TUTORIAL NUMBER THREE

 

These are some of the musical and human skills that we will focus on as we build our Samba Band. Some are not as obvious as you might imagine.

 

For some these skills come very naturally and for others they need a little time to develop.

 

 

LEARNING YOUR PART

Learning the pattern that you have to play for each song and the discipline to give this a little practice in your own time.

PLAYING IN TIME
Playing your part in time with other members of your section and with the whole band.

KEEPING THE BEAT
Keeping a steady beat - not slowing down or speeding up

CONCENTRATION
Not being distracted by other parts that are being played around you.

 

PLAYING TECHNIQUE (for the future)
Slowly learning the correct basic way to play your own instrument and to develop your skills to play in more complex ways if you wish. This is for the future.

 

ACCENTS (for the future)
Acquring an understanding of accents (some beats played louder some beats played quieter) and why these, when played, help to provide a really
beautiful sound.

 

SWING (for the future)

Understanding the concept of swing and how it adds to the musical quality of a performance. Slowly appreciating the subtlety of Samba Swing, which is different to traditional Jazz Swing.

 

HUMAN SKILLS - AWARENESS

Awareness of your own needs and aspirations whilst at the same time ensuring you take account of the needs of the group, both musically and socially.

 

HUMAN SKILLS - EMPATHY

Understanding that others are starting from a different place to yourself and will require sensitivity, patience and support as they develop their own musical skills.

Understanding that experienced members of the band have much to offer and giving them the space to share their knowledge without feeling threatened or offering resistance to the value of their contributions.

 

HUMAN SKILLS - ACTIVE LISTENING

Mentioned above. Concentration on what you are playing and what others around you are playing and ensuring you pull together as a team through a process of careful listening and musical technique.