Practice, Play and Rules (Theory) - The Three Words

With Chuck Anderson's permission I've reproduced it here.

The Three Words

by Chuck Anderson

There are three words commonly used in music that should be avoided – or at least redefined.

These words are Practice, Play and Rules.

• Practice — This implies boring repetition. It's un-creative and unproductive.
• Play — This connotes casual fun – a frivolous, optional activity.
• Rules — These are a rigid set of law which must be followed.

I would suggest that the word Practice be replaced with the word Explore.

I would suggest that the word Play be replaced with the word Work.

I would suggest that the word Rules be replaced with the word Principles.

Why?

Work in the music business is not like work in any other field. Most musicians feel blessed to make music their career. So work in this context is joyful not tedious.

The Principles of music hold the key to the development of your potential. Within these principles, there is unlimited opportunity to expand your creativity.

Why learn Theory?

Checkout Adam Neely's Why you should learn music theory (Prescriptivism vs Descriptivism) . Adam articulates it a lot better than I every would.

It will NOT effect you technical ability or stifle you creativity. — Curt

Why Not? — When you Explore music, it becomes fun and exciting. To explore is to discover!

The better you get, the better musicians you can play with and the more fun you'll. It's a vicious cycle that leads to more fun and playing with better musicians.

Reprinted by permission from Chuck Anderson • www.ChuckAndersonJazzGuitar.com

Chuck Anderson

As a JAZZ GUITARIST, Chuck broke into the Philly Jazz Scene with the Chuck Anderson Trio in 1973. The group featured Al Stauffer on bass and rotated Tim Paxon, Ray Deely and Darryl Brown on drums. The trio played concerts throughout the east coast and recorded its first album in 1975. the album, originally titled Mirror Within a Mirror is included in a compilation CD titled The Vintage Tracks. This CD, released in 2005, contains all of the trio recordings from the 70’s.

Noted as a COMPOSER as well as a concert guitarist, Chuck has recorded 7 CDs: Passages from the End of Autumn, Kaleidophon, The Art of the Neo-Classical Guitar, Christmas Wishes, The International Collection, Angel Blue, Music from the Light, and The Vintage Tracks.

As an AUTHOR, Chuck has been published by several companies. Publications include: Music Pursuing the Horizon, An Improvisational Approach to Rock and Blues Guitar, Reflections for Guitar, The Modular Phonetic Rhythm System, Master Picking and The 6 Secrets of Guitar Fingering including Scale Charting. New books include: Mastering the Modes, The Private Music Teacher’s Guide and High Tech Guitar, A new series called Unlocking the Guitar will feature topics such as learning the notes on the neck, strums, tunings etc. He also developed and was featured in a popular video series called Harmonic Tonalities, The Songwriter’s Master Classes.