David's Tip of the Day: Dynamics & Jam Tracks

It's common for me to request students to use more dynamics... louder-louds and softer-softs... when critiquing their work. I sure try to use as much dynamics as I can in my practice, performance and recording... though sometimes the odds are stacked against you.

We commonly use jam tracks to work with in our practice. In a live setting, the musicians you're playing with can respond to your dynamics, making it much easier to use more of it, and at its extremes. When using a jam track, no such luck... they can't respond to you; even when you ignore this fact, it's challenging to play softly when the recorded band isn't... it just feels strange to force it.

The point... try to use as much dynamics as feels natural while playing to a jam track, but DON'T be harsh on yourself when listening back to a recording of your playing. DO get a brightly-colored stick-it note and place it in your harp case... sitting on top where it's easy to see... that says "DYNAMICS!"... reminding you of the importance to use it everywhere you play.