When you practice, it can be frustrating when you can't get your part down. You might even practice for hours to play your music, but still can't seem to get it right. One great trick you can use to solidify your playing and understanding of the music is to break everything down into 3 parts.⠀
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- THE RHYTHM⠀
- THE DYNAMICS ⠀
- THE EMBELLISHMENTS⠀
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THE RHYTHM⠀
Take a measure of your music and try playing just the rhythm at a single height. Do not play Accents, Flams, Diddles, or any other embellishments. Play the rhythm in time with a metronome (with good technique) until you have that down solid.⠀
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THE DYNAMICS⠀
Once you have the rhythm down, add the accents and dynamics. Make sure you maintain all rhythmic accuracy from the previous reps.⠀
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THE EMBELLISHMENTS⠀
Once you have the Rhythm and Dynamics down, then add the embellishments (Buzz, Diddle, Flam, etc) and maintain the rhythm and dynamics from the previous reps. ⠀
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This process will help you understand your music in layers and is a great way to practice. Work this process measure by measure from beginning to end. Then take the tempo up and start over. Repeat this process as necessary until you're performing your music with great quality at performance tempo!⠀
