For years, I had on my studio wall a sign, prominently displayed, that said only this: LISTEN. Many times a student would ask me a question, and I would simply point to the sign. Then, after being deified as a Zen master or vilified as a wise ass, I would try to explain.

LISTEN.

So many questions about technique, theory, and musicality can be answered by this simple practice. Regarding technique, when we really listen to what we are playing, we learn about what works and what doesn't. When I listen, I know that if I pluck the string at this angle, I produce a warm sound, if I pluck it at that angle, I produce a tinny sound. When I listen, I hear when I'm squeaking my strings, and I change my left hand approach to reduce the squeak. When I listen, I hear where my playing is uneven and I take the appropriate steps to correct it. Simplistically said, when I listen, I hear what I like and I keep doing it; I hear what I don't like, and I change it. 

LISTEN.

When learning any theoretical concept, the first question to ask is: What does it sound like? This is the bottom line. If I can hear it, I understand the concept. If I can't, I don't. For example, when you found out that the three basic chords in music were the I, IV, and V, you learned a mathematical concept. But only when you could hear I, IV, and V whenever they came up, did you really know it. 

LISTEN.

Listen to the music you are playing. It will tell you what it wants to do. It wants to be louder here, softer here, this note needs to be emphasized, now it needs a subtle pause...These things the music will tell us, and analysis becomes superfluous when we listen. When we compose or improvise, if we listen closely, the music will lead the way, and then it is only our job to respond, and bring to life those sounds we hear. 

LISTEN.

Music does not exist in a vacuum. It is a part of and a reflection of life. The consciousness we bring to each moment nourishes our musical selves. Listen to your heart. It is wise. Listen to your thoughts. What are they telling you? Listen to your spouse and your loved ones. What are they saying, and what are they saying beyond their words? Listen to the birds. Listen to the rain. Listen to the wind. Listen to footsteps. Listen to the cacophony of the freeway, the water you pour, the door you open and close. Listen to the inflections of the voice. Listen to the noise in the street and in your mind. Listen to the night, when all is quiet and still... 

LISTEN.

(January 15, 1999)