The whole space

In this frame, we draw our attention to the visual and acoustic experience of the room we are playing in. This stimulates the same directional sense as when steering that bicycle through the city. In this case you are harnessing this directional sense in aid of music making. The sound you make does not stop in the instrument. Each room has its own acoustic form. You can test the room by making some short, loud sounds facing in different directions. Listen to how the wall or window you are facing reflects the sound or absorbs it. Find your most resonant section, then face with your back to it and listen for it while you play. Listen backwards! Sometimