Re: Practicing Looping in the Dark

[Per Boysen <perboysen@gmail.com>]

On 7 aug 2007, at 12.07, Buzap Buzap wrote:

> I'm glad I threw in the idea... :-)
> I guess it's very similar to practicing any other instrument  
> without (much) looking. Then again, I wonder how many people  
> practice looping like any other instrument...

My guess is that there's a difference in that when you practice any  
other instrument you can practice according to two very different  
contexts. One is to only practice the technical and physical skills  
needed to create a good tone, notes and scales with the instrument;  
strengthening muscles, increasing nerve's capabilities etc. The other  
way of practicing is to set the one and only goal as "making the most  
interesting music right now" and does merely develop your mental  
capabilities, as in making you more creative with the instrument.

Ok, back on topic: When practicing looping you really need to do it  
according to the latter context, since the actual music created would  
sound pretty lame if you would only practice the "tap dancing" side  
of looping ;-)

So, for a beginner that mostly practices the technical aspects of  
instrument playing it would be true to say that he/she is not  
practicing looping "like any other instrument". In this case  
practicing looping may help the student to break into the second  
context of practicing - where the music starts happening.

For more experienced musicians, I would say that they practice  
looping just "like any other instrument".


> Another approach is of course thinking through "looping stages" how  
> you would like to develop your loop. ITo me that process feels very  
> similar to anticipating or preparing a solo you'd like to play.

I agree! Both your examples are in essence "instant composition" and  
as such the performer need to start out with a certain pace,  
direction and attitude, before even making the first sound.

Greetings from Sweden

Per Boysen
www.boysen.se (Swedish)
www.looproom.com (international)