Collaboration and Commitment: Lessons from Working with Pros

Salut Les Amis! Welcome back to another edition of my weekly newsletter! (Your dose of my creative journey and music insights.)

Today's Topics:

1. Preparing for upcoming mini tour

2. Rehearsals at a Studio vs. Home

3. Daily Practice Routine

4. Working with Professionals

5. Mindset Shift and Confidence

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Preparing for the upcoming tour

Since January 2024, I've been rigorously preparing for this tour. It’s been a daily commitment to mastering the setlist, and I’m thrilled to share that my preparation is reflected in my YouTube videos and podcast episodes. These resources capture the essence of my practice routine and the dedication required to reach this level.

Rehearsals at a Studio vs. Home

It’s amusing to reflect on how my rehearsals have evolved. Gone are the days of basement jams and home studios. Now, rehearsals in a professional studio offer a whole new level of professionalism. The difference is striking, and it significantly impacts how I approach and experience rehearsals.

Daily Practice Routine

It is no doubt that consistency has been key to my progress. I have been rehearsing my setlist since January 2024 as that is when I booked my first show! This level of dedication is crucial to having the material learnt and to be able to execute it in a way that is most desirable to the listen to in a live setting. For the exact routine I’ve followed and detailed breakdown of the specific aspects of guitar playing that I focused on, you can listen to my podcast and YouTube Videos. For those interested in the specifics of my practice, these resources are the best place to dive deep.

Working with Professionals

Collaborating with other professionals has been an eye-opener. The level of preparation expected is incredibly high. While I came prepared, the commitment and preparation I saw from others reinforced that working with professionals is a different ball game. The takeaway from this experience is clear: your preparation needs to be impeccable, sometimes even exceeding what you might think is necessary. This might mean putting in extra hours, refining every detail, and being ready for any eventuality. It’s about setting a new standard for yourself and meeting, if not surpassing, the expectations set by your peers. This new understanding has fundamentally shifted how I approach my practice and preparation. It’s about embracing a mindset where being well-prepared isn’t just about meeting the basic requirements but striving for excellence. This shift is vital in ensuring that every performance is not only up to standard but exceeds expectations, reflecting the true spirit of professionalism.

Mindset Shift and Confidence

The shift in mindset from rehearsal anxiety to confidence is profound. Before the rehearsals, there was a lot of worry about preparation and performance. Now that the rehearsal is complete, a huge weight has lifted. I feel confident with the material, and I’m optimistic about delivering an even better performance than I initially expected. The weight of preparation and the pressure to deliver an exceptional performance created a significant amount of stress. Concerns about whether I had practiced enough, whether the material was fully internalized, and whether I could meet the high standards set for the performance were constantly on my mind. This anxiety was not just about fear of making mistakes but also about wanting to ensure that every detail was perfect and that I could match the level of professionalism expected.

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I’m excited about the upcoming tour and thrilled to see how everything is falling into place. If you’re eager to see me perform live or want to hear more about my preparation, feel free to reach out. Your support means the world to me!

À bientôt!

For tour dates, gigs and other enquiries - please visit www.ameyaxoxo.com