Really Making Music

I used to think that just mastering the notes in a piano piece and being able to play it as the appropriate tempo meant that I knew it. Throw in a few dynamics and the piece was good to go.

That was until I started playing with someone else. A bass player, named Bill Vaughn, who plays in the National Symphony. We recently decided to play some pieces from a Bass Solo book together. I worked hard at learning the notes. But when we sat down to play, I quickly realized that the notes were just a small piece of our collaboration.

Playing together is much like doing anything with another person. You have to decide who gets to lead and who must simply follow and where those roles get reversed. You have to decide about dynamics and changes in tempo. You even have to decide just how to count. I came to realize that it was just as important for me to have the sound of the bass line in my head as the chords of my piano part. When one instrument has the melody, it is important that the other respect it. I am gradually learning what series of notes present spatial problems on the bass and demand a little more time.

This can be a frustrating process. Rehearsing means playing, listening, talking, playing, screwing up, playing, and starting all over again, until both musicians can hear how it is supposed to sound.

However, when you are really playing together as one person, as opposed to two, there is no comparison to playing alone. Each instrument brings its unique sound and soul to the fabric of the whole. It makes my heart feel extremely full and puts a natural big smile on my face.

Thanks, Bill, for putting up with my musical mediocrity and giving me this opportunity to do something new!