The Voice: Dan Palmere's Blog

Focus, Happiness, Life

Embrace the power of now. 

That's it.  

5 Week Preparation, Pt. 5

5 Week Students: 

Welcome to Boston and Berklee. Today is an exciting and overwhelming day and there's a lot of housekeeping work to be done before classes start next week. I hope your travels were safe and your check in runs smoothly. 

You're just in time for what seems to be great weather around Boston. It's been cool and rainy since the end of May. Hopefully the coming weeks will give you a taste of real summer weather like is here. 

I wish you all the best during your time spent at Berklee this summer. I hope you leave with more knowledge than when you came. I hope you can say you felt what it's like to be lost in music. If you have any questions or need some advice, I'll be around the Media Center and Library working behind the desk most days.

Remember: it's up to you to to make the most of it. Teachers will present information, but the rest falls totally on how you manage your time. As one of my teachers said to a class once, "we can do this the high school way, or the college way." 

Which one will you choose? 

5 Week Preparation, Pt. 4

I'm steering away from describing what the classes were like for the performance program. It's something that will be different for everyone. Teachers change, curriculum changes. I will say that the entrance exams are not always totally accurate. If you feel like the course material the first day of class is beyond you, definitely say something. 

When you first arrive to check-in at the David Friend Recital Hall (at least that's where it was for me), you'll encounter a lot of people in line. It can be intimidating. Work past the shyness and keep a conversation going with at least one person. They're in the same position. 

Sample Questions: 

1. Where are you from? How long was the drive?
2. What do instrument do you play? What styles?    

I still talk to people this day I met during the 5 Week (now a 5th semester student) using this approach.

Helpful Things to Bring:

1. Metronome  
2. Charts of tunes you know well  
3. Headphones  
4. Favorite pillow  
5. Camera  
6. School supplies. You'll save from having to buy them at the bookstore. Have a couple binders, too. Most books at Berklee are essentially packets you slides into a 3-ring binder.   
7. A recording device. It's helpful to listen back to what you play or sing.   
8. Bag or bin for toting laundry down the hallway.  

Helpful Things to Remember:

1. Be humble among your peers. Listen twice as much as you speak over the 5 weeks. 
2. Practice everyday. There won't be many opportunities to be in such a musically focused environment, unless you plan to study full-time at Berklee. Set aside time for practice every day. For me, it was easier to go in the mornings before classes started. Mix up the routine by spending time transcribing, composing, and doing exercises given to you by your teacher.   
3. Read. There's a wealth of resources in the school library. Pick a book a week about music business or songwriting -- anything that interests you -- and read through it. Take notes. Think: "this is summer reading I'm actually interested in."   
4. When finished, keep the connections. This is especially helpful for those who've decided they want to audition for full time study. Email teachers and friends every so often. Also, if a teacher writes you a recommendation, be sure to email them and let them know if you got in. Always remember those people who helped you out along the way.   
5. Don't limit yourself. There's a whole city beyond the blocks of Berklee. There are hundreds of restaurants for you to try, rather than eating every meal in the cafeteria. There are genres outside the style you play in. Put yourself in situations to play with those people. Surround yourself with musicians more talented than you.  

 

 Photographed on our drive up to Boston. 

5 Week Preparation, Pt. 3

After a couple weeks during the five week program, you'll find yourself getting cramped behind the walls of what I call the "Berklee bubble". A really important thing for me was being able to walk around and explore the city of Boston. My furthest venture brought me all the way into Cambridge. 

I remember hearing people talk about Newbury Street the first week and thinking "oh, that seems too far, I think I'll just stay around campus." It actually took my roommate bringing me along to what was Virgin Records (now Best Buy) to walk a block away to Newbury Street and beyond. I began to see things differently. 

Ways to get the ultimate experience out of the 5 Week: 

1. Take advantage of offers you hear about. I picked up a Red Sox ticket for 10 dollars they gave out at the Student Activity Center. It was an incredible experience being among all the fans at Fenway Park. 
2. Pick spots to explore. Harvard. Boston Commons. Freedom Trail. Even as a full time student at Berklee, an important lesson is to plan time to get out of the campus area to breathe.   
3. Read the postings on bulletin boards. That's how I found out about Singer's Showcase auditions, which eventually got me a spot as one of the six lead vocalists.   
4. Keep a notebook. Write down things you hear from other students. Artists to check out, ideas to research. Berklee is a treasure trove of resources.   
5. Vocalists: meet and become friends with a pianist as soon as possible. You'll thank yourself.  
6. Instrumentalists: Try to jam and work with vocalists. Get you accompanying technique skills polished, because you'll find that's where the money/work is. There's a lot of opportunity once you're a full time student to back vocalists in BPC concerts and student recitals.  
7. Focus. Five weeks is not a long time, but for most it will feel like it. Use the time to build a solid musical foundation and build on knowledge you come here with. Don't be afraid to ask questions to teachers or full-time students. You're here to learn about your passion: music. It isn't like a high school class schedule. Constantly question.
8. Don't apologize. Often in labs you'll find when you can't grasp on to a concept, you feel the need to apologize. Embarrassment kicks in and your playing level goes down as you become more self-critical. One thing I wish I did was to not apologize to teachers or other students. Be comfortable with what you're bringing to the table. Embrace what you learn everyday and keep building on skills as the weeks progress.    
9. Get to know a teacher or two. You'll need to build a connection with at least one teacher while you're here. It will most likely be your ensemble or private instructor. It's important for when you go to apply for full-time study. You'll need that good recommendation letter.

