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Topic: "The Crack Of Dawn" |
Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
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Posted 13 Oct 2007 2:12 am |
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| I've entertained the notion many times, that early risers, and steel guitar artistries, are synonymous. Efforts made to concentrate, as well as energy levels, are presumed to be at their peak in the waking hours of the morning. It goes without saying that day jobs and practice sessions do not go "hand in hand". The solution to working and keeping up on practice is still pending further study. I would find the opinions of others to be interesting, should they concur, or disagree. |
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John Coffman
From:
Wharton,Texas USA
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Posted 13 Oct 2007 4:34 am
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I am an early riser and always have been. My day job keeps me very busy mentally and physically and by the time I get home from work/traffic I am just worn out.
I never try to study or practice when I am worn out. It just does not work.
I do however just go in and play what ever comes to mind or want to play with. I know some will call this practise to some point also. I have learned that you do not retain things learned when 3 things are in play. 1 Your worn out from the day. 2 you are distracted by life 3 Your are not motivated to learn.
I want to learn more and I do pracise when I can. My point is practice and learning new stuff should be scheduled and time alloted for it. Then spend other times just playing what you enjoy. I find this accomplishes many things. I move forward with learning new things, let's me enjoy my little shots of free time and steel playing for the fun, keeps my fingers, legs and feet familiar to the steel and last but not least I find my self coming back to my steel more often.
I know I will never be a great or good player but I am shooting for fair. If I had to play the steel for a living I think I would begin to move away from it. This is my hobby and a love. I want to always enjoy every minute I can just been able to play and learn without taking to much from my family time. |
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Bent Romnes
From:
London,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 13 Oct 2007 5:54 am
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I never realized that there was ever any question about it. It makes sense that we learn easier and faster when our body-including our brain is rested. Thinking back on my school days...I learned a lot better and faster if I did my homework in the morning instead of at night. The same, of course, applies to learning the steel.
Everybody knows this to be accurate. Whether or not you are an early riser does not matter as much as when you practice. Do it when your brain is rested. |
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Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
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Posted 13 Oct 2007 8:47 am
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| Mingled with the priorities or prerequisites of preparing to undertake a learning process, involving the more sublime subtleness of advanced players, are temptations to moderate dedication. The strong penchant to move forward over shorter periods of time, may help to explain how some players have found the "keys" to a more effective, and decisive approach to advancement. The "crack of dawn" truly signifies a strong bond between a player and his/her steel guitar. Nonmembers of the steel guitar community may disagree, and this is understandable. Some will never experience the joys of learning the long road to steel guitar excellence, while choosing to find other interests in the recreation and work fields. |
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Bent Romnes
From:
London,Ontario, Canada
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Posted 13 Oct 2007 9:21 am
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| Bill Hankey wrote: |
| are temptations to moderate dedication. |
I don't think that temptations are the overriding factor here. I think it depends more on what walk of life you drift into, that dictates your dedication to the instrument.
Using myself as an example: With no knowledge of what this steel thing was, I finally learned at age 22 that the wonderful sound I heard was, in fact, Pedal steel. I then set out to learn more. Norway, being steel-starved to put it mildly, offered me nothing in ways of educating myself. I did buy my first steel in 1972 but I had to make a living in the meantime, so I of course stuck with the job that offered me that living. The fact that I of necessity had to let work come first and steel second, can be in no way construed as 'temptations to moderate dedication'. I was hugely dedicated, but work had to come first.
Upon moving to Canada, the dedication was there, but there were just not enough hours in the day to put in the required hours. Getting up at 5 am sort of left little time for practice at the time I was the most receptive to learning. Sure, I could have quit my job and devoted myself to the steel. But that would have put the cart before the horse. There was not enough call for steel players and starvation would most likely have been the result. Later on, as I got good enough to work in bands, the dedication was there still, but by then I had started a family and I can't be blamed for giving up the steel and playing dingy old bars for being home with my small children on a Saturday night.
The above should not be cheapened by saying as you do, that they were temptations to moderate dedication. To insinuate that, would be to take a very narrow, limited view.
" The "crack of dawn" truly signifies a strong bond between a player and his/her steel guitar. "
It sure does.But we must remember that the crack of dawn is given to but a very few of us. Refer to my situation where I had to get up at 5 am. I would have loved to be able to practice for 2 hours, but had to get ready for work. Getting up at 3 was also an impossibility...I did need my sleep.
"Nonmembers of the steel guitar community may disagree, and this is understandable."
I do feel that I am a member of the steel guitar community, although I was never able to give full dedication(8hrs a day practice?)
