Last week I played a gig at a local place. I spent the first half really not enjoying my own playing By the second half I was warmed up but I still didn’t come away happy as a whole. I have been practising a lot, as well as thinking a lot about jazz playing because of all the things I do on here. We often think that if we practise lots, we will start to feel the benefits at least some time in the near future. It isn’t the case for me and I think I know why. It’s answered in part because a few days later I listened back to some recordings and actually thought I sounded great. The more we practise, the better our ear gets, we get more attuned to mistakes because that’s what good practice entails, listening to yourself and critiquing your playing in order to make it better. Also our standards go up instantly, we know what we are trying to achieve more and become focused on a goal. None of the above is conducive to letting go and being free, which is what jazz playing is really all about. That isn’t to say that the practice isn’t working or even that it isn’t making you better in the short term. I found that out when listening back. But going hard on the practise at home makes your perception shift and become hyper critical. Note to self, and all of you. Be kind to yourself, you sound a lot better than you think. Great to meet some new faces today at the practise club. All the recordings and exercises we worked on are in the Classroom in their various courses now. Matt

Here we are, definitely not perfect but I did get through it in one take without too many mistakes. More to be done for sure.

Hey there all you VIP members. Looking to book in our next transcription Lab next month. Let’s get it in the diary asap so people have time to get something down. These are a few dates and times I could do. (Remember if you are interested in joining and sharing or listening to others share a transcription/ solo that they have learned from another musician you can do so by joining the VIP tier. Prices go up tomorrow evening.)

Hi all, I have a simple question for you today. What brought you here? Was it the hope of getting more information? Was it the idea of joining a community of other likeminded people? Was it a bit of both? I'm asking because I want to help shape this community for the current members and make this place that works for everybody.

Hope you all had a great time seeing in the new year! What are your goals for 2026? Practise goals, music career goals? Goals surround enjoying music in new ways? I want to play more in tune and learn more traditional music.