Lesson Day TMO

Tmo a lesson day for all three gals in this house. I am currently working on a few things: one of the exercises I am given by the Professor involves listening to a song of his choice (sometimes his choice not one I can bear to listen to repeatedly and we haggle for one I can live with that fits the bill!) figuring out the bpm (beats per minute) on the metronome app on my Ipod, general beat/groove and fills. This is a challenge for me. I am currently on Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” and Steely Dan’s “Black Cow.” One is insanely fast and one is ridiculously relaxed. Can you guess which?

I also have been working on increasing my speed on a reading exercise from 90-95 with a goal of 100. Not there yet. 90 decent, 95 mostly decent, haven’t even tried 100.

My favorite right now because I am so hoping I will be solid on this soon; the shuffle groove. I am in the baby step phase right now but I am dying to get this one. It is in A LOT of songs I want to play! John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom.” So lucky to have seen him perform many moons ago in CA. I never tire of this song. It is often my reward after practicing the more technical items on my homework list.

I am also revisiting a snare duet in advance of hanging with my elementary school music teacher, Steve Calentropio later this week. I sent him a copy at the beginning of the summer so we could play together once we met up again and Friday is the day. Goodness knows we have enough snare drums. 🙂

Improv! Another challenge for me. I am not an improv girl. A mimic yes, but coming up with my own stuff, WHOA! I freeze. I am always trying to find songs to work to so that I will be inspired to challenge myself and keep this work up. This is helpful. This week’s choice; Tone-Loc , “Funky Cold Medina” and Lucinda William’s, “Righteously.” One a bit quicker and one a bit more relaxed.