By the end of the program, you will be a better musician. It has to do with being surrounded daily by people who constantly challenge your ability and beliefs. It forces you to grow. The way you think about music will be altered. If you don't come out with this feeling, it may kick in a few weeks after the program. The most important thing is to be honest about your ambitions and identity.

5 Week Preparation, Pt. 2

My parents, brother and I pulled in front of 150 Mass Ave (Berklee) on a hot July afternoon in 2006. The drive up to Boston from Florida was a unique experience. I had so much racing through my mind about what life would be like on my own for five weeks. What would the people be like?

We made the first trip up to my dorm room and were immediately struck with how nice the room was. Two beds, two dressers, two desks, and a bathroom with a shower. Some of my roommate's stuff was there, but he didn't arrive until a couple days later. After getting moved in, we walked around the city eventually ending up in the North End to eat at an Italian restaurant. I remember my brother saying, "you're going to have so much fun here", but all I could do was feel nervous. 

As my parents said goodbye later and I saw them driving off down the Mass Pike, I felt really alone. But, I soon found my way back to the dorm room hallways to talk with a group gathered there. It takes a couple days to realize you're really there. I hope you can really embrace each moment once you arrive at Berklee. 

Things I should have done my first day during the 5 Week Program:

1. Explored the campus more in depth.
2. Defined my expectations for what I wanted to get out of it.
3. Set up a practice schedule (for your instrument).      
4. Thought about what artists truly had an impact on my music and how I could explain that to other people when talking. Favorite albums.   
5. Left a note back home thanking my parents for helping pay for the program. 

5 Week Preparation, Pt. 1

The 5 Week Summer Performance Program at Berklee College of Music begins this Saturday. It's a big event in the Berklee community for the summer, because up until now it's been fairly quiet. It's great to see so much enthusiasm from these musicians. It's also a big event in the students' lives; many will move on to study full time at Berklee. 

Sounds a lot like my story. I completed the 5 Week Program in 2006. It was my first time away from home for more than 3 days and I'd never been to Boston. Moreover, I'd just learned about Berklee a couple months prior to the program. I came with a lot of gusto and found it overwhelming to be surrounded by so much talent and opportunity at the same time. But soon (by the end) I realized it was such a great way to spend a part of my summer. I sang with ensembles and in the Singer's Showcase.

I took advantage of all the opportunities I could get and gained a lot of insight to the life of a professional musician and music student. I will say that I could have taken more in if I arrived with a better foundation of musical knowledge. Nonetheless, everyone arrives with different levels of experience and you ultimately can see the results if you put the work in while you're here. 

Over this week, I'll go over some pointers you may find helpful. 

What To Bring:

1. An open mind and willingness to dedicate five weeks to becoming a better musician. This is really an incredible opportunity for you to interact with people all over the world. It's also a way to discover your voice through your instrument.   

What Not To Bring:

1. An ego. Leave behind what you believe is the way it should be done, and carefully listen to everything you hear. Be a sponge. 
2. Shyness. This was tough for me when I first arrived. Force yourself to meet a lot people and get to know their thoughts on different types of music. Be the one to initiate jam sessions.   

 

Two hugs and a wish

People look for honest opinions. Honest, original opinions that provide supportive feedback. This could be on a presentation, performance, or product. 

When someone asks me, "let me know what you think", I definitely take the time out to give a full answer. Too often the response becomes, "yeah, it was good" or "nice job". 

The technique I prefer was picked up in a creative writing course I took in high school: two hugs and a wish. Tell the person two things you loved or benefited from their idea. Don't be afraid to go with your gut instinct. That's the selling point for most, anyway. Then, constructively add one thing you would improve if it was your big project. 

You would want the same. The best way we can make a great idea even better is by a few solid suggestions from people who want to help. This can trigger new ideas and solutions to old problems.

Vocal Summit

Yesterday kicked off Berklee's Vocal Summit weekend in Boston. A couple hundred aspiring singers flock here to learn more about their craft and how to improve it. 

Workshops include: technique, improvisation, background singing techniques, style labs (pop, jazz, gospel), and varying master classes. 

It's a great idea for any singer, regardless of level, to learn more about the function of a vocalist in a band. One piano accompanist for the workshop told me he's finding a lot of the singers are handing the rhythm section players the sheet music copied out of books. "They're upset because the band doesn't sound like the recording," he added. And that's what the weekend is all about --- how to go into any session with professionalism and confidence with the sound you want. As the vocalist, you're the center of attention. The band takes cues off of you and having a clean lead sheet for them will be one less thing for everyone to worry about. Having (and working towards) a pleasant singing voice is a small aspect. 

