One of My Motivators

December 11, 2008 on 9:39 pm by Michael Grey | In Music, Solo Piping, Tips | 3 Comments

November through to January have traditionally been my fallow practice months.  In part,  because I’ve been fed up with piping and needed time away and, part because I know time away from practice is a very good and healthy thing, especially when that practice is regular and intense.  I’ve always felt better about piping after a good break.  That’s got to be a good sign of a good “training” regimen.   I recommend planned time away from piping – or drumming – or any crazy intense pursuit.

When its time to get back to the bags and the piping way of things I’ve always found piping music books a great motivator.  Flipping through pages and playing each tune, revisiting old phrases and melodic turns somehow kick-starts my interest.  Through this MBFA (music book flipping activity) motivation technique I’ve not only reignited interest but have often learned many gems once over-looked in haste, or through the fingers of a less-experienced – or different – version of myself.  I like music books for their neat and tidy snapshot of a composer’s way of thinking, his taste, his way of seeing his musical world all in one slim volume.  

There’s a vibe to a good music book and usually a strong thread of brand excellence.  Consider a simple book/word association: 

• John Wilson Book 1 & 4-parted jigs
• Donald MacLeod Book 1 & competition strathspeys
• G S McLennan’s Book & big technique
• John MacFadyen Book 2 & 4-parted hornpipes 

Anyway, need some motivation, a kick-start, fresh eyes on your piping?  Grab your chanter and a music book and go crazy.

M