I for one disagree with much of what you say. |
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Tom Olson
From:
Spokane, WA
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Posted 13 Oct 2007 12:32 pm
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I love getting up real early. However, I also find that sometimes my mind is a bit foggy and tends to be clearer later in the day.
I also find that, even though I may be more fatigued later in the day, my physical dexterity and coordination improve as the day progresses. |
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b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
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Posted 13 Oct 2007 3:11 pm Re: "The Crack Of Dawn"
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| Bill Hankey wrote: |
| Efforts made to concentrate, as well as energy levels, are presumed to be at their peak in the waking hours of the morning. |
I disagree. While I often have spectacular insights during my waking hour, my powers of concentration are best in the late afternoon. My day job requires intense, focused mental concentration. Over the years, I've found that I do my best work as quitting time approaches.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video |
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Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
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Posted 14 Oct 2007 2:01 am
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b0b,
It has been my experience, that short tempers and proneness to getting miffed have no place in a steel guitar setting. I recall a "little hole in the wall" club that contained some happy tracks of top flight musicians. At the time, I was flying low trying to put a "handle" on the approaches to the steel guitar developmental stages of playing. The little club was located not far from the highest point in Massachusetts, which of course is Mt. Greylock. This issue of combining "day jobs" with accumulated knowledge of the steel guitar doesn't "fly". Most likely, it may result into a
realization, that the best of two worlds was wishful thinking, in terms of conceptual planning. Getting back to my point in this matter, consists of relating to you and others, that I'd heard stories about a band out of New York State, who were making enormous waves on my doorsteps. I immediately focused on their strong lead guitar player, who (I swear) made the guitar speak English. It may have been a "fluke", catching me off guard. The band's steel player captured my attention by playing one of the best instrumentals of Emmons fame, called "4 Wheel Drive". During the band's break, I was at the right place, at the right time. The steel guitarist openly declared, that he refuses to work with musicians who "Have a day job". What does that express, in everyday terminology? It will not be easy to drift off into unrelated tangents, by making declarations that HE is an individual who has no qualifications to speak intelligently on the matter. His silky smooth playing would tend to muffle outcries that focus solely on monetary gains.
Last edited by Bill Hankey on 14 Oct 2007 10:11 am; edited 1 time in total |
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b0b
From:
Cloverdale, CA, USA
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Posted 14 Oct 2007 9:27 am
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| Quote: |
| It goes without saying that day jobs and practice sessions do not go "hand in hand". The solution to working and keeping up on practice is still pending further study. I would find the opinions of others to be interesting, should they concur, or disagree. |
I am one who disagrees. I find evening practice sessions to be productive and enlightening, a perfect respite from the external pressure of the day job.
_________________
-𝕓𝕆𝕓- (admin) - Robert P. Lee - Recordings - Breathe - D6th - Video |
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C. Christofferson
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Posted 14 Oct 2007 10:32 am
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This topic du jour may do well to take on a further subdivision; pre or post coffee.
Last edited by C. Christofferson on 14 Oct 2007 4:53 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Stephen Silver
From:
Asheville, NC
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Posted 14 Oct 2007 10:48 am
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I agree with you Bob....i often do my best practice work after 10PM. And I have found that many professional musicians do as well over my 40 years of playing experience....hence the whole nightowl thingy.
I do practice during the day as well, but nights are where it's at for me. No generalizations should or can be made about what works or doesn't work as it is unique to each individual.
SS
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Life is mostly Attitude and Timing |
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Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
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Posted 14 Oct 2007 10:51 am
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b0b,
Working my way through typos is one of the most reliable methods of reminding me that optical illusions are as common as musical oversights. Appearances are deceiving when we rely solely on them to make judgments. There are more musically complex related issues that are in constant turmoil. Surprisingly, other than your response, very few players feel the need to consider the most desirable time of day to practice.
Not to be discouraged, I offered an extreme version of one opinion by a very adept musician. There is no doubt in my mind that it is an ongoing issue, that no single person will resolve. |
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basilh
From:
United Kingdom
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Posted 14 Oct 2007 3:24 pm
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| Bill, it's been many a year since I was up on the crack of Dawn.!! |
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Ray Jenkins
From:
Gold Canyon Az. U.S.A.
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Posted 14 Oct 2007 3:36 pm
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I'm usually up at the crack of noon.
_________________
Steeling is still legal in Arizona |
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Ken Lang
From:
Simi Valley, Ca
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Posted 14 Oct 2007 6:40 pm
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When I was working my day started at 4:15 AM and ended at 5:30 PM when I got home.
Now as a consultant, I get up when I want, go to work when I want and go home when I want (within reason). And, make more money than when I was working.
