Always getting better

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In this episode of Always Getting Better, I talk with Dani Rabin, guitarist and co-founder of the fusion powerhouse Marbin. We dig into the realities of music education, the daily grind of improving your chops, and the lessons learned from years of touring and teaching around the world. Dani shares his no-nonsense approach to practice, creativity, and staying sharp on the road and his Instagram rants about music education— a must-listen for any musician serious about growth and authenticity.

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Summary

In this conversation, Tim Love and Jake Taylor explore the diverse world of music, touching on their experiences in various genres, the challenges of sight reading for guitarists, and the importance of musical theatre sittings. They discuss the influence of family on their musical journeys and the significance of fostering a love for music in the next generation. The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of music, including the rise of country music in the UK and the impact of streaming platforms on music discovery. In this conversation, Jake Taylor and Tim Love discuss various aspects of teaching music, particularly focusing on rhythm and timing. They explore methods for helping students who struggle with these concepts, emphasizing the importance of patience, listening, and finding songs that resonate with students. The discussion also touches on the challenges of maintaining a positive relationship with music, especially in a professional context, and the significance of practicing for enjoyment rather than solely for performance. They reflect on their own musical journeys and the importance of continuous learning and growth as musicians.

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In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist Steve Holt to talk about the journey of constant improvement. Steve shares insights from his 8-week program built on consistency, offering practical strategies that musicians of any level can apply. We dive into his experience developing perfect pitch, what it’s like to earn a jazz degree, and his proven methods for strengthening sight-reading skills. Packed with wisdom from decades in jazz, this conversation is an inspiring guide for anyone dedicated to getting better every day.

Steve's new album is available here

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In this conversation, Tim Love and Jamie explore the intersection of music and osteopathy, discussing personal experiences in Australia, the importance of body mechanics in performance, and the role of techniques like Alexander Technique. Jamie shares his journey to becoming an osteopath and how it has influenced his understanding of music and performance. They delve into the significance of self-reliance in healing, injury prevention for musicians, and the psychology behind performance. The discussion also touches on defining improvement in music and the impact of personal exploration on artistic growth.


Takeaways

Australia's diverse weather and landscapes offer unique experiences.
Osteopathy provides insights into body mechanics for musicians.
Understanding biomechanics can enhance musical technique.
Alexander Technique helps musicians improve posture and performance.
Personal experiences shape one's journey in music and health.
Self-reliance is crucial for musicians dealing with injuries.
Injury prevention strategies are essential for long-term performance.
The psychology of performance affects physical expression in music.
Defining improvement in music is subjective and personal.
Exploration and curiosity are key to artistic growth.


Titles

From Australia to Osteopathy: A Musical Journey
The Body and Music: Insights from an Osteopath


Sound bites

"You need to be self-reliant."
"It's all about exploring sound."
"It's about the quality of sound."


Chapters

00:00 Exploring Australia: A Personal Journey
02:41 The Intersection of Music and Osteopathy
05:37 Understanding Body Mechanics in Music
08:21 The Role of Alexander Technique in Performance
11:15 The Path to Osteopathy: A Personal Story
15:48 Uncovering Unique Insights in Music Education
22:31 The Importance of Self-Reliance in Healing
28:10 Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention for Musicians
33:53 The Psychology of Performance and Technique
40:09 Defining Improvement in Music
46:33 The Impact of Personal Exploration in Music

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Joe Montague is a drummer, producer, mix engineer, and composer whose musical journey began with his dad’s 70s rock collection and a love of Americana. After studying jazz at Leeds Conservatoire, he toured the UK and Europe with Dancing Years before spending nearly a decade performing globally in the acclaimed theatre show Beatlemania: The Magic of the Beatles. He continues to perform at The Cavern Club with The Cavern Club Beatles and has worked on the West End tour of Let It Be.

Joe’s collaborations include playing with LYR and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Ted Sablay of The Killers, and poet-rapper Testament. Alongside producing and mixing for artists, he composes for companies like Music Vine and Uppbeat, with credits including Universal, Sony BMG, and brands such as Nando’s and Tanqueray. In 2022, he released The Hootenanny Plays the Music of Ron Ryan, showcasing his flair for vintage-inspired sound.

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Today we’re joined by Charlie Morland, a music producer, mix engineer, guitarist, and educator who’s built a reputation for turning ideas into records that truly connect. From his purpose-built studio in Surrey, Charlie blends technical expertise with a musician’s ear and a teacher’s heart. We’ll be diving into his creative process, stories from the studio, and what it really takes to bring sound to life.

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In this episode of Always Getting Better, we sit down with guitarist Sam Ward to talk about his journey as a teacher, the challenges and joys of performing in a Frank Zappa tribute, and the ways he continues to push himself to grow as a player.

