tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794527418545813763.post5305248220465787284..comments2023-09-27T01:21:56.874-04:00Comments on Practice Monster: Zen in the Art of Archery: The Purity of Purposeless PracticeDavid Popehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05271589744713681479noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-794527418545813763.post-28518474919036856432013-10-06T10:16:32.435-04:002013-10-06T10:16:32.435-04:00Great post David. I believe it is important for us...Great post David. I believe it is important for us to search, discover, and strive for a higher artistic purpose. In my experience this helps to move us beyond the "competitive" nature of technical ability. I remember having the same feelings when I was studying saxophone during my undergrad. I have found the more I can focus on serving a specific artistic vision that is bigger than "correct notes" and "lots of gigs" the easier it is to remove my self from my competitive side. That is not to say I don't also get frustrated or don't deal with technical issues. The frustration comes from trying to say something about the world we live in and not being able to fully realize that vision. I believe this is different from trying to be better at that etude than my friend in the next practice room. I think it is important for us to always keep the big picture in mind and remember that technique is only a tool for self expression. We must have technique and we will hone it for the rest of our lives but it is only good if it serves the art and the contribution you are trying to make artistically. I believe when artistic vision is our goal we must explore other methods to achieve that goal in addition to technical practice. I think we could all benefit from allotting some of our "practice time" for creative "free play" (whatever that means to you) within the music in addition to competition and technique. During that "free play" we may even discover a sound or idea that makes our technical playing totally unique, thus also giving us a competitive edge. Aakash Mittalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18238266836321822268noreply@blogger.com