Musicianship Mastery with David Lane

This episode contains hard truth.  Most of you are probably not practicing enough to reach any goals of advanced repertoire, and there's a chance that you're going to be stuck on elementary music for a long time.  In this episode, let's look at what kind of results you get when you average as little as 15 minutes per day a few times per week all the way up to 4 hours per day everyday.  As you listen, take the time to evaluate how much time you really could put into practicing, and make sure your goals are aligning with the time and work you are able to do. Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

For anyone who wants to become truly great in any field, Robert Greene's book "Mastery", shows a process that has been used by some of the most successful people in history from art to science to literature to sports and, of course, in music. This episode summarizes the book in a way that musicians can apply partially to become better or wholly to become elite. Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

This is the final episode of a 5-part series going over all the concepts every musician should know about music theory.  This episode covers the trends that have developed in what we call classical music since 1900 from chords based on intervals other than 3rds, a wider variety of scales, atonal music, minimalism. and more. Previous Episodes in the Series: Music Theory Overview Music Theory I: Basics and Fundamentals Music Theory II: Harmonic Function and Analysis Music Theory III: Harmonic Construction and Larger Structures Inquire about private lessons on music theory by setting up a free first lesson here For more on bi-tonality and a visual introduction to Hanson Analysis: watch this video here. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

This is the 4th of a 5-part series going over all the concepts every musician should know about music theory.  This episode covers the guidelines for smooth voice leading when constructing notes in 4-parts. It also talks about the structure of larger forms such as Theme and Variations, Sonata Allegro, and more. Previous Episodes in the Series: Music Theory Overview Music Theory I: Basics and Fundamentals Music Theory II: Harmonic Function and Analysis Inquire about private lessons on music theory by setting up a free first lesson here Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

This is the 3rd of a 5-part series going over all the concepts every musician should know about music theory.  This episode covers the basics of roman numeral analysis, diatonic triads, how to classify non-chord tones, and a way to categorize nearly every time signature. Previous Episodes in the Series: Music Theory Overview Music Theory Basics and Fundamentals Inquire about private lessons on music theory by setting up a free first lesson here Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

This is the 2nd of a 5-part series going over all the concepts every musician should know about music theory.  This episode is for beginners or those who want a true refresher.  It's a lot crammed into just under 40 minutes, but take some notes and check out all the things you should know about theory before you can get into more intermediate and advanced understanding of how music works. FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 12 ONLY: Register for Music Theory Basics online workshop TONIGHT 7pm Eastern! Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

What actually is music theory, and why should you learn it? This episode explores the branches of music theory, and is a prelude to the next 4 episodes where we'll explore what you can study and how to improve level by level. Register for Music Theory Basics online workshop for Monday, January 12 - 7pm Eastern Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

My students often ask: How do I organize my practice in a way to cover everything each week? This is a great question, and an important one to answer.  If you don't organize your practice and just leave everything up to your mood, you're going to be neglecting something important.  In this episode, you can hear about the 7 components of practice (including the 3 core components) and how to plan them into your practice.  Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

Every musician knows that daily practice is essential to progress. But what if you're not practicing often enough because you've never developed the habit of practicing daily? This episode will help you develop this most important habit for any musician! Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

Showing up regularly and putting in the work is important, but your "reps" aren't enough on their own. Listen to this episode to help you evaluate and improve the quality of your practice. Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

Igor Stravinsky regularly gets mentioned among the 20th century's greatest composers.  Anatoly Lyadov requires some digging to find much of his music.  The story that links the composers Lyadov and Stravinsky is one of several great examples of opportunity, and how you can either be ready for it or not.  This episode explores their story along with a few others to learn how to be prepared for when your opportunity strikes. Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.   

This episode focuses on pianists but applies to all instrumentalists.  We explore what technique actually is and isn't, and a practical way to get better at it.  My guest, Dr. Christopher Madden, is co-author along with Jani Parsons of "Technique Through Repertoire" vol. 1 and 2 for intermediate pianists. Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

A very handy skill for any musician to develop is the ability to look at written sheet music and "hear" what it sounds like in your head.  It's a skill that takes time, but this episode will outline all the steps you can take to develop this ability. Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

One of the biggest things that musicians do in all levels, but especially professionals, is say "yes" way too much.  There's a time to say "yes" a lot, and I describe that in this episode.  However, being strategic and limited with your "yes" while saying "no" to everything else is what allows for growth and focus.  In this episode, you can learn of 8 things that happen when you say "no". Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

If you're a professional musician, it can be hard to separate the idea that there's this part of your schedule where you make music just for YOU.  It might be music you're composing, or an ambitious piece you're learning to play.  You might make your income as a musician and you might have a career that has nothing to do with music.  Regardless, you can and should take time to explore music without any regard to its commercial benefit. Jennifer Rosenfeld is a business coach who has worked with musicians, as well as a pianist and composer.  You can find out more about her and her work at https://www.jenniferrosenfeld.com/ Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps private music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

Analytical Listening is one of the most important skills for any musician. Take it to the next level by implementing any 1 of these 5 advanced projects while listening to just one piece of music. Other Episodes mentioned: 20 Questions to Help You Get More Out of Listening Scales, Modes, and How to Use Them Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

If you think you're practicing well but still not making progress in your musical skill, here are 10 possible reasons and their solutions. Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps private music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

This episode is a broad conversation between friends, but centers around the topics of finding joy in your growth as a musician, time management, practice and mindset, as well as what it means to be a human artist in the digital age.  We also have some talk for those getting started with teaching. Eric Branner is the CEO of Fons, a platform for music teachers I regularly have listed at the bottom of my show notes.  Follow the Fons Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fonsfamily Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1 This episode is sponsored by Fons, an online platform that helps music teachers with smooth, automated assistance such as securing timely automatic payments and scheduling.  Click here for more information or to begin your free trial.

What is musicianship? Specifically, what does it mean when we say someone has "good musicianship"? This episode explores the question while reviewing all of the musicianship tools that inspired this podcast in the first place. Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1

With so many ways to express yourself as a musician, it can be hard to know how to get started.  If you'd like to become a working musician, either part-time or full-time, this episode goes over some of your options and presents a strategy for how to build your musical life. Musicianship Mastery is formerly known as The Musician Toolkit. Let me know your thoughts on this episode as a voice message to possibly share on a future episode at https://www.speakpipe.com/MusicianToolkit If you enjoyed this, please give it a rating and review on the podcast app of your choice.  You can find all episodes of this podcast at https://www.davidlanemusic.com/toolkit You can follow David Lane AND the Musician Toolkit podcast on Facebook @DavidMLaneMusic, on Instagram and TikTok @DavidLaneMusic, and on YouTube @davidlanemusic1