The Science and Art of Listening to Myself

Listening to playbacks of myself for many years now, I have discovered that there can be a huge difference between what I think I sound like and what I am actually presenting to an audience. 

This is why I record and listen to as many of my practice sessions and performances as possible. 
I can then ask myself whether or not I am actually sharing the message of the music as fully as I would like, and also if what I want to say is actually being said.  

On a much more practical level, this process also helps me to also better understand the areas where I need to improve my performance, and correct little spots that might not be as technically precise or full of as much interpretation as I had intended.

This is not something I only do the first few times I play a piece.  As an artist I feel it is important to grow within a work even if you are performing it for the one hundredth time, so that your performance continues to evolve over time.  

Every day of our lives has the capacity to change us as musicians with new thoughts, new influences, and new inspirations. Listening to my practice sessions and my performances helps me to not only know how I want to improve, but also how I am growing. (Photo courtesy of C D-X.)