Happy New Year ! !

Happy New Year to all. 2013; the year of the guitar.

Conti

Started today to work on the first song on Conti's first Ticket to Improv video: Satin Doll. As in my struggles with learning the piano, I would probably benefit from turning off the thinking and just concentrating on the playing.

Guitar

Here is a picture of my new Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus that arrived today. Started working through Robert Conti's "Ticket to Improv" (Volume One).

Merry Christmas!

A most Merry Christmas to you all!

Bye Bye Martin

Was a bit difficult decide.....either the Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus or a Gypsy Jazz guitar....decided on the Epiphone, ordered it, and it should arrive in about a week!

The New Guitar

Here is the probable new guitar to be probably purchased probably tomorrow. An Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus. It's tone knobs can be pushed in and out to give different tones.

Update

Piano at worst will be given up. At best it will be on hold. Knowing me it will only be on hold.

Traded my Martin for cash and a Peavey Classic 30 Amp. Toyed around with getting into Gypsy Jazz guitar and buying one. But will get the Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus. May be joining a blues band and/or do more jazz playing. Either way, want to learn how to improve my lead playing.

12 - 15 - 12

Kindergarten children. This time of year.

John Lennon

Yesterday marked the 32nd year since John died. Here is a picture taken just hours before he was shot. Still feel cheated that he was taken away...

The WHO

Saw the Who last night perform Quadrophenia and a bunch of their other songs. Our seats weren't that great, but a worker upgraded us for free to Section 5 on the Floor! Awesome show. Pete on guitar is just great. What a great image of rock music: Pete playing a power chord utilizing the windmill!

Martin

Will my Martin guitar be history? Meeting a potential buyer tomorrow.

Gig Night

Good time playing tonight with the band. Below are pictures of our stuff; middle picture shows my weapons.

Congratulations President Obama

Martin For Sale

No one wants to buy my Martin!!!!

Hurricane Sandy and the Guitar

Will probably work out of Mickey Baker's Jazz Guitar book. Hurricane Sandy (as I type this no longer a hurricane) making the big news today.
Still would like to play in a blues band playing old stuff.

Fun

Played bass today in a band with my best friend on guitar, a drummer, and a singer. We'll be playing his 50th birthday party in January. Today I sang backup vocals as well as lead vocal on Mona, Pink Cadillac, Fire, Shake/Rattle/Roll. I'd like a Peavey Delta Blues amp.

Your author many many years ago

Daughter!

One of my two beautiful daughters!

Disgusted.

Looks like the guitar amplifier I borrowed from a friend has its reverb broken. Him being the kind person he is told me we can split the cost of the repair, but no way can I do that. My turntable is acting up. Very close to stopping piano. May give it one last shot with one more book purchase. I think I'm a guitar player.

Casino!

This Epiphone Casino is now mine. It's awesome!

Plodding Along

Just working slowly on the Christmas Song....and it's going slowly...
Played yesterday with the band at a gig for a retirement home, and things went ok. Tomorrow will be trading my PRS for the Epiphone Casino.

My Next Guitar?

Not happening

Fingers not cooperating with the piano tonight....

Take it Slow

Must not forget my own suggestion to be OK with taking this piano stuff SLOWLY; not rushing the learning. Worked on the Christmas song for a but and got a little frustrated with not remembering stuff; very helpful to remember how much it was a good idea with the other two songs to not rush learning if them, and to keep going back to them. By keep going back to them, I'm preventing that feeling of 'I learn them but then forget them' from getting the best of me. The Christmas song is sounding quite nice, I might add. Allowed myself to change a cluster that was too dissonant for my ears.

Good Music Day

Working on the Christmas Song. Here's the guitar I want: an Epiphone 60's Tribute Plus in Vintage Sunburst. It'll have to wait to be mine, though. Listened to the Moody Blues' "Days of Future Passed" with my son tonight.

My Martin D-16RGT

More thoughts (thanks Louis Armstrong)

I always wondered why rock stars want to be movie stars. And why movie stars want to be rock stars. I'm not "tooting my own horn" here, but I'm much better on guitar than I am on piano. But I'm drawn more to the piano. I feel more creative there. And I like the sounds that come out of a piano more than I like guitar sounds. And I really love beautiful piano ballad playing most. That's why the Sudnow Method continues to draw me in. It focuses me on ballad play, but with such sophisticated sounds that don't sound babyish. I guess for me to continue to make music, I'm coming to some kind of understanding. I don't think I can give up piano, because it just feels like its part of what I'm about. Funny that I don't feel that way about the guitar. The guitar is more like a fun thing for me whereas the Sudnow piano stuff gets closer to my soul. Like I said before, I have a friend (who is much better than I on piano) keep urging me to play songs that aren't just ballads. But I draw inspiration from people like Louis Armstrong and Thelonious Monk who played music they loved THEIR way.

Philadelphia Eagles Lost

And that's kind of the day musically it was for me. Should have practiced guitar but didn't. Worked on the Christmas song on piano and it's sounding good. Also went over my two other piano songs. Just a blah kind of musical day epitomized by the Eagles losing in overtime after I think they were up by 10 points in the 4th quarter. Not really knowing where I want the piano and guitar to fit in with my life. Will be playing guitar in a band with my best friend for his 50th birthday in January, and it should be a blast.

Merry Christmas

I may get an Epiphone Les Paul 60's Tribute. Sunburst. Merry early Christmas. Played one (not Sunburst) yesterday and liked it. Also played some Epiphone Dots yesterday and remain unimpressed. The day is young...played my two piano songs and began working on "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)." From now on I'll just refer to it as "The Christmas Song 2012." Looks like I originally worked on it in 2008, but it's a nice song worth relearning. Learning it Sudnow style. No one wants to buy my PRS. Been tempted a bit to use the Moody system again. Also might use a Jazz Book "Mickey Baker's Jazz Guitar" (from now on referred to as "the Baker book) as well as the Johnson book to learn guitar leads.

Thinkin' Out Loud

Possible Guitar Practice Regimen:

Johnson Book
Learning to Read in Different Positions
Baker Book
Play Along

Guitar

Started working on the Johnson book. Anticipating it might be a little difficult knowing when something is known well enough to move on. If I'm going to get serious about this self learning on the guitar, I'd probably do good to plan out how long I should practice specific topics. Oh yea, tonight is the Joe Biden / Paul Ryan Vice Presidential debate. Won't be watching.

Piano / Guitar

Played my two piano songs.

Also started the new guitar book: "Guitarist's Guide to Scales Over Chords / The Foundation of Melodic Soloing" by Chad Johnson. From hereon in I'll refer to this book as "the Johnson book." I'd like to add that I got access to the author's email, and he was kind enough to respond to some of my questions. Appreciate that!

I'd love to be able to express myself in my guitar solos but I've been so limited in doing that.

Having no luck selling my guitar and getting a new one :(

Radio

I am lying on the couch in my living room as my 15 year old's music that he's playing upstairs in his room is dripping down.....OK COMPUTER.

Remembering the Two

Happy Birthday John

Lennon, Guitar, Piano Blues

Ok, first things first: Happy Almost 72nd birthday to John Lennon who would have celebrated his birthday tomorrow.

As Dylan says, "Roll on John."

Still trying to figure out what to do with the guitar. Frustrated with piano.

Saturday

Still working on getting guitar....I got my eyes on an Epiphone Dot Studio...worked a little on piano .... No new song I tried really grabbed me... Still wondering if I should use the new guitar lead book I got .... Wondering if it's mostly just for rock/blues...I want to learn how to play leads on other types of songs...played my 2 piano songs...got the new Dylan album (Tempest) today, and will listen to it tomorrow.

Christianity

Reading "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis. A book to read a little bit at a time.

Presidential Debate (1)

Not in the mood to watch Romney vs. Obama (1) tonight.

Working,Thinking, Tempo, Piano, and Guitar

Still working on perfecting "Somewhere." A friend commented that I need to work on more up tempo stuff. However, when it's about me and the piano, I am much more drawn to the beauty of introspective ballads played with the sounds presented in the Sudnow Method.

Got my new guitar book delivered today; sure doesn't look elementary. When it comes to improvising or playing up tempo tunes, I'm more drawn to doing that stuff on guitar

Guitar

Looks like according to amazon tracking that I'll be getting my guitar book in the mail tomorrow. Yea!

