense. Will let you know how it goes! Sick video
This is almost exactly how I've been approaching learning miss cantaloupe songs (some of which you helped write lol) aside from writing them in muse score.. I don't read or write music very well so I usually do the second set of notes in my personal sort-of short hand. I spent a few practices playing along with a rhodes sound and now Im working on figuring out which sounds work best. It is validating to hear that this process is tried and true :)
Really interesting video and thank you for sharing this. If you do another video could you share an example of how you chart something out? I am a beginner keyboard player but have figured out how to use the Realbook app to help me lay out a chart. I don't know anyone else who uses charts so this would be helpful to see another person's example.
Glad you found this useful! I may do a video on that subject in the future, but for now I’ll just give some thoughts on it. Many different apps work for making charts and it all depends on how thorough you need it to be. Sometimes I’ll go no further than just a notes document on my phone with a line or two jotted down for each song. The Ireal app is probably decent if you mostly need to write down chords and especially if it’s jazz. I use musescore, which is free and very thorough. I am mostly just writing down chords and bars and repeats, but sometimes I put actual notation in there too. If you want I can email you an example of one of the charts I made for this gig.
Sam, sure if you have a way to sharethat would be great. I meant iReal - not Realbook - I was confused. I like the simplicity of laying out chords and structure in that app. Do you strive first for accuracy when learning and play slowly at first or jump in at standard tempo for a song and then tighten up the notes, flourishes, etc.? Since I learn by ear slow and accurate then playing at standard speed has served me best - but I want to pivot to keys - so your advice and channel is gold. @@SamGutman
Writing specific chord charts is HUGE. Definitely a good way to keep it in your brain. The process of putting pencil to paper does wonders for my memory as well!
Man that crowd loved when the click came in!
Jokes jokes. Thanks for the insight as always!
This is possibly the most relevant video to my career as a session keyboardist that I've seen on YT. I think I'm going to try exactly this formula next time. It makes so much sense. Will let you know how it goes! Sick video
This is almost exactly how I've been approaching learning miss cantaloupe songs (some of which you helped write lol) aside from writing them in muse score.. I don't read or write music very well so I usually do the second set of notes in my personal sort-of short hand. I spent a few practices playing along with a rhodes sound and now Im working on figuring out which sounds work best. It is validating to hear that this process is tried and true :)
And hats, Panama hats.
Thanks for the walk-through and best of luck.
Thanks for the video!! I'm in a new band and this really helps 👍👍❤❤
I’m glad it helps! Good luck with the band!
Thanks for sharing!
Really interesting video and thank you for sharing this. If you do another video could you share an example of how you chart something out? I am a beginner keyboard player but have figured out how to use the Realbook app to help me lay out a chart. I don't know anyone else who uses charts so this would be helpful to see another person's example.
Glad you found this useful! I may do a video on that subject in the future, but for now I’ll just give some thoughts on it. Many different apps work for making charts and it all depends on how thorough you need it to be. Sometimes I’ll go no further than just a notes document on my phone with a line or two jotted down for each song. The Ireal app is probably decent if you mostly need to write down chords and especially if it’s jazz. I use musescore, which is free and very thorough. I am mostly just writing down chords and bars and repeats, but sometimes I put actual notation in there too. If you want I can email you an example of one of the charts I made for this gig.
Sam, sure if you have a way to sharethat would be great. I meant iReal - not Realbook - I was confused. I like the simplicity of laying out chords and structure in that app. Do you strive first for accuracy when learning and play slowly at first or jump in at standard tempo for a song and then tighten up the notes, flourishes, etc.? Since I learn by ear slow and accurate then playing at standard speed has served me best - but I want to pivot to keys - so your advice and channel is gold. @@SamGutman