Even if no one was listening i would dread a difficult part coming up , and also avoid them now i try and focus on these parts mostly until i can do them . Helpful video thanks Robert
Thanks, Jack. You picked up on how these two quick-tips are interrelated. They’re both about getting beyond judgment… Practicing in private, or at least with the door closed, helps eliminate the judgment of other people. Consciously staying in the moment helps you get past your own judgment and dread of making mistakes. Of course, we still have to practice, practice, practice. But that feels easier to do when we stop feeling judged by others and stop pre-judging ourselves. When you watch Julian play, you see him take risks over and over, like he’s playing a game with himself. Most of those risks pay off, but even when he misses something, he plows forward with a smile.
I enjoyed this series of videos thanks for sharing your experience with Julien. All the great ones seem to have an abundance of character first, followed by great chops.
For me, it was the guitar equivalent of studying spirituality with a guru in India. Julian is so connected with the instrument, and he’s played it so much that he no longer needs to think while playing. It’s become a form of speech for him. And when he says things like “play over a track for 90 minutes,” and you know he’s done it hundreds (if not thousands) of times, you can see how he got there!
Thanks for this, Robert. I practice often in my family room where my girlfriend loves to listen to me but I always feel self-conscious. Not great for just practicing. I need to find a more private space to practice.
My pleasure. Isn't it weird how even practicing around someone who loves to listen still makes us feel self-conscious? We want to play well for them instead of making tons of mistakes for our own betterment! 😩
Privacy is paramount for writing or learning a new song the band wants to try. It's not been easy carving out time and creating a truly private practice environment the past nearly 4 years. Ya know?
So true, Jon. Believe it or not, my current studio/office is open to the rest of my upstairs (no doors) and even my kitchen downstairs via a spiral staircase. I find myself having to escape to a bedroom for any real practic privacy...or waiting until the house is empty.
@@RobertCassard Early on I'd try to go to a park or open space with my parlor guitar for privacy. What a funny phenomenon - random people just appeared, and assumed I was busking or something. 🤣 Part of my household never returned to the office. When I was learning violin in 4th grade I didn't care that I played the same part 5000 times a day in my room. 50 some odd years later, I'm really aware I might be annoying. How's that for being in the moment? 🙏
@@JonNewquist I've experienced the same phenomenon. How come I'm MORE self-conscious about practicing now than I was 5 years ago? You're right - we pity others for having to endure our mistakes and mind-numbing repetition. LOL
@@RobertCassard When I was first learning, and was fixated on John Mayer (on whom I still am, but have migrated through many other inspirations :D), my wife would come downstairs to my practice area and immediately start belting out Slow Dancing in a big goofy voice. When we saw John live last year we kept joking about the possibility of that being his very first song on stage that night. Sure enough it happened. Core comedic memory for sure. 4 years since I started, and yes, I still need real privacy. 5 AM is a great practice time with headphones - no one awake to worry about!
Love your Mayer story - an unusual song to start a show with! As for your private practice time, 5 AM is good for so many things. Just seems like the energy is much clearer before the rest of the world is awake.@@quincytennyson6020
Thank you for posting this series with Julian Lage. He is a real treasure... I'm 66 years old and still feel like a teenager learning anything and everything.
Sounds like you had a similar experience to me. His humility and desire to share his love of music and its mysteries impressed me just as much as his stellar playing did.
Even if no one was listening i would dread a difficult part coming up , and also avoid them now i try and focus on these parts mostly until i can do them . Helpful video thanks Robert
Thanks, Jack. You picked up on how these two quick-tips are interrelated. They’re both about getting beyond judgment… Practicing in private, or at least with the door closed, helps eliminate the judgment of other people. Consciously staying in the moment helps you get past your own judgment and dread of making mistakes. Of course, we still have to practice, practice, practice. But that feels easier to do when we stop feeling judged by others and stop pre-judging ourselves. When you watch Julian play, you see him take risks over and over, like he’s playing a game with himself. Most of those risks pay off, but even when he misses something, he plows forward with a smile.
I enjoyed this series of videos thanks for sharing your experience with Julien. All the great ones seem to have an abundance of character first, followed by great chops.
Glad you like them, Mark. Another one coming this week.
SO good. Love Julian's playing and approach to learning. Thanks Robert!
For me, it was the guitar equivalent of studying spirituality with a guru in India. Julian is so connected with the instrument, and he’s played it so much that he no longer needs to think while playing. It’s become a form of speech for him. And when he says things like “play over a track for 90 minutes,” and you know he’s done it hundreds (if not thousands) of times, you can see how he got there!
Agreed! An incredibly moving, expressive, joyous and inspiring artist!
@@patrickwal55 perfect description
Awesome
I hope the tips help you, Greg
Thanks for this, Robert. I practice often in my family room where my girlfriend loves to listen to me but I always feel self-conscious. Not great for just practicing. I need to find a more private space to practice.
My pleasure. Isn't it weird how even practicing around someone who loves to listen still makes us feel self-conscious? We want to play well for them instead of making tons of mistakes for our own betterment! 😩
Privacy is paramount for writing or learning a new song the band wants to try. It's not been easy carving out time and creating a truly private practice environment the past nearly 4 years. Ya know?
So true, Jon. Believe it or not, my current studio/office is open to the rest of my upstairs (no doors) and even my kitchen downstairs via a spiral staircase. I find myself having to escape to a bedroom for any real practic privacy...or waiting until the house is empty.
@@RobertCassard Early on I'd try to go to a park or open space with my parlor guitar for privacy. What a funny phenomenon - random people just appeared, and assumed I was busking or something. 🤣
Part of my household never returned to the office. When I was learning violin in 4th grade I didn't care that I played the same part 5000 times a day in my room. 50 some odd years later, I'm really aware I might be annoying. How's that for being in the moment? 🙏
@@JonNewquist I've experienced the same phenomenon. How come I'm MORE self-conscious about practicing now than I was 5 years ago? You're right - we pity others for having to endure our mistakes and mind-numbing repetition. LOL
@@RobertCassard When I was first learning, and was fixated on John Mayer (on whom I still am, but have migrated through many other inspirations :D), my wife would come downstairs to my practice area and immediately start belting out Slow Dancing in a big goofy voice.
When we saw John live last year we kept joking about the possibility of that being his very first song on stage that night. Sure enough it happened.
Core comedic memory for sure.
4 years since I started, and yes, I still need real privacy. 5 AM is a great practice time with headphones - no one awake to worry about!
Love your Mayer story - an unusual song to start a show with! As for your private practice time, 5 AM is good for so many things. Just seems like the energy is much clearer before the rest of the world is awake.@@quincytennyson6020
Thank you for posting this series with Julian Lage. He is a real treasure... I'm 66 years old and still feel like a teenager learning anything and everything.
If playing guitar makes you feel young, then you’re on the right path, Emilio! I’m just a few years behind you and I feel the same way.
Julian is my hero. I took a Skype lesson with him during the pandemic. He was truly inspiring. A brilliant musician and an even better person.
Sounds like you had a similar experience to me. His humility and desire to share his love of music and its mysteries impressed me just as much as his stellar playing did.