The Bugs

Still working on ironing out the bugs with piano stuff.

Consolidation

Went over the two songs in my repertoire trying to clean them up. The next song may be "For Sentimental Reasons." Was losing interest in piano until I sat down tonight to play.

Looks like no one wants PRS. That's OK. Might save up for an Epiphone Dot Studio. It's not very expensive and seems cool.

Would really like to improvise guitar leads over songs. In this effort, yesterday I ordered this book: "Guitarist's Guide To Scales Over Chords-The Foundation Of Melodic Guitar Soloing." Time will tell if it'll help.

A Day to Post More Pictures

A Watercolor I did 4/12/01, copied from a watercolor instructional book.

A Day to Post More Pictures

Zoey! Picture taken today.

Blues

Just a thought....wouldn't it be great to be in a Blues band. I mean a REAL Blues Band that plays the good stuff that was written mostly prior to the 1970's......mostly obscure stuff....

Homecoming

A picture of my son about to attend his first formal dance ever: The 2012 Homecoming Dance

"Somewhere"

Ok so I recorded "Somewhere" finally today. Here is how it sounded (may need to copy and paste this link to your browser):

https://www.box.com/shared/2jhvf1uhcdekwc31c3h9

Next song may be a Christmas one.

Martin and PRS

Hodge Podge Friday

Tried recording "Somewhere" again with no success... Pretty good band rehearsal tonight; actually played some Christmas songs. Speaking of Christmas.....hey Santa, can I please have a Fender Blues Jr. amplifier, an Epiphone electric guitar, and the following effects pedals connected on a pedal board: Boss Blues Driver, Boss Digital Delay, and some kind of vibrato pedal, please????? My PRS is cool, but I think I'd like a guitar with a bigger body since the PRS keeps slipping down when I play seated. Put my PRS for sale, but no interest out there...

Attempt Part II

Just tried again to record "Somewhere." Unsuccessful. I obviously need to go over the same mistakes I keep making. Frustrated, but not as much as I might have thought I'd be. I'm going to get good at this piano song playing stuff.

Attempt

Attempted to record me playing "Somewhere" today. Nope.

Getting There with the Sudnow Method

"Somewhere" is getting there. Amazing how the hands just do what they're supposed to do as if by magic (sometimes).

Sunset

This is a picture of the sunset taken on the evening of my daughter's performance as Mrs. Potts in "Beauty and the Beast." I took this picture from my phone in a moving vehicle as my wife drove.

Back at the Piano

Back on the keys today working on my two songs...

Just a Little Lull

Really didn't feel it at the piano today. Maybe just burned myself at the piano yesterday.

Had a good practice with the band though. Feeling like getting into the guitar.

Just a little lull .... goes along with the Eagles loss today.

Practice, practice, practice

That's what it's all about if you want to do this music stuff. And I sure practiced that piano today. Still working on "Somewhere;" listened to the West Side Story version today on YouTube and it was inspiring. The comments that people wrote were also inspiring in talking about the beauty of the song.

Music Day

Have guitar lesson, played my PRS to some of the Doors' LA Woman CD, practiced piano, and will be seeing my daughter's final performance tonight in "Beauty and the Beast." She sings a beautiful version of the theme song.

Mrs. Potts

Daughter #1 was awesome last night in her performance as Mrs. Potts in "Beauty and the Beast." Unlike her dad, she has a beautiful singing voice! This was the first time that she had a big role in a production. Very very proud of her!!

Daughter 1 and Daughter 3 (Zoey)

Grandpop and Son

Wife!

Grandmom and Daughter 2

Lennon (Two "Versions")

Piano and Guitar

May be trying to get an Epiphone Casio or similar Epiphone in exchange for my PRS. May be doing more piano this weekend; band practice this Sunday. Played piano this morning. Musical with my daughter playing Mrs Potts is tonight and tomorrow!

Mrs Potts!

Daughter #2 to play the part of Mrs.Potts in "Beauty and the Beast!"

My Son's Father

My son.

BEST ALBUM EVER BY THE BEST BAND EVER WITH THE BEST SONGWRITERS EVER PACKAGED IN THE BEST ALBUM COVER EVER

EAGLES!

Great win today for the Eagles over the Ravens. Couldn't watch it due to being at a baseball game, but checked in on the Eagles periodically. Not sure why people aren't thinking we should go for Vick; throw some interceptions, and you are getting thrown out of town! Give him a break! Yea, I know about his problems with cruelty to animals. At first I was against him, but my thinking at this point is let's play football. And he sure is good at what he does. When he played for Virginia Tech, he played against my alma mater Florida State University for the championship, and lost to my team.

Musically, I'm taking it nice and slow with "Somewhere." I'm at the point in the song where the melody changes somewhat, and I'm just taking my time with that as well as taking my time going over "These Foolish Things."

Still thinking about marketing original songs....

Cool Saturday

Got new strings for the Martin. Sounds nice indoors, but outdoors just doesn't have the projection I'd like. Got it light FX strings...might try mediums next.

Continue to work on "Somewhere" Added a few measures, but will need continued practicing. Also added some clean up time to "These Foolish Things."

New Dylan CD released recently: Tempest. Didn't get it yet.

Band

Good band practice tonight. When I sing lead, the harmony that two other band members provide is great.

Fear and Doubt vs Reality

Interesting how I worked on my two piano songs today and the thought process that may have been going on recently.
As I ended working on song one "These Foolish Things," and continue to work on song two "Somewhere," the thought goes on something like: uh oh. My interest is going to fade because I'm going to forget song one, learn song two, etc. Its almost like I abandon my other child (song 1) in favor of the new baby (song 2). Hat tip to Billy Joel for the analogy of new songs = new born babies. Other thought creep in too, like: the old problems will resurface...I'm going to confuse parts of songs....
But I'm noticing a funny thing. Reality. I can still play song one ok while working on song 2. A couple of possible contributors:
A) I took my time learning song
One until it was learnt to
Play at a DECENT speed.
B) No rush to learn!

September 11, 2012

Had some time today and continued work on "Somewhere." Also did a little "These Foolish Things."

Somewhere begins

Worked on the first four measures of the song "Somewhere." Starting to get worried already that I'll forget "These Foolish Things!"

Choice Made

Made a choice for song number 2: "Somewhere," that beautiful song from West Side Story. I did it in the past, but now I really want to nail it. The Philadelphia Eagles won today, but they didn't look too good...

Picture Day (Part 4)

Here's a picture of my dad fooling around with my brother's guitar. My dad is "a cool rockin' daddy in the USA" to quote Mr. Bruce Springsteen!

Picture Day (Part 3)

Directly across from the piano. If you look closely, you'll see a picture of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band from about 1980, a picture of the one and only Louis Armstrong, and a picture of Frank "Tram" Trumbauer (he used to play sax with Bix Beiderbecke.

Picture Day (Part 2)

Here's my piano workstation (it's a discontinued Yamaha YDP-113).

Picture Day!

Here are some pictures of my current music machines: my Martin D16RGT, and my Korean made PRS.

"Born to Run" album cover 2012 ?

Just me and our sax/bass/keyboard player.

"These Foolish Things"

Broke my rule and decided to post my play. Here's "These Foolish Things," and you may need to copy and paste the link below:https://www.box.com/shared/5pf9n695sg76yudtz9dgNow on to song two....

September 6, 2012

Still working on "These Foolish Things." Interesting how carelessness sneaks in; spent some time tonight trying to get things right. Difficult to practice at night when tired and concentration diminishes.

September 5, 2012

Still working on "All the Things You Are." Its coming along OK. Keep on getting tempted to get into Gypsy Jazz on guitar... Edit on 9/10/12: I think I meant to say, "These Foolish Things" instead of "All the Things You Are!"

September 4, 2012

Continue to work on "These Foolish Things."

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, etc.

A great musical weekend. Started Friday playing for my coworker's wedding. Then last night saw Bruce Springsteen in concert in Philadelphia. What a fantastic show, indeed. Thanks, Bruce! My seat was way in the back in the 400 level up top, but no matter. Sound was great and I can see ok. What a great rock and roller. The best rock and roller out there, in my opinion, up there with the Rolling Stones. Won't spoil it for any readers who may see the show, but it rocked, and was also thoughtful. A highlight for me was when he played "Mona" and then went right into "She's the One." I've heard him do this in the past on a recording, but never really though I'd get to see him do it live. His rapport with the audience and showmanship, not to mention his musicianship, band, and songwriting, is phenomenal. On the way to and from Philly I listened to the David Sudnow course again, and continued work on "These Foolish Things."

