It AIN'T All About the Bass!

Today on @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we revisit something I covered in the very beginning. "It AIN'T all about the bass". Ok, ok..before you revoke my bass player card, hear me out. Quoting devastatingly talented bassist and educator @heathereleizabethbird, "no one goes to the symphony and says...wow! that viola part"..."Most will just comment on the orchestra or pieces played. U dig? IMO, we become better players when we understand that we are part of a greater whole. That ALL the voices in a band or piece of music are of equal importance. But u may say, "the music I like is bass driven". Yes, there are some genres, songs, etc. where the bass is prominent. But understand, it is also interacting with the other instruments and yielding different colors, harmony, rhythmic variations, etc. that would not be there if the bass (or any voice) were played alone.  Music is a democracy (unless there is a conductor, MD, etc.). That means every voice contributes and reacts equally. No one follows any one player. The band follows ITSELF. Each voice can "take the lead" at any moment and just as quickly relinquish it to another. That gives the music breath. Ok, as usual, how? The first step is to LISTEN!!! Don't just play your part, be sensitive to how it works in the entire piece or song. It should be a conversation, not a group of soloists or parrots. Be cognizant of color, note density, texture, space...it is these interactions where the magic happens. COMPOSE! Here, you can see and hear first hand how all the voices mix and meld. Also, take a known tune and change it around. Change the style, note density...everything..see how your perception changes..you will be amazed. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons #remotelessons