Improve Your Rehearsal Enjoyment


Bass players often spend much of a rehearsal waiting or counting rests. No wonder we often get yelled at – too much idle time! I’m sure you’ve heard from teachers that you should listen to the other instruments – try focusing on the viola or second trumpet. And that’s a great! 

Here are some other tips for you to get more out of rehearsals.

-Bring a little notebook. When I was in graduate school at Champaign-Urbana I knew that afterwards I’d be teaching in the public schools. The orchestra conductor there was great so I kept a little notebook and wrote down phrases and wordings he used. I paid more attention and became a better conductor. 

-Practice! No, not out loud. But I find rehearsals a great time to work on vibrato. Try using a slower vibrato or see how relaxed you can be. Try focusing on having your vibrato be continuous between notes.

-Notice players technique. As a teacher I’m always looking at the upper string players technique to keep sharpening my violin teaching. Notice posture and then observe yours.

- Notice the conductor’s stick technique. Most musicians at some point have to lead an ensemble so here’s ‘free’ time to do observations. See what works and what doesn’t.

-How is the attitude of the other musician’s? Negative? Then look at yourself and try to be positive.

Thanks for reading and for more tips check out MostlyBass.com

December 4, 2008 · Filed Under Peter Tambroni, advice

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