Blue Moon . . .

After much hard work, me, the mandolin player, and our lead singer played for a wedding service last night. Really went well. Song list from us included:1) Blue Moon {with vocals} - (there was indeed a blue moon last night)2) The Wedding Song3) You're My Home4) We Are Many Parts5) When You Say Nothing at All (featuring the bride's daughter on lead vocal)6) Blue Moon(instrumental)Was really quite beautiful. The pastor really helped by providing us with microphones and sound system. Glad to report that our music probably helped make the day even more memorable for the bride and groom.Continued my work today on piano with "These Foolish Things."

Work

Worked throughout the day on "These Foolish Things." Its hard work today. Maybe my brain just needs a breather.

Thank You!

I recently received a "comment" to one of my recent posts regarding the Sudnow Method. It was encouraging, and I want to thank that individual for his comment. Here is his comment: "I have been involved with the Sudnow Method for nearly fifteen years and have been playing piano for over fifty years. The Sudnow Method was the most important and inspiring change to my piano playing that has ever occurred. Fortunately, I was able to spend time in my home with Mr. Sudnow several years before he died. He was an outstanding individual and a true genius. He made it very clear, in a nice way, that using your time wisely, focusing on his method, and practicing slowly without error was most important. Anything else was a waste. David was a great teacher. I think you have made a wise decision to concentrate with his methods. Hopefully you have a complete listing of all his dot songs (three books) and additional instructional aids. Best of luck and have fun." Pretty cool, huh? Thanks again for the encouraging comment!

Bruce Springsteen and The WHO

Going to see Bruce Springsteen in Philly on September 2nd, and seeing the WHO in Philly December 8th in Philly. December 8th will be 22 years to the day that John Lennon was murdered, and I wonder if the WHO will make reference to that at the show. It'll be odd seeing Springsteen without the late Clarence Clemons, but the shows sound like they have been great. The WHO will be playing the Quadrophenia album, and I hear that they will also play some "greatest hits" for encores. May be working with our keyboard player in an interesting (and possibly marketable) duet: me on guitar and him on harp. Did a lot of work today on the Sudnow song. Difficult to turn off the ego, the frustration, and the negativity. Will need to practice turning off that stuff.

Follow The Rules. Follow the Rules. FOLLOW THE RULES ! !

Found myself getting lazy with Sudnow's rules by trying to weasel out of one. Thought it wasn't THAT necessary. Then I played it again, following his rules. Sounds better following the rules. Won't be breaking that rule. Also still tempted to dive into the "Stride Piano Tricks" book.

August 25, 2012 and the Sudnow Method

Rehearsed yesterday with two fellow musicians for the upcoming wedding for which we'll be providing music for the service. Looking forward to my return to the Sudnow Method, but will probably need to curb my enthusiasm by taking it s l o w for best results. Regarding my return, a friend set me a cool quote which she correctly said applied to my return to Sudnow:     We shall not cease form exploration     And the end of all our exploring     Will be to arrive where we started     And know the place for the first time.      By T.S. Eliot. Focus today: Continue to work in a PATIENT NONRUSHED WAY on "These Foolish Things." As implied, the focus is on patience. What's the hurry? As Sudnow might say, I don't look like I'm going to die anytime soon.

These Foolish Things

Started work today on "These Foolish Things" using the Sudnow Method, and it's sounding nice. Feels good to be back.

Sudnow Method

On my travels yesterday I had a chance to listen again to my Sudnow Method CDs. And yes, I'm returning to his method. Some things I'll have to address, sooner or later, though: 1)Impatience. Impatience in trying to get a song learned quickly and recorded quickly so I can move on quickly. This impatience has resulted in songs played with pauses and hesitations that were ugly. SOLUTIONS: Dont let anyone hear any recordings for at least a year. Take your time. Do not move on to another song until the present song is practically perfect. And by practically perfect, I mean going at a pace that would be practically perfect too. Take your time with memorization. If it means putting off new songs, than put off new songs till later. No Rush.Do not worry about 'where will this lead me after 15 songs.'Just do it and we'll see later where it leads.

Still Floating Around

Will probably stay in the band I'm in and go back to some utilization of Sudnow's piano ideas. Might just do a little Beatles stuff with our keyboard player, and that is what may find itself in the band. Still might go for songwriting stuff....meeting with Mick tomorrow regarding songwriting and guitar stuff. Trying to see the WHO in Philly in December.

In Flux

Have a wedding to play in two weeks.... May be leaving the band....to focus on Beatles / songs of the 60's duet ..... don't feel excited by the band anymore and we seem to be getting no place very fast ..... Songwriting is in a drought.....thinking of piano (again).....may get together with Mick on Sunday....

Practice

Practiced two out of four major scale patterns from the scale book. Can hear the critic already: "You gonna remember all these scales? No way!" Will hang in there! Worked a lot recently on assembling material for our acoustic Beatles duo.

Theory + The Duet + The Beatles

Worked on some of the Barrett book today. Also working on getting songs ready for an acoustic duo I'm in focusing on Beatles songs and songs from that time period. Got an interesting Rolling Stone magazine yesterday focusing on the 100 best guitarists. I don't understand how Lennon and Harrison were included but McCartney wasn't. I could maybe excuse them for only including Harrison, but if you include Lennon, McCartney better be there too.

Theory

Contemplating seeing The Who perform ""Quadrophenia."Still trying to learn more theory work using the "Guitar Fretboard Workbook" by Barrett Tagliarino. Currently on page 20. So much to learn: not only general music theory but also fretboard knowledge...

Theory

While on vacation, I'm learning and soaking up all I can about music theory in theory in a great little book, "Pocket Music Theory," by Keith Wyatt and Carl Schroeder. They really give an easy way of learning the different sharps and flats of each key; I guess some call it the circle of 5ths or something like that - I never understood it until I saw it presented in this book, and they don't even use the term "circle." I anticipate that things will get more and more complicated as the book goes on, but I also anticipate it will be quite helpful stuff, too. On page 24 of about 172 pages. From my experience, too many music books just leave me lost in the wilderness of confusion. This book intends to keep it practical, and that's what I need.

GarageBand

Amazed by technology.... Recorded this by plugging my guitar into the iPad (using the iRig)and using GarageBand. https://www.box.com/shared/035e04e66f7888916776

Scales

Sent away for an inexpensive music theory book....also gonna learn this book: "The Guitarist's Scale Book" by Peter Vogl.

July 25, 2012

The two original songs? Not good enough. But won't give up. Got a beautiful white PRS guitar today in a trade...

Song #2

Working on song #2 with the lyricist.... Getting into guitar again ....

S o n g

Looks like a song the lyricist and I have been working on has a chance of being demoed soon.... Then possibly off to publishers.... Excited!

July 16, 2012

Couple of things: 1. Saw Roger Waters perform "The Wall" on July 14th...wow!!! Great show, great message, and what made it even better was I got to bond with my son by bringing him to the show. Great time in the car listening to Pink Floyd and the Beatles too. 2. Might be adding a drummer to the band....

July 7, 2012

Had a good time last nite playing with the band for about 34 senior citizens in a retirement type home. Was great: they seemed quite appreciative, and they seemed to enjoy us. That's what sharing music is about. Might be auditioning a drummer soon.

E X P A N S I O N

Been working with a successful lyricist. We've been working on an original, and he suggests it's about 90% ready to be sent to publishers for consideration; needs some polish. Also putting my toes in the water with regards to possibly joining a band. The present band I'm in has a gig tomorrow as well as a gig sometime next week. Been looking at guitars on line....(sigh....) Listened to the latest Beach Boys album yesterday, and today doing some listening to Springsteen's Wild, Innocent, and E Street Shuffle album.

June 25, 2012

Been getting into my first musical love, the BEATLES, again. What started it is playing on the piano yesterday some of their songs. Brilliant. Picked out eight songs that are originals that I'll hopefully be presenting to a collaborator soon. Who knows....wouldn't it just be something if one . . . yea, even just one gets published? Yea, yea, yea !

Sorry, but....

