March 2026 Content

1. Perceive before producing

'Look before you leap', and we should also include 'listen before you learn' in this case. I recently heard an incredible quote that hit me like a ton of bricks: "The pressure to produce can distract from the ability to perceive." As a musician and music teacher this really hit home. I see people all the time blinded by frustration while struggling to "produce" a certain sound on their instrument. Often, they don't realize they may not fully understand, or may have misunderstood, the music they are trying to play. In the beginning stages of learning we should be much more focused on listening and reading the music rather than trying to reproduce a sound on the instrument. It will give more clarity in understanding the sounds and structure and cause much less stress!

That quote came from my girlfriend, who is studying advanced linguistics. The correlations between second language acquisition and learning music as a "second language" are incredible. I hope to glean as much knowledge from her as possible. Hopefully, I'll be able to parse that knowledge into the songs, lessons and exercises I'm creating for Tunefox more and more.

There's more details in the video about this so be sure to check that out.

2. Change Listening Habits

If listening is one of the first steps in learning a song, you should not take it lightly. Learn well. Focus your listening. Listen to music actively, and with your eyes closed, it's great practice. This shuts off visual stimuli and allows you to focus more completely on your auditory senses.

For a song you are wanting to learn, make a playlist with many different versions of that song. Listen regularly for a week before you ever try to play the song. This is a great way to "prime" your mind for learning. It will prevent boredom and maybe introduce you to some new artists you enjoy.

Listen to one song repeatedly. Shift your focus on each repeated listen. The first time, try "following" the sound of your chosen instrument from beginning to end. The second time, try focusing on the bass. Being able to listen to and follow the bass is a crucial skill in a jam or band setting. The third time, focus on the singer or another instrument, and so on. Each listen may reveal previously hidden treasures. It's like watching a movie multiple times. Each time you will likely notice something you had missed previously.

3. Listen to the Metronome

Playing with a metronome is hard. Listening to a metronome is much easier. It's also a great way to make friends with the metronome. Perceiving the steady beat can help build awareness of steady time and increase your internal sense of timing. Try listening at 60 BPM for a 3-4 minutes.

Watch the video for some tips on beginning to play with a metronome. Don't dismiss this as simple. I've came across many long-term players who are blown away when they discover the "simple" challenge of counting with a metronome is much harder than they originally thought. If you can't hold a "4 count" out loud, and keep it steady multiple times, it's a good sign your playing on your instrument might not be very accurate either. Give it your best.