...trouble moving to the next level

[Gabo]

Hi fellow gospel musicians, i've been playing the keyboard for over 3years now fo rmy church but don't seem to be 'growing' in that everytime i hear myself playing the same chords, progressions, bass runs (on the left hand) etc. I am a student at the Uni thus dont have a lot of time to really practice 24/7 like others do...I really need advice on how to take my playing to the next level as it is giving me concern lately being something i like doing. I believe i mustn't play every single day in other to greatly improve. Looking forward to learning the secrets of improving and ultimately moving rapidly to the next level. many thanks and God bless in advance.

[Shadow_]

Firstly, Welcome Gabo!

One thing i find is that to get to the level you are looking for, try to experiment with the chords and progressions you already know. Change the voicings you use, add a more bluesy sound through the use of 7ths,9ths, etc. Take your time because it'll come gradually. You have to exercise a lot of patience too because what generally tends to happen is that you'll have the music in your head but it may or may not successfully transpire to your fingers the first few runs. The true test i find is that you have to be bold and brave enough to try new things. But stick in there and i know you mentioned not having enough time but understand that for something you enjoy and want to develop and get better at, its worth the sacrifice.If you have been playing for three years...try a healthy variation by checking out other styles, other scales...with caution though because confusion wouldn't be far off.

Also, its good to get chords and copy movements but dont rely solely or entirely on those. Why ask for a fish...why not get in the pool and "learn for yourself" how to fish.(figuratively my friend, i will not be held responsible for any water related mishaps...lol) But "MY" sound comes from improvising and trial and error.

Good luck and God Bless you.
Shadow_

[Agape]

Also, start shedding with other musicians. Try to meet musicians. Get their numbers. Get up with em and shed. Have him show you some stuff and you show him what you know. Dont just get stuck in one mode. Study different types of music. Jazz, Classical, neo soul. Then impliment those chords and changes into gospel. You can turn classical into talk music and add the minor 7ths and 9ths in there to throw it off. Give it that phat sound.  Study Study Study man. Then Shed Shed Shed.

In order to recieve more knowledge, more wisdom, more Light.....you have to release what you already know and make room for more. In other words.....SHED with other musicians. That will take you a looooong way. I hope this helps.


Be Blessed!!!