....it's been a frustrating day with music. Fighting with GarageBand, not a focused day.

GUITAR

The guitar is calling me again. Met a neighbor who has been a successful lyricist and may do some collaborating there. May go to a local music store today to check it out. The piano, in my hands, can be such a source of good feeling as well as frustration... Looking to get back into songwriting which I haven't gotten into in a bit.

When You Wish Upon a Star

Here's how it sounded this morning: May need to copy and paste the following link to your browser: https://www.box.com/shared/62488e63509967533d01

June 21, 2012

Was up early this morning and had the opportunity to work on the Disney song....worked on the middle section; also worked on ending it an octave higher with non colored chords in left hand.

First Day of Summer

A little frustrated getting my fingers to cooperate fully with the clusters I'm working on in "When You Wish Upon a Star." Wish I could move quicker from cluster to cluster.

Working on Wishing

Working on When You Wish Upon a Star, using my notation. Sounding ok! Not convinced I'm into the larger, Black Gospel type of chords, at least not yet.

Father's Day, 2011

Nice dad's day today. Daughter #1 hung up signs in the stairway greeting me; got a nice card, Amazon gift certificate, out to dinner, then Rita's Water Ice. Trying to walk one hour a day; today took a walk to some local stores including purchases of stationary to help with my notation system that I'll try to use on lead sheets. Played around with some of the system integration. On the back burner, is maybe learning Sudnow's stride voicings for at least the dominants. Chilling tonight listening to Blues Piano on Pandora. Worked earlier on p. 12 and 13 of the Improvising Blues Piano book by Tim Richards. Summary of Piano Stuff I'm Doing: 1)Learning to play songs using some ideas I learned from the Sudnow Method for Major Chords and Minor Chords; utilizing the Moody System to play notes associated with Dominant and other chords. 2) Using the Richards book.

Notation

Working on a notation system that I can use to signify on lead sheets what Moody clusters I choose to use. Pounding that practice of the clusters (four for each note). Waiting to work on five more notes out of twelve that I've been working on.

The Clusters

Still working on getting the Moody clusters ingrained....

OVER THE RAINBOW

Here's how it sounded yesterday....may need to copy the link below and paste it to your browser: https://www.box.com/s/b20c8783a5d9c8a61aea

Over and Over the Rainbow

Its about the 47th time I've worked on it, but worked hard tonight on getting "Over the Rainbow" down. Still struggling, but it's OK. Talked to an old friend today who is awesome on piano; he suggested, and I tried with some success, to sometimes play in a higher octave. Still struggling with when to use Moody vs Sudnowish clusters.

Its Getting There

Ok......getting there. Will use Moody System for mostly Dominants and Sudnowish Rules for Majors and Minor 7ths. This will involve the following: 1. Memorization of Sudnowish major chord notes. 2. Memorization of Sudnowish minor chord notes. 3. Memorization of four Moody chord clusters for each note. I'm coming along nicely with the above three tasks. What the ultimate goal will entail, though, will be having the ability to play changes QUICKLY while reading from a lead sheet.

C o n f u s i n g (Part 2)

I can't just do the Sudnow Method alone, because I'd like to play by ear. And because the dominant voicings are too much of a pain for me to deal with. And because if I just learn a song, and it sounds beautiful, I forget it quickly. But I love it's sounds. Moody stuff offers me the advantage of a play by ear system that makes sense to me. But the issue for me regarding just using this method is what to do when dissonance isn't desirable. Still trying to make sense of integrating all. Not as easy as it may sound "on paper."

Confusing!

Tried a bit tonite experimenting with some Sudnow-like chords. Yuck. It confused the heck out of me, and wasn't really giving the true Sudnow sound. Back to most my original Sudnow-Moody combo. The Moody stuff, to me, is so refreshing. No highbrow music terminology mumbo-jumbo...truly (to me, anyway) a revolutionary way of looking at music ad being just music, without the usual approach. Will still combine the Moody/Sudnow approaches, but not quite in the way I envisioned it today.

June 7, 2012

Trying to memorize some Sudnowish chord stuff.

June 6, 2012

Still working on getting those Moody clusters. Played a little by ear too, using the clusters. Will probably get a different Moody volume soon to work on some non scale tone clusters.

June 3, 2012

Just about got four clusters for each of the C, D, E, F, G, A, and Bb notes using the Moody system. Getting there....getting there.....

Every little bit helps

Was able to only squeeze a small amount of practice time at the piano today; reviewed Moody clusters.

May 28, 2012 / Memorial Day /

Just a thank you out there if any vets out there are reading this on Memorial Day. Today has been a grueling but rewarding day at the piano. Learned and tried to ingrain in my brain four Moody clusters for each of the following notes: C, D, E, F, G, and A. Yes, I might know them, but it's difficult to implement them in the context of a song. Also, could not resist. I'm on page 12 of the Improvising Blues Piano book.

No Blues For Now

Decided, I think, not to use the Blues Book. Not yet, anyway. I'd love to be able to play that style, but my life at this point just won't allow all that practice time needed to add that in!! Will continue with my Sudnow/Moody Method, collaborating with Mick, playing in the band, and work on personal songwriting. That is more than enough, so sorry, no blues improv now! Enjoying the Moody stuff. Difficult making my hands: 1) Remember clusters 2) Move with the desired speed from cluster to cluster

May 27, 2012

Regarding work with Moody's material, finished working on notes C, D, E, F, and G; four clusters for each note. Just two more to go before moving out notes outside the key of C. Just might find myself getting into the "Improvising Blues Piano" book tonight...

May 25, 2012

Good band rehearsal tonight. Added more songs; playing a party soon, a wedding ceremony soon, and a retirement type village soon.... Must get back to songwriting!!

May 24, 2012 / Blues

I really like piano ballads. So I'll continue doing what I'm doing with the Sudnow/Moody stuff. Today I'll probably work on adding some Moody clusters related to the "F" note. Been listening to a Pandora station I made consisting of blues piano.....that "Improvising Blues Piano" book is calling.... Some of the piano blues I listened to was really cool!

May 23, 2012

Working still on the C,D, and E clusters. Gonna pull out "Improvising Blues Piano" tonight for fun.

Music Creativity

My deceased cousin had perfect pitch and could play any song wonderfully at the drop of the hat. I remember asking him if he can play, say, an Fmin7#9 chord. He said that ain't music. Elsewhere, you hear music isn't dots on a page. In other circles, you might be prone to hear that learning the classical way is the only way. Before my cousin died, he suggested that I open the top of my piano, and put a microphone in it to amplify the sound. He spoke with enthusiasm. That's what music is.

Taking it Slow and Enjoying it

The post title above says it all. Really liking the Moody System. Added clusters for the "E" note today.

Glen Campbell

Saw Glenn Campbell last night in concert. Went with my wife, my best friend, and my best friend's wife. My buddy paid for dinner and the tickets, and what a great show it was... I did not know that Glenn was such a great guitar player. Even though he has Alzymers, his voice was spot on. The fact that three of his kids played in the band with him only added even more poignancy to the show. "I am a Lineman for the county...."

Taking it S L O W

Tried learning 7 clusters for the "C" note and 7 for the "D" note. Found out that is just too many at this time!!! Asking too much of myself by going for 7. Reduced that for a more reasonable expectation.

I N T E R M I S S I O N

Here's the scoop: Went out to lunch yesterday with my son, his friend, and the friend's dad in honor of my recent birthday. Came home, walked through the door.....SURPRISE!!!! My wonderful wife planned a surprise party for me!!!! Had a jam that included me on guitar, my best friend played guitar too, my brother played bass and a little guitar, and two of my band mates were there too: one played keyboard, and the other played mandolin. An unforgettable day...

May 19, 2012

Worked today on learning the new Moody clusters for the "C" note that I picked out yesterday. To soon give a guitar lesson today to a kid in the neighborhood.

May 18, 2012

Went to the Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, PA today. Got my D-16RGT restrung as well as worked on a bit. Took the factory tour, played a guitar that I think lists for about $6,000, and saw some exhibits. Worked on finding appropriate chords for the "C" Melody note using the Moody system. Want to try to learn a number of clusters for Melody Notes.

