Here are a few secrets I’ve learned over time through study and experience.

I hope these all offer fresh perspectives.

There are many more, but these are good to start with.

I believe these tips will remain relevant for many years to come.

I hope you will find them helpful on your musical journey.

You’ve heard it before. But why?

When learning something new, practicing slowly allows you to enjoy the process and train your muscle memory effectively.

For me, it's not just about practicing — It is a meditation and I become a monk on a remote mountain, a martial artist, a Tai Chi student. Moving slowly gives me time—time I fill with mindful motion aiming for total awareness.

If I practice for 30 minutes, I spend at least 20 of them practicing slowly. 50 BPM is slow.

Have you ever tried 40 BPM?

It’s damn slow. 

The advice to practice slowly is given often and it sure is good advice.

But if you never practice fast, you’ll never be able to play fast.

Practicing fast is about building stamina.

Just remember, practice how you want to perform.

What we practice and how we practice are as important as what we feel during practice.

The more seriously you take music, the more challenging this can become.

Especially if you also want to turn music into a career.

I’ve always felt that music is spiritual, creating a connection to a higher force when I play and sing.

As I pursued music more professionally, I noticed it becoming increasingly commercial.

I began practicing out of obligation—to fulfill expectations, prove myself and earn money. It was working short term but ultimately took me further away from the true essence of music.

Fortunately, I became aware of this and made the necessary adjustments in my life.

Now I find, the only worthwhile practice is practice that happens in a state of trance and flow.

When I offer my playing to the universe that’s when I become one with my creator.

In Indian tradition there is an actual word for this state: SADHANA

Having a picture of a master musician in your practice room can be a beautiful support.

It can help you to intesify your practice. It can lead to recognizing yourself in the bigger picture as a student of music.

It is not about becoming a faxcopy. It is about honoring a legacy and carrying it further.

To me, its a reminder to do justice to my masters work, honor his knowledge and carry on the legacy.

This is something the late master Naná Vasconcelos taught me. He would teach me a piece of music and then encourage me to walk around.

Walk around, look out of the window. At least once an hour. It is so much better for your brain than looking into your phone. And you learn faster.