Preparing for distractions on gigs, sitting in advice, composition techniques for developing an idea

This week, I talk about overcoming distractions on gigs and remembering the material. I give tips on preparing so you can maintain focus on a gig. There are ways you can practice to emulate stage conditions. I also provide tips on sitting in with musicians on a gig.

Composers in the classical realm are masters of development, reusing, and reimagining parts. Techniques such as retrograde, inversion, augmentation, and diminution can also be helpful to songwriters in rock and pop genres. I touch on the subject to get you started in exploring these techniques.