May 17, 2012

Off from work today and tomorrow. Will probably focus today on reading, relaxing, piano, organizing, and composing....tomorrow, I'm off from work again, and will be visiting the Martin Guitar factory. Monday I have 1/2 day of work because I'll be seeing Glenn Campbell in concert that evening. Tuesday I have off again and will probably have the same agenda as today. Why all the time off from work?? Happy Birthday to me!

Recording: The Good and the Bad

Recording my piano playing has its positives and it's negatives. The positives include the idea that I can Really hear how I sound. The negatives include the idea that I can Really hear how I sound. Listening back can be a frustrating yet very useful practice.....it illuminates problems that were just glossed over during practicing a song. When you think something sounds ok, it can be illuminating to hear it back and say, well....remember that part of the song that you glossed over? Well it sounds it!!

Perfecting the Rainbow

Spent some time today working on and perfecting "Over the Rainbow." Sounding nice.

Hesitant

A friend listened to my "When You Wish..." and gave what I thought was cool feedback. It's not that it was too slow...not even that it was too dissonant....but rather it was hesitant. Excellent! That's it! Using Sudnow's teaching may help.

Tempo

I think I may take some time to possibly just work on my existing three songs. It'd be nice to get them to a place where there is more of a smoother and faster tempo and with less mistakes.

"When You Wish Upon a Star"

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! This song has some sentimental value for me: I think my mom took me to see this movie many years ago. My mom now has Alzymers. So Happy Mother's Day, mom! Here's "When You Wish Upon a Star" using mostly a combination of Moody's and some of Sudnow's ideas. You may need to copy and paste the following link: https://www.box.com/shared/54ba36d1ab468a5efa3a

Individuality vs Tradition vs Easy vs Difficult

Reading a couple of good books: "The Perfect Wrong Note" and "Free Play." Also played my three repertoire songs today. So where are we? Let's see. Looks like playing for me may be an attempt to resolve some tensions including: to what extent do I keep it easy as possible, but does this sacrifice technical skills that may in the short run be boring and tedious but ultimately rewarding? To what extent is focusing on my own way of playing using my present strategies a great way for me to express myself creatively and in my individual way, or to what extent is that a cop out? Let's see. I'm almost 50 years old. I think I'm going to keep the status quo. I want to have fun and express myself without the pressure of pressure. If I dabble in other methods or programs, cool. But let's continue to focus on what keeps me at the piano.

Feedback

Some constructive feedback from me about my last recording (see posting I made earlier today). Need to work on tempo; more consistent as well as faster speed.

All The Things You Are, 2012

Ok, here's how "All the Things You Are" is sounding today....used my combination of Sudnow and Moody systems and I think some regular chords.... May need to copy and paste the following link. http://www.box.com/shared/4f20f5b9ed95c2b12588

M U S I C

Here's the rundown where I'm at and want to be: 1) PIANO - I keep getting drawn back to although it is obvious that I play guitar better than I play piano. Trying to learn ballad type of music on piano using the ideas of Gregory Moody and David Sudnow. 2) BAND - In a four piece band currently. Some of us also play at our Catholic Church. We can't think of a name, we play mostly for free, but would really like to get paying jobs even if the pay is minimal. I play guitar and sing a little. 3) SONGWRITING I: Collaborating with an old friend. Trying to create something marketable. 4) SONGWRITING II: Would like to write more songs on my own that are not necessarily commercial. 5) MISCELLANEOUS: Learn fingerpicking, stride guitar, improv., etc....

Star Wishing

Decided against having "Somewhere" as the next song. Will work on "When You Wish Upon a Star" since it is already in C. Played a little of it today 100% Moody, and it sounds nice.

F O C U S

Regarding piano....be best to keep focus on my goal: learn how to play MANY songs with good voicings. AND not be too frustrated in the process. I think focusing on the Moody system might help more in that. Next song, I'll be doing the West Side Story song: Somewhere. I'm going to try to convert the melody into numbers to play with the Moody voicings I know now. This might help with lessening frustration while using sophisticated sounds...

May 5, 2012

Working on All the Things You Are; not as much fun as Over the Rainbow...

May 4, 2012

Hmmmm. What should be the music plan for the upcoming weekend? I know our band will be practicing tonight. That's a given. But I need to spend some learning time at the piano as well as work on the song collaboration stuff.

May 1, 2012

Happy May, everyone! Some complications are coming up that ultimately might be helpful in my piano learning, but they will be helpful, I think, only to the extent I keep my ultimate goal(s) in mind which include: amassing a large repertoire of songs that are not easily forgotten, as well as having them sound sophisticated with some dissonance, with possibly playing songs on the fly from Fakebooks an ultimate goal. Herein lies the complication: I think in order to sound a bit less dissonant (which might be a desirable thing at times), I might use some Sudnow ideas for some dominant chords, whereas my original plan was to use Moody clusters for dominants. I realized that dominants are simply majors with a b7. So for some dominants, I just might add a 9th along with the regular chord. It's all going to depend in the sound I want as well as ease of play. Trying it today with "All the Things You Are," and it's not really as easy as it sounds. I might find myself using mostly Sudnow ideas, but using Moody's when I want an extra dash of sweet dissonance [or when I can't utilize a Sudnowish cluster quick enough :)]. What might be helpful is making notations on lead sheets when I am to use what as reminders.

April 30, 2012 (Farewell to April)

Not a lot of time spent today creating or playing music. Playing "Over the Rainbow" sounding pretty good. Worked a bit on "All the Things You Are" and looks like I might have to bite the bullet a bit and learn a new Moody cluster for the "G" note. Farewell to April...see ya tomorrow, May.....

New Song

Looks like my next song will be "All the Things You Are." I am a bit concerned because it looks like the extent to which I will have difficulty remembering a song is directly related to the amount of song that depends on my utilization of some of Sudnow's ideas. Moody's system just has the student memorize consistent clusters. Sudnow's system, though, has a more complex way of doing things. I won't change my strategy, though, and abandon Sudnow's ideas. No way. His stuff has potential to sound quite beautiful! Perhaps continued practice will help here. Just a bit concerned that I'll have the same problem that my merging of the two systems was hoped to have minimized: The Ability to Play A Lot of Songs !!!!

Hello to the UK !

One of my piano buddies lives in the UK and gave me some very good feedback about my Over the Rainbow. In essence, the feedback consisted of the opinion that sometimes it was too dissonant. So I played around with the song today. I concluded that sometimes I can use the dissonance when I'm in the mood or when there's a big chord out there; on the other hand, I don't always have to cluster every note. Thanks to my UK Piano Buddy!

Over the Rainbow 2012

Here is how "Over the Rainbow" is sounding today: https://www.box.com/s/eb952ad399a72e2b84c7 Note: You may need to copy and then paste the link above to your computer in order to play it.

April 28, 2012

Hello out there to one of my piano buddies out there who recently sent me an email! Thanks for your support!! Last night our band played at a local bookstore. We played two sets, and it went quite well. I played my acoustic guitar which was miked to the PA and I sang some; we had a singer, keyboard player who also sang, and another guitarist who also sang. The other guitarist played electric guitar, and he played the bulk of the nice sounding leads. One of the highlights was a very nice version of "Summertime." Today I'll be giving a guitar lesson to a neighborhood youngster, and I plan on getting more piano practice.

Enjoyment!

Well. It works. Combining the Sudnow and Moody strategies has been working nicely. I'm on to something here. "Over the Rainbow" is sounding quite nice! Been listening a lot to the Rolling Stones lately... Friday night my band is playing at a local bookstore. Songwriting has been suffering lately since I've gotten back into the piano, but I won't give that up. Thanks go out to David Sudnow and Gregory Moody for making the piano accessible to adult amateurs. And thanks to my piano buddy out there who has been encouraging. It looks like I am actually playing piano.... Beauty!

Feedback and Reflections.....

Got generally good feedback from the folks who listened to my "Over the Rainbow."I think I am really onto something good combining the two approaches. The secret for me might be to keep practicing playing different clusters for notes in quick time. Interesting mixing dissonance with less dissonance. Want to not add new Moody clusters yet. Want to get used to quicklyusing the ones I know now by learning how to change between them quickly. And want to get really as familiar with them as I am with the first position "C" chord before moving on too quickly to tackle other clusters.

April 24, 2012

Working on "Over the Rainbow" using my combined approach. Sounds ok!