Soon the 5 Week program will start, which is an extended version for all instruments. It includes private lessons, as well as music theory and ear training courses. More to come on this. 

Pushing Through

If you're like me, you want to be done (or felt like at one time) with school. Year after year since Pre-K, it's been the same thing: get up, soak in information, homework, study, test, etc. I feel stuck in this monotony of an education system that prepares me to go out and "live the American dream". I am fortunate to be spending my college years at Berklee College of Music in Boston, but often recall that I learn best when put in actual, professional situations. The stress of the classroom is unnecessary and looking from the other side, probably trivial. I chose a school that would put me in a definite career field, but there's no guarantee as to what job or where I'll live. 

However, "society" tells us we need this slip of paper to be credible to any employer. I grew up in the generation where it was almost expected that the normal thing to do after high school was go on to college (still this way). If you didn't, well, that's fine, but there was this "voice of reason" saying only those who have the degree will make it far in life. It's unfortunate, and I don't agree with the ideology. 

I feel I'll be much more successful after I'm out of the binds of "formalized education". I'm an avid reader and enjoy learning about different topics at my own pace and not with the fear of failing a test based on a teacher's interpretation of the material. True, education is definitely a privilege, and unfortunately something that many students don't take seriously. I feel, as a nation, we should be educated more efficiently with the cooperation of the government. You can put every child behind a desk, but it really boils down to who's teaching the material and the accuracy and presentation of the textbook. 

Here's some strategies to make the remainder of your time at school more tolerable: 

1. Plan what's next. I've started to draw some ideas of what the first things I want to do after I shake hands with the college president on graduation day. I learned from Derek Sivers' blog post this week that announcing your plans makes you more likely not to complete them. So, I'm just stating that I'm writing some ideas and figuring out the steps I'll need to take. You can do the same.
2. Do the work. The point here is not to give up academically. You still have to pass the courses. Getting the work done as soon as it's assigned leaves time later in the week to do what you want to do. Work towards small goals at the end of each day to break down larger projects. 
3. Journal. Writing down your frustrations and thoughts on a daily basis is a proven stress-reduction exercise. Write down funny stuff you heard during the day and embarrassing moments.   
4. Form groups. Getting a group from class together I've found is an awesome experience. You'll find that your peers often have the same viewpoints as you and it alleviates some of the built-up tension. Aside from meeting new people, you'll understand the material better from the study session, thereby making class more of a breeze.      
5. Patience. Cliche, but valid. Do you remember last Christmas? Hard to believe how fast time goes looking back at it. Having a part-time job, out-of-school hobby, or weekly/daily routine establishes more structure into your day. This gives you some momentum. 

 

Stan Getz Media Center & Library

An active part of the campus at Berklee College of Music is the Stan Getz Media Center and Library. Through the daily hustle and bustle students come here to check out a vast collection of CDs, DVDs, VHS, or the thousands of music scores and lead sheets available in the library.

The library got its name from the legendary saxophonist Stan Getz who donated his saxophone to Berklee, where it now sits proudly on display upon entrance to facility. The bottom floor is comprised of several tables and a study lounge for students to do work, eat lunch, or catch up between classes. Off the main floor is the CD/DVD collection with around 30 listening stations, and 15 television screens. Thousands of hours of listening material are available with new additions frequently. Also a part of this room is the computer lab where a lot of work gets done. Desktops and laptop stations are available to use and print off of.

Upstairs hosts numerous shelves of reading material on music, music instruction, music scores, business law, and music literature. The scores range from contemporary lead sheets to a selective classical section. Off the main library floor is the Reading Room. A new addition to campus, this room is equipped with a handful of comfy chairs and work tables for students to do homework in peace and quiet.

Homework

It's a word that spews bitterness just by uttering it's name. We've all been there, done that, some still doing it. I've decided to write some tips to help those who find it unbearable to write that 500-word essay or final worksheet in a 5 part series.

1. Homework should not be done at home. It's like if you worked at a resort (which I have) and at 5:00 go home to your room on the 6th floor. It doesn't make since to work where you live. You can dramatically lower stress levels and distraction by getting work done in the school or public library.
2. Eliminate online distractions. Close the browser completely -- unless of course you need it for homework.
3. I find listening to music when writing essays helps me to get them out of the way quicker.
4. Do the work right after it's been assigned -- or as soon as possible. I think a habit of many college student especially is to think, "I don't have this class until next week, so I can wait a few days to start." Bad idea. It's time to break that habit. It doesn't work like that in the professional world.
5. Make friends in the class so you can ask questions if needed. Doing homework with a partner may help you both stay focused and get more accurate answers.
6. When it doubt, type it out. I'm finding nowadays, it's a lot easier to type my homework. This way I have it saved if a problem ever arises, it's cleaner, and it shows the teacher you put in a little more effort.
7. Look it over with the teacher. It can't hurt going over the assignment with the teacher. You may save yourself a few points by making a correction.