We pickup with singing parts in your head, and then translating it to the fingers or limbs. Converting a musical part that is simply a complied piece in your head to a physical expression is much more difficult than you might think. It is really amazing how easy it is to think of a complex, but elegant part, just to find out how hard it is to replicate physically. This technique is a very good way to level up your musical skill. Plus I find that it really helps me be a better listener. Ice and I both believe that listening to what is happening around you is at least 90% of what it means to make music. It's easy to forget, or not even realize that making music is a group effort (not for all, solo artist for example). Obviously making good musical choices are very important, as is listening to what others are “saying” and understanding the musical conversation happening around you. Without good listening skills, how can you hear the questions asked? Simple, you can't. We can all be better listeners. Listening is not merely hearing something. It is hearing it, understanding it, then choosing a proper response…. if needed.
