If you’re like me, music plays a big role in your life.
Whether it’s for setting the mood, inspiration or drowning out the craziness on the NY subway.
But did you know music can also help you master your craft?
How can listening to music make you a master?
Here’s what I’d like you to do. First, listen to your favorite song as a whole. Then go back and listen to it again. This time choose just one instrument to focus on. Whether it be the vocal, guitar, bass, whatever. Just choose one.
Why are you listening to just one instrument?
Because as you listen to just one instrument, you’re going to notice some things you didn’t hear on the first listen. And now, you’ll hear these little details very clearly.
Repeat, choosing another instrument. You’ll hear something new this time too. As you hear these new elements of the song, you’ll gain a greater understanding and appreciation for it. You’ll listen to this song differently than others hearing it for the first time.
And masters look at things differently, don’t they?
They look at the whole picture. Then they look at each piece of the picture in detail. If you do this with your craft, you’ll find yourself becoming a master too. Because you’re looking at the details. Noticing things others would miss. And while you’re doing this, write a post about it so others can gain from what you’ve learned.
For example let’s say you’re an acting coach
If you take a topic like auditioning there are many aspects you could look at. But if you just choose one aspect and explore this topic in detail, not only do your readers gain great insight from it, so do you.
What do you gain from this detailed post?
It’s been said the easiest way to learn something is to teach. When you write these articles you’re actively passing this information along and discovering more. Just like when you listened to your favorite song multiple times.
But what if you’re not sure what to write?
I’m sure you’ve had a student ask you a question before. Well, there’s the basis for your post. Anytime you’re asked a question consider it a gift. Give a detailed reply in an email. Cut and paste and there’s your post. Or speak your answer and record it. Then transcribe it. You can even put the audio on your website.
Now that’s a sure fire way to have students singing your tune
• Write articles by giving detailed answers to student questions
• Narrow down to a singular focus when answering
• Then you’ll have potential students viewing you as a master
Here’s what you can do now:
Search through some emails you’ve answered for students. Find a specific question you’ve answered and turn it into an article. Then put on the headphones and see what else you can find in your favorite song. 🙂
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. And while you’re at it list your current favorite song.
Nice, though I would recommend getting the student’s permission to re-post the question (which should, of course, be done without mentioning the student’s name). Just a thought.
Good point Mariah.
I guess I’m looking at it in more general information terms rather than you’re calling out a particular person or getting into a personal matter.
For example, someone once asked “How do I add a Twitter button to my blog?” In turn I wrote a post:
How to Add a Twitter Button to Your WordPress Blog in 3 Steps
If you’re going to share part of a private discussion then I agree you should definitely ask for permission.
Word. #hoohoo
Very cool exercise Dave. Boiling down from the wide view to the details is a needed practice for writers, artists, musicians, actors etc.
Excellent (as always) post!
Thanks Frank!