That leaves more time for practicing, but somehow, things seem to get in the way. Time has come to buckle down if I'm to get better. We'll see how that goes. |
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Alan Brookes
From:
Brummy living in Southern California
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Posted 14 Oct 2007 6:43 pm
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There are folks here in Oakland who are more interested in the "Dawn of Crack" than the "Crack of Dawn".  |
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Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
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Posted 15 Oct 2007 2:41 am
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Alan B.,
A home without leadership does not fare well. Neither does a community with poor leadership. To be liberated to expound on that subject matter, in another media, would require gallons of ink to cover all bases. The time for a major overhaul in attitudinal rationale, linked to many human behaviors, has long passed. For example, city streets, and parking lots are no longer safe places for our daughters to include in their lives, according to news reports. Management of these disruptions, are difficult to correct, by utilizing direct confrontations with local police departments. Somewhere along the way, parental guidance has slipped away, and the negative peer groups are exploiting youthful innocence. Enough, already!! Turning our attention to a more friendly "nuts and bolts" arena, it would be interesting to focus upon whatever generates the will to practice. Steel guitars have made their way into the lives of musicians who practice law, dentistry, healing, engineering, crafts, free lancers, and society as a whole. Unfortunately, games, revelings, hostings, etc., have modeled the would be steel guitarist of renown into a late sleeper. I can easily visualize a gaping yawn at 10:00 A.M., accompanying a squinting glance to see if the steel is still set up. With good luck, coffee and toast will be served, and by 11:00 A.M. things are looking better. As the subject searches the confines of hiding places for the favorite thumb pick, the phone jumps off the hook. Another urgent call from part of an entourage of late sleepers. Chatting on the phone is interrupted by additional callers, (steel players) who wait patiently for the sleepy conversationalist to return their calls. While glancing lazily at the found thumb pick, the lovely wife calls out for recognition, and for her efforts involved in preparation of lunch. After hanging up the phone, the would-be practicing ace, makes a mental note to return calls after lunch break. I'm not sure about the order of unscheduled visits, or the most opportune times to rehearse, as variences of intrusions establish a "quasiquirky" disruption of morning practice sessions.
Last edited by Bill Hankey on 15 Oct 2007 1:44 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Hook Moore
From:
South Charleston,West Virginia
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Posted 15 Oct 2007 5:11 am
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Mornings do seem to be the most effective time of day for me. Like a dry sponge I absorb more from the practice before the days other activities wear on my concentration.
I think of daily practice as my job. I get up in the morning, get a cup of coffee, go to my studio and more or less punch the time clock. Lucky me, I do not have a job other than musician, so I can usually schedule practice anytime I want. Also, I am not married , live alone most of the time and keep the telephone out of the studio to limit distractions.
Hook
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Blaine Moore |
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Archie Nicol R.I.P.
From:
Ayrshire, Scotland
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Posted 15 Oct 2007 1:22 pm
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I practise in the evening after a couple of swift haufs to loosen my hands.
Baz; I liked Dawn. She was a fine big lassy and very generous with her favours.
Arch.
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I'm well behaved, so there! |
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basilh
From:
United Kingdom
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Posted 15 Oct 2007 1:59 pm
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| Nice one Arch at least you understood the double entendre' !! |
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Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
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Posted 15 Oct 2007 2:10 pm
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Hook,
I had a busy day trying to get some practice in, which is a challenge, when little matters concerning unfinished business are pending discussions. After all was said and done, I was able to work on a theme song. The other night I was "fishing" around trying to find an uptempo melody to catch the interest of a friend of practice sessions. I found your response very rewarding, and my hope is to read more of your writings. I also enjoy the writers who add a touch of humor, and who keep up the advantages of positive thinking. |
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Bill Hankey
From:
Pittsfield, MA, USA
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Posted 16 Oct 2007 1:47 am
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| Nervous hands can mess up a good thing going, by pressing the wrong buttons to progressive thinking. The art of deftly selecting notes at 6:00 A.M. is not for everyone. Commonly expressed within this thread, are the symtomatic tendencies to mimic hibernation at 6:00 A.M. The hour that symbolizes the crack of dawn, becomes a bear's den; full of laggards and contrary exponents of rising to meet the day. This adaptation revolutionized as the hour to sleep, is reserved for activities outside of musically related lifestyles. Farmers have been "shuffling" out to their barns at the crack of dawn for centuries to provide food for sleepy communities. Emergency personnel go trouping through hallways, while episodical dreamers are tucked beneath their fluffy bedspreads. The average steel player may very well be characterized as one filled with hope. The wishful thinking, common among advocates of stringed instruments, becomes a work order that may remain in limbo for undetermined stretches of time. Additionally, hangers-on of a dream to come abreast with current dominant players, would be ludicrous, in the absence of making a wide range of sacrifices. |
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