Legendary, self-taught jazz drummer, Foreststorn "Chico" Hamilton has a few choice words about scales and etudes. When it comes to practicing, his philosophy, "Just play and use your imagination." With an 80 year legacy that includes 100s of albums and collaborations with some of the greatest musicians,Chico is "blessed" with the gift of longevity and the "if you want it, do it" attitude.

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Editor's Blog

"The Excuse"

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ETHEL: AMERICA'S FAVORITE STRING QUARTET

Photo by Leslie Lyons

Cellist Dorothy Lawson from the new age string quartet ETHEL talks to LSM about classical music, its new direction and what it means for the "everyday" musician.

Practice Tips from the Stars

You only have ten minutes to practice. What do you do to get the best out of it?

"In general when it comes to practicing, quality is as important as quantity. I try to fix specific problems and avoid spending time with unnecessary repetitions of things that need less work. And rather than rushing from passage to passage, it's essential to take the time needed to solve each problem. If this takes up the entire ten minutes and you have found the solution in the end, it was time very well spent!"--Violinist Augustin Hadelich

Photo Credit Rosalie O'Connor

October 27, 2009

JUST PLAY

"The Excuse"

ETHEL: AMERICA'S FAVORITE STRING QUARTET

Cellist Dorothy Lawson from the new age string quartet ETHEL talks to LSM about classical music, its new direction and what it means for the "everyday" musician.

Practice Tips from the Stars