April 23, 2012

Managed to have a productive yet frustrating piano day. Finished learning my Moody clusters (for now, anyway, as more can be added), and played part of one song using my combined system, and it sounded quite good. But then I played part of a different song, and, well, the dissonance got on my nerves. If I keep using this system, I'm thinking I'll sound really the same with all the dissonance. Wonder if it's dissonant depending on key of song. Made a recording of the second song and sent it to five friends asking them if the dissonance was too much...

April 22, 2012

Feeling the pull of the piano again, so I've been focusing on my Sudnow/Moody stuff. Getting back into it today. Major chords called for? I'll use Sudnow inspired chord. Minor chord called for? That's Suds inspired again. Dominant style or more complex than that called for? I'll try a Moody chord. Like everything else worrhwhile, I'm thinking that the success of this integrative method will depend on the amount of practice as well as the quality of the practice. The problem is juggling this with my other activities.

April 21, 2012

Played wedding ceremony today as well as during cocktail hour. Learned more about soloing: Simply knowing the key to a song will not guarantee good notes to pick during a solo. So will go back to the Barrett book "Chord Tone Soloing" rather than just learn from a scale book. Missing playing piano a bit; may go back to me Sudnow/Moody system...

April 17, 2012

Songwriting! Got two tunes; finished recording very rough version of "The Cost" today using Mick's music and my lyrics. I keep changing parts of "I've Waited So Long For You." It's time to put that one away, but I keep changing drums, violins, etc. Move on!!!
Not sure about the lyrics I'll be putting to Mick's next tune, but I think mine will be another retread of an older song I wrote called "Another Sleepless Night."

Want to continue to work on developing my lead guitar technique; would also love to try out one of those Gibson Les Paul Special and/or Junior that is a double cutaway and is TV yellow. I'm really attracted to Gibson double cutaways, but not the SG Model that has horns too pointy for me.

This weekend I'll be playing for a wedding ceremony as well as during cocktails with another member of our band.

April 13, 2012

Recently recorded an original song called "I've Waited So Long For You" and send it off to my collaborator Mick for consideration...we have three tunes now that we are to work on....

Happy Easter; April 8, 2012

Played for two Easter Masses today; went well. I was the main event for "Oh Mary Don't You Weep," and it went over well! It'd be nice to have a Mass of mostly Old Black Gospel music, and we are lucky to have a pastor who enjoys that type of music.

Worked on the third major scale pattern today. Still trying to collaborate in songwriting with Mick.

Happy, blessed Easter to all.

April 4, 2012

Still working on the first two major scale patterns.

April 3, 2012

Working on the major scale today (guitar). I think I have two positions known.

Lead guitar

I think I'll use this book: "The Guitarist's Scale Book" by Peter Vogl.

April 2, 2012

Played a recent gig with 3/4 band members that went quite well. Really sounding nice since adding the new bandmate on vocals.

But the breaking story is me meeting up with an old friend yesterday who I haven't seen since about 1980. This is the guy that got me into the Rolling Stones as well as the blues, I believe.

Was really good to talk to him (I'll call him "Mick") as we have a lot in common. To summarize, we will be trying to collaborate on songwriting. He lives over two hours away from me, but with modern technology, that should not be a big obstacle.

He gave me a couple of CDs of his work, and the guy's stuff is awesome.

Will keep updating.

March 25, 2012

Got introduced to Pattern 2 in the Tone Soloing book.

March 24, 2012 (Addendum)

Working on Pattern 1 scale in the Chord Tone Soloing book. Also, actually recorded a bit of a melody I just started working on.

Got a notebook to start writing down stuff: song lyric ideas, collaboration notes, etc.

March 24, 2012

It's mid afternoon, and most of my music time today so far was spent at the piano, reorienting myself to my Sudnow/Moody strategy. Earlier today I gave a guitar lesson to a youngster in the neighborhood; looks like that might continue for awhile.

Yesterday we had band practice that went fairly well. 3/4 of us will be playing for the Make a Wish organization next week.

Later today I will be getting back into the "Chord Tone Soloing" book for guitar.

And who knows, maybe create a little today??

Time to Create

It's time to create. Spending too much time trying to learn an instrument, for me anyway, possibly has incurred the cost of losing creativity. Sure I can always improve on piano and guitar, and I'm not going to give up learning.

But it's time for the learning to take a "back seat" to the creating. Not bragging, but I certainly know enough about guitar playing to create. And no one ever called John Lennon an expert on piano.

The learning can go on indefinitely, but there's no point in just waiting for some illusory endpoint to be reached when I might say, "I know enough to start creating."

Songwriting. Playing for the fun of it as I simultaneously learn lead guitar. Songwriting using the tools I've already learned on piano.

No more just taking courses after courses to learn things. Time to graduate to the world of music creation using the tools I have already.

March 18, 2011

Changed the name of my blog to better represent my current direction. Welcome to the next part of the journey!

Piano? What's a piano??

Had an absolute blast tonight with the band's gig tonight. Tempted to use the piano as firewood and stick withe the guitar. A great show. We played for free for a residence of older folks, and it really went well. Our new singer really adds our potential up a few more notches. Only played about an hour. The worst part is lugging equipment to these gigs. It was nice to be appreciated (actually listened to) by folks who sang along and some even danced. Not used to getting applause, but we received some nice applause after every song. Some songs we did: Under the Boardwalk, Mary Don't You Weep, Danny Boy, Be bop a lula, Hey Good Lookin', Memphis, The Way You Look Tonight, Tequila, Sleepwalk, Silouettes, Route 66, Norwegian Wood, and more.
Oh yea.... The name of the band is The Cat's Meow.

Not bad!!!!

Worked on "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" tonight, and I must admit that it didn't sound too bad at all. It looks like I'm on to something here with this strategy of mine. My playing isn't as smooth as I would like (an ongoing problem), but hey, I was able to get through the whole song.

Learning that in order for me to use this strategy to its full advantage that I will have to incorporate a certain degree of flexibility. For example, not being too rigid about playing all the notes that I specified in my major and minor rules.

The "Chestnuts" song is a great opportunity to get used to the Eb chord.

Satisfied with where this is going.

Two side notes:

Our band will be playing about an hour set tomorrow night. May get some video for an eventual Facebook page. This gig tomorrow will be out of the ordinary for us in that it will be the debut gig for our new singer who just happens to be a great addition.

Lastly, April 1 will be an interesting musical day for me. I'm getting together with an old high school guitar playing friend to talk about possibly collaborating on song writing. The last time I would have seen him was 32 years ago!! Here's a great tasteful player, and he's the guy who got me into the Rolling Stones.

Practice Strategy

Ok, I think I came up with a possible solution to my problem noted in the post below. While I do think that practicing songs is important, I think to get a better handle on the Moody system I'll try something somewhat new.

What I'll try to do is play those Moody note clusters in random order as part of practicing in order to get them in hand better. For example, trying to play a B cluster, then a Bb cluster, then an Ab cluster, than a different B cluster, etc., etc., etc.

It's really important, I think, to get those Moody clusters in hand because they are really handy to go to in clutch moments.

This is hard !

Trying to use my Sudnow/Moody system isn't as easy as originally thought! I'm trying to run through some tunes, and it is difficult going!

My fear is that I will end up resorting to what got me in trouble with the Sudnow Method, namely, learning songs but then forgetting them if I don't play them enough. My thought, though, is that by learning a bunch of songs utilizing my hybrid method, the clusters will naturally become engrained (sooner or later) since I am limiting the note choices in each chord.

Difficult stuff trying to integrate (what I thought was) memorized stuff within the context of a song.... A lot easier in theory and in my head than it is in practical application in song playing.

Tempting to toss out the Sudnow part of the equation and focus on just using Moody stuff because I find it's easier to play by ear utilizing the Moody style. However, using just the Moody style sacrifices the less dissonant sounds of the Sudnow Method style.

March 14, 2012

Looks like I know two Moody clusters for each note. It will be a matter of Quickly being able to make the cluster changes from note to note (whether using a Sudnowish cluster or a Moody cluster) especially within the context of a song.

March 13, 2012

Looks like I have only one more note to learn two Moody clusters for: B.

March 12, 2012

Forgot how cool the Moody system can be. Looks like I have two more notes (four clusters) to memorize before working seriously on a song using my combination of the Sudnow and Moody systems.

March 11, 2012

Still working on memorizing clusters, etc.

