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The Brain

I think most of us know a few things about the brain based on recent research. We know that when you stop practicing something, stop solving a problem, the brain does not stop. I've been working out a few things lately and I've got to see that in action.

I hope you guys realize that step one of working out a problem is to play it and show yourself the problem, spend some time trying to fix it and then finally walk away from it. Let the brain work on it. Next day it's better.

Sight Reading

So....
I was chatting in the shout box about sight reading subscriber Bob Adler. We briefly talked about sight reading. So I thought I'd start a post about sight reading.

I'm not a great reader but I can manage. First I put the music stand slanted and level with the instrument. This is so I can use peripheral vision to see the notes.

Julian Lage

I learn more about solo vibes from guitar than any other instrument. I think we have the same problems.

This album inspires me and i learn about solo vibe playing from things like this. What do you guys think?

Real Book Players

Here's a nice article about NOT being a real book player.

http://www.jazzadvice.com/why-you-shouldnt-be-a-real-book-player/

Honestly if you don't mind. To me a realbook is the sign of one of a few things.

1. A pro doesn't know a tune and he's reading it because he has to.
2. It's a student who doesn't know enough tunes. (that's fine).
3. It's an amateur. Also fine.

Anyway this article sums it up perfectly!

Great Deal on Skype Lessons for Subscribers

Hey guys,

Summer is coming and I have more time for Skype Lessons. So I will offer some great deals for Subscribers of 3 months or more. That is a inexpensive Skype or in house lessons. They will be limited just because of my schedule.

I just put 4 up for the month of May. You purchase two lessons for a GREAT price. We do the first one and then give you things to do for the second lesson. You work hard and then we check in. You get better and vibesworkshop.com makes a few bucks. Win/win :-)

Happy Hearts Day Vibes Friends!

This version of My Wild Irish Rose is inspired by pianist Keith Jarrett. I love how he subtly shifts keys on familiar tunes. This version is an example of playing a tune by ear and then looking for interesting ways to change keys. I decided not to improvise on this one — just played the melody in slightly different ways that seemed to fit each key. Every chorus is the same, yet slightly different each time.

New TOTMs as of 12/23/15

Hi everyone,

Tony and I discussed our new TOTMs. They will be "Giant Steps" and "There Will Never Be Another You." For Giant Steps, we'll discuss the various different treatments of the tune. If Giant Steps is a little too difficult, follow the lessons for There Will Never Be Another You.

Both these tunes are great, so do both if you can! Keep on the lookout for new lessons.

Behn