[TPIN] What does your brain do when you're playing?

[Dave Arndt]

Interesting conversation.  Here are my answers: 

1.When you play, do you consciously know what note you're playing or is it
by feel?

I always try to hear what I'm going to play before I play it.  And I always
know what note I'm playing.


2. If you do play by "feel", how do you maintain confidence in your ability?

Faith - and I try not to think about that when performing.  Only when
practicing.  The older I get, the more I believe in what Claude Gordon
always said:  "Take a deep breath, hit it hard, and wish it well".  Faith.


3. Are there days when the "feel" is off, and you play wrong notes?

No.  It's always perfect, and I never miss...  I've also got Ocean front
property in Kansas that I would like to sell you.


4. What does it feel like to go on stage with no prepared music, and play
what's in your head?

I find it's easier the more I do it - and it also depends on my mood.  If
I'm feeling loose, and "into it" it's easier.  If I'm tired, or up tight
(long day with the day job, tiff with the wife earlier, etc)... it's more
difficult.  A job I played Thursday night was interesting.   I walked in
very tired, and really didn't feel "in the groove".  But this cat at the bar
was so animated - friendly heckler type - that he just cracked me up and
made me forget myself.  So connection with the audience helps.  I also find
that I do better improvising, if I close my eyes.  My theory is that it's a
sensory concentration thing - all I'm focused on is listening in that case -
no mental distractions.   This might just be me, though.

Hope this helps.  

- Dave