March 10, 2012

Slow down, Mr. Billy Shears. Beautiful piano sounds take time to develop.
Here's where I stand today:

1) Learning the major chords for C, D, E, F, G, A, B, Ab, Eb, Bb.
But for them, utilizibg the Left Hand Sudnow formula while for the Right hand only using the 3rd and the 6th for most of them.

2) For minors, using the Sudnow formula, but ditching the mnemonics and just counting steps.

3) For every other chord, learning two Moody clusters associated with each note.

Trying to keep it simple; but the Moody clusters as well as some Sudnow configurations should add some color.

Band Rehearsal

Interesting rehearsal tonight; added a female singer who just might add the right touch. Was enjoyable playing guitar tonight given that I've been so piano focused recently. Enjoyed playing my acoustic and singing "Norwegian Wood" while other members sang harmony and the keyboard player adds a nice accordion touch to it. Also enjoyed playing what comes natural: electric guitar to "Memphis" and "That's All Right Mama."I also love playing and singing the old song covered by Bruce Springsteen, "Oh Mary Don't You Weep." We'll be playing a benefit show a week from today.

So.....Back to piano land, I wonder if I should eliminate one note of the major chords....can't be the third...can't be the 9th..... would have to be the 6th or 7th....will have to experiment.

In playing piano today, it is becoming clear that I might have to add one more Moody cluster to each note.

March 9, 2012

Ok, so I'm individualizing this plan, how about making it a little more individualized? Heres what I'm thinking....instead of having four possible notes plus a melody note, how about three?

M U S I C

To just sit at the piano and be able to play and create wondrous, dreamy, and heavenly sounds. To create at the piano beautiful melodies with beautiful accompaniment. To be able to express at the piano all emotions....love, anger, hurt, anger...
To be able to put sound to that which is inexpressable with mere words. To give glory to God.

Sudnow/Moody

Making progress with my Sudnow/Moody combination method. Learning a quicker way of playing the minors, and continuing to work on my Moody clusters.

Pretty soon, pretty soon, I'll be working on an actual song.

One upcoming barrier I can see in the distance is that I'll probably have to learn two clusters for each Moody note. But eventually.

March 8, 2012

Almost done making the summary sheet that is similar to the one shown in yesterday's post. Things going well. I do think that I am on to something in integrating the Sudnow and Moody systems in a way personalized for me. I realize it's going to take some time, but again, I like where this seems to be going.

Summary Sheet

MAJORS

C = All white except F
D = B E C# F#
E = all black except Bb
F = A G E F
G = B E A F#
A = B C# F# G#
B = All Black

MINORS

C = Gary Dornhoefer
D = Albert Einstein
E = B F#
F = Carey Grant
G = D A
A = E B
B = F# C#

COMMON FLATS

Eb = C D F G
Ab = F G Bb C
Bb = C A G D

MOODY NOTES WORKED ON

Bass. Cluster

Bb. C
Eb. Db
F. D (2 types)
Ab or C. Eb
F. E
Bb. F
D. F#
A. G

March 4, 2012

The new scheme seems to be working. Playing on the fly (or should I say playing on the snail's pace), but I like the scheme so far! Going to take time, but the combination of the Sudnow and Moody ideas seems to be fruitful.

Here's what I'm doing:
1)Memorized Sudnowian options for the major chords that do not have accidentals (except Ab, Bb, and Eb because they seem to be used frequently.
2)Memorized Sudnowian options for minors (none with accidentals).
3)Working on memorizing Moody clusters for all 12 notes.

Thus, for major chords without accidentals (except the 3 noted above) as well as Minor chords without accidentals, I can use Sudnow clusters. For all other notes, I can use Moody clusters.

The idea is interesting, and I must say, the sounds are nice also.

Will just take time to get clusters in my hands quickly.

March 3, 2012

Just still experimenting with the new scheme. Working on memorizing Sudnow and Moody clusters.

March 2, 2012

A New Scheme

Trying to memorize available cluster note clusters for major and minor chords of C, D, E, F, G, A, B; and major chords of Bb, Eb and Ab.

For all other notes, use Moody clusters!

If it seems to be working, might try memorizing other stuff. Will probably practice songs in the key of C first as a test case.

Memorizing available Sudnow note clusters using mnemonics.

Reading what appears to be a cool book: Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original by Robin D.G. Kelley. Inspiring how a musician can focus on his own artistic vision and trust that vision in the face of conventional standards.

Hmmmmmm.

Working on a plan here....

What if....I use Sudnow vocings for Majors and Minors, and Moody's clusters for dominants???? This is similar to the Feb 4 post... Kind of.

February 27, 2012

Working on the Alan Swain Book 1: Cmaj7 - Dm7 - Em7

February 25, 2012

Looks like I might utilize Alan Swain's material again to help with piano.....!

February 25, 2012

Working on reorienting myself to the clusters in Moody's system.

February 24, 2012

I really can't seem to stay away from the piano. I miss the Moody system, and I'm just gonna have to get back to it. I think I'll just stay in the key of "C."

And nope, I'm not giving up the guitar.

To just turn off the critic, and have fun....and try to not compare my play to folks more proficient.

I do indeed have music inside that would be wonderful to express....

Would just love to do more composing and less criticizing.

To just be into the world of music where worlds open up.... where expressions of humanity touch the beauty that is beyond words...

February 18, 2012

I am all over the place musically....tomorrow will be playing with another guitarist and a keyboard player to benefit the 40 Days of Life prolife movement.

Today, worked on guitar as well as piano stuff.

Guitar-wise, worked on learning the major scale in two different positions. Learned about lead stuff on a guitar forum, too.

Piano-wise, I just don't know what the heck I'm into these days *sigh*
Been into Sudnow stuff again today....worked on the West Side Story song, I think its called "Somewhere." Just don't know where I'm going with the piano...its complicated...I like playing songs the Sudnow way, but I seem to forget them too easily...been thinking of memorizing chord/note clusters or stride voicings to have the stuff in my hands quickly, but as Charlie Brown would say....maybe I'll just flap my arms and fly to the moon too!

February 15, 2012

Made a chart of how to form 21 piano chords....will be trying to use them Sudnow style in terms of fingering, but not in terms of colors. Stay tuned.

February 13, 2012

Practiced the 2 major scales (associated with the C and A CAGED positions).

February 11, 2012

Will be working with Barrett Tagliarino's book: Chord-Tone Soloing.

February 10, 2012

Getting into the guitar again, and decided to include my interest in both instruments in this blog....

Still staying with Moody's material for the piano.

I am much more comfortable on guitar. Currently have a MIM Fender Strat that I play through a Fender Mustang III, and a Martin D16RGT. Been looking to improve my lead playing ability. Currently in a band with two other players: one friend plays keyboards; the other plays guitar and mandolin.

February 8, 2012

Not a great piano day. Practiced a bit while tired. The dissonance in the chord clusters was annoying.

Ear Training

Technology again is helping. Recently got an "app" for my iPhone that helps teach note intervals. Using that with Jamie Aebersold's list of songs that help get those intervals learned. Examples:

1/2 step increase in tone = Jaws theme
1/2 step decrease in tone = Joy to the World

1 whole step increase = Can You Feel the Love Tonight (I picked this song over Aebersold's suggestions)
1 whole step decrease in tone = Yesterday

I figure this stuff will be helpful in the effort to play by ear. Since the Moody approach I'm using focuses on playing by melody note, it seems that it will be helpful to learn ear training of note intervals.

February 7, 2012

Nice and slow does it. Added a few clusters today associated with the Bb note. Using "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" as a model to pick clusters I like.

February 5, 2012

Added another cluster; playing around with songs.

February 4, 2012

I'll be practicing today, so I'll add more to this post as the day progresses.....

However, did a little thinking this morning.....I wonder if it's possible (or just asking too much)to merge the Sundow and Moody systems in the following way(s): I wonder if it's feasible to memorize selected Sudnow clusters for Major Chords and/or Minors, and use Moody clusters for notes associated with other chords..... My thinking is that there might then be some dissonance, but in a more measured way....
It would entail a lot of memorizing!
Just an idea.........

Worked today on adding a cluster, and "Edelweiss" and "When You Wish Upon a Star."

Last notes for the day:
Played some songs and the dissonance got on my nerves again. Again was thinking of going to the Swain material.... But then it happened....