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In this conversation, Andy Guitar shares his journey from being a one-to-one guitar teacher to becoming a prominent online guitar instructor. He discusses the evolution of music consumption, the importance of community in music, and the challenges musicians face in the digital age. Andy emphasizes the significance of live music, the role of technology, and the impact of family on his musical journey. He also reflects on the changing landscape of gigs and the rise of female musicians, while highlighting the importance of music education and personal growth through music.


Takeaways

Andy Guitar goes to more gigs than most people.
Many younger musicians learned from YouTube.
Andy hit on an idea that connected with audiences.
You don't get better at guitar just by watching YouTube.
Building a tight-knit community is essential for musicians.
YouTube requires a scattergun approach to content.
Andy wanted to be a behind-the-scenes songwriter.
Creating a safe space for kids to learn music is important.
The festival scene is becoming more diverse with female musicians.
Plussing is a strategy for continuous improvement in content creation.


Titles

The Journey of Andy Guitar: From Teacher to Online Star
Navigating the Digital Landscape of Music Education


Sound bites

"I go to more gigs than most people."
"I hit on an idea that connected."
"You have to be a lot more scattergun on YouTube."


Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Andy Guitar
02:52 The Rise of Online Guitar Teaching
05:38 Building a Community Through Technology
08:33 Navigating the YouTube Landscape
11:13 The Evolution of Content Creation
14:09 Balancing Teaching and Personal Playing
19:34 The Impact of Online Learning on Musical Skills
21:41 Courage and Conviction in Music
24:23 The Journey of Performing Live
28:19 Influences and Inspirations in Music
32:01 Family and Music: A Shared Experience
35:54 Navigating Musical Tastes and Identity
39:09 The Rise of Female Artists in Music Festivals
40:35 Challenges of Touring and Live Performances
42:16 The Impact of Streaming on New Music
43:22 The Value of Smaller Gigs
46:13 Navigating the Gig Economy as Musicians
48:28 The Role of Musicians Behind the Scenes
51:12 Injury and Its Impact on Musical Growth
54:20 Continuous Improvement in Music and Content Creation

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In this engaging conversation, Tim Love and Seye Adelekan explore the multifaceted journey of a musician, touching on themes of mental health, career progression, and the importance of setting goals. Seye shares his personal experiences, including his struggles with addiction and the impact of social media on his career. They discuss the significance of practice, learning by ear, and the balance between performing and creating content. Seye also reflects on his journey with Gorillaz and the importance of connecting with fans. The conversation concludes with insights into future projects and the evolving landscape of the music industry.


Titles

Navigating the Music Industry: Insights from Seye Adelekan
Mental Health and Music: A Conversation with Seye Adelekan


Sound bites

"You can also get through those things."
"It's all about just nailing the basics."
"It's all your stuff."


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
02:11 Mental Health and Career Reflections
05:03 Goal Setting and Career Progression
07:55 The Importance of Small Steps
10:32 Navigating Social Media as a Musician
13:17 The Journey to Gorillaz
15:49 Lessons from the Music Industry
23:22 Mastering the Craft: Learning from Legends
30:28 The Art of Practice: Techniques and Mindset
35:54 Evolving as a Musician: Beyond Technical Skills
40:47 Balancing Act: Personal Projects and Professional Work

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In this conversation, Tim Love and Charles Harrison explore the intersection of parenthood and music, discussing how becoming a parent influences musical priorities and teaching methods. They delve into the evolution of music education, the importance of accessibility in music production, and the relevance of the curriculum in preparing students for modern musical landscapes. The discussion emphasizes the significance of listening, the balance between practice and life, and the continuous quest for improvement in one's musical journey.


Titles

The Journey of Parenthood and Music
Teaching Music: Challenges and Insights


Sound bites

"Music education is evolving with technology."
"Listening is crucial for musical development."
"Music is a language that requires immersion."


Chapters

00:00 The Transition to Parenthood and Its Impact on Music
02:52 Teaching Music: A Shift in Focus
05:22 The Evolution of Music Education
08:13 Accessibility in Music Production
10:49 Relevance of Music Curriculum for Future Musicians
13:36 Personal Journeys in Music Appreciation and Education
18:19 Introduction to Jazz Playing and Influences
22:40 The Journey of Learning Jazz: Theory vs. Listening
27:53 Learning Music as a Language
33:03 Improvisation and the Role of Theory
37:24 Understanding Chord Tones and Musical Freedom
38:41 Modern Sounds and Practice Challenges
41:31 The Importance of Listening in Music
43:54 Language and Music: Understanding Through Accents
46:29 Foundations of Musical Progress
51:15 Meditation Through Music Practice

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