I played Over the Rainbow, and even a slow version of the Rocky Theme mostly by ear! I say "mostly by ear" because I did cheat by writing out the notes, but I liked it. Actually playing a real song "mostly by ear!" Now don't get me wrong, the sound was messy but I like it!

This is a major deal for me because I usually play the I, IV, V chords in most all other stuff I've previously played by ear.

A significant day!

The more I practice playing clusters, the quicker I can make the changes from cluster to cluster, and the more clusters I learn, the more sound options I have...

February 2, 2012

Reading more of the handbook; working on my clusters.

February 1, 2012

Added a B note cluster. Reading more from the Handbook. Need practice making fast changes to clusters.

January 31, 2012

Working on getting my hands used to those clusters. Added two new clusters today. I now have two clusters for the following notes: C, D, E, F, G, and A.

Reading the handbook also today, going slowly to better understand the material.

January 30, 2012

Ok, so I am totally jazzed up about the Moody material. Today just worked on consolidating the clusters I know already.

I think for 2012 my goals will be:
Short Term: Get a lot of practice using two clusters for each note in the key of C. Take my time.
Long Term: Work through the Moody material in a slow way to learn how to play songs by ear and learn whatever else his course has to offer.
Possible Goal: Learning to play from lead sheets in different keys.

January 29, 2012

Again, technology helps with piano learning. I now have two "piano buddies:" one in the United States, and one in England! Thanks for the encouragement, buddies!

Today I'll be working on consolidating learning of the clusters I have learned, learning new clusters, experimenting with using them in parts of songs, and reading more Moody material.

January 28, 2012

Good piano day. Working on my key of "C" clusters for C, D, and E notes.

January 28, 2012

Just when I thought it was time to do a different method, human kindness and technology has merged to help! My piano buddy's encouragement is always a good thing. And thanks to contemporary technology, I emailed Gregory Moody, and his response to some technical issues leads me back to his drawing board! Thanks go out to Gregory for having the patience and kindness to address my questions via email. Back to the drawing board!

January 28, 2012

The piano is a very difficult instrument for me to play. I want to play material on the fly from fake books, but it just hasn't clicked. I was just about ready to give up yesterday. The most recent course I purchased just hasn't clicked for me. Perhaps it would for others. Perhaps it's best suited to a player with much more experience than myself.

So where does this leave me?

I just could not seem to remember songs utilizing the Sudnow Method. The Method Book stuff, was Ok if I wanted to read music, but at this stage of life I think I just want to play songs. The Moody stuff sounded too dissonant to my ears. Other methods haven't clicked either.

Frustrating as that has been, it's ok. I can still use what I picked up in these methods in play.

I am moving more towards using Alan Swain's methods again. Here is a method that appears to me to use memorization. That'll be hard work, but like I said at the beginning of this post, piano is difficult for me. To assume there is a simple way to learn what I want to do is naive on my part. Will just have to do the work to get where I want to be. And be committed to the work.

January 27, 2012

Just getting a little more enthused again. Was quite frustrated earlier with the dissonance. Got a nice email from my piano buddy encouraging me to continue on. I think I will...

January 26, 2012

A tough day at the piano.... Sometimes I just don't know about all the dissonance....

January 25, 2012

Crammed in a little practice this morning. Might not be able to get more in today.... Worked on cluster memorization. Interesting how my play (in terms of my concern that some clusters might sound too dissonant)seem to sound better than I originally thought, when I listen back to recordings of my play.

January 24, 2012

Worked hard today on "Over the Rainbow (OTR)."
Looking to add new clusters while remembering old ones while trying not to sound too dissonant are the present challenges.

January 23, 2012

Did not practice yesterday; went to see NRBQ instead. A great show by a buch of talented musicians. Back to the keys for me today.

2012 Goals

Learn songs. Learn lots of songs while learning as many Moody clusters as possible.

January 21, 2012

Working on a different tune throughout the day. With making the changes from cluster to cluster, my left hand fumbles, but it's getting better. Added a new Bb cluster.

January 20, 2012

An up and down day at the piano. Some clusters just sound too dissonant. Need to be patient adding new clusters to my repertoire.

C = 2 clusters known, but can use Sudnow chord for major
Db = 1 cluster known.
D = 2 clusters known.
Eb = 1 cluster known.
E = 2 clusters known.
F = 2 clusters known.
Gb = 1 cluster known.
G = 3 clusters known.
Ab = 1 cluster known.
A = 2 clusters known.
Bb = 1 cluster known.
B = 1 cluster known.

January 19, 2012; addendum I

I think I'm going to learn "She's Leaving Home" rather than "Misty." Maybe I'll wait to learn Misty for when I know more cluster substitutions for the notes in that tune. I think I may be able to get by with the clusters I know now learning the Beatles' tune.

January 19, 2012

Just a minor change of ideas. (This post will make better sense if the reader reads yesterday's post before proceeding). I've decided to make a couple of changes that relate to each other:
1) I'm not going to focus on playing a cluster for just about every note. I do not plan on always using a cluster for every note in my typical play, so why do so now? The only reason to do so would be to get used to changing clusters quickly. However, I think that reasoning is trumped by the rationale that this needs to be enjoyable, musical, relevant to the sounds I am looking for, and more reflective of how I would play a song in a typical playing situation.
2. So I won't be working on "She's Leaving Home" now, but rather a song that I have worked on in the past, and I have some familiarity with what notes sound good with clusters, and what notes might be better left played without an associated cluster: "Misty."

January 18, 2012

Trying to put it together in my first song using Moody's ideas. Started work on the Beatles' "She's Leaving Home." Decisions/struggles to be made or work through include:
1) Just how many melody notes should I voice?
2) Play any notes with just regular chords?
3) Speed of play?
4) Must stay patient.
5) Embellish play or play it straight?

Regarding #4 above, I think the more tunes I play, the more I'll learn how to make cluster changes quickly. Regarding #5, I think I should just learn it straight with little embellishment, since the goal at this point is how to change clusters quickly, and not embellishment, which can come later. Regarding #1, I think I should challenge myself to play as many clustered notes as possible, while trying to sound musical. Regarding #2, for now I think I should just play Moody chords since that's what I'm trying to learn how to do. Regarding #3, I think I need to play at the fastest but most appropriate speed as possible that I can play but as long as what is being played is on time and played without mistakes. That means its going to be pretty slow going for awhile.

January 17, 2012

Ok, looks like I know a cluster for all 12 notes. Added new clusters for the C, D, G and A notes today, and it's nice to have choices. Time to SLOW DOWN learning new clusters and use them more in the context of playing songs. Been playing parts of songs using the clusters, and the hesitations experienced in changing clusters on time is a long term problem that will need to be addressed, I think, by just being patient, and when it's time, using the Sudnowian ideas of learning complete songs one at a time, played on time and without mistakes.

January 16, 2012

Working on trying to get those clusters in my hands by just playing songs on the fly. My speed of play is something needing to be worked on ... Playing songs without hesitations between changes. These clusters have a tendency to sound quite dissonant, so I will need to learn how to implement them with some thought for options regarding sounds I want. But first, let me really get these clusters in my hands. Worked today on learning two new clusters: one for the B note and one for the F# note.

January 15, 2012

Not too easy remembering those chord shapes, but its worth it. So far, I've memorized chord shapes associated with the following notes: C, Db, D, Eb, E, F, G, Ab, A, and Bb. Only two more to go: F# and B.... Practiced these chords in context within the playing of some songs, and results have been interesting. Some initial observations of trying that:

1) Sometimes in playing the clusters within the context of songs, the chords have fit better than other times. Hence, Moody's recommendation to learn a number of chords for each note.

2) Practice is important for a number of reasons.... Getting those clusters in the hands and familiarizing those clusters so that they are as easy to get to as a normal C chord is crucial. Or else what happens is those hesitations playing songs trying to get the hands to play on time and perfectly. Not only practicing the chords, but playing them in the context of songs is going to help enormously in learning. In conclusion, I'd agree with Sudnow that learning clusters within the ontext of songs is crucial; however, for me, learning the chords in isolation is important also.

3) The chords Moody presents are very rich and sometimes quite dissonant, at least where I am now in my learning. Playing them in the context of songs serves to give practice in when to use them, and when possibly use regular chords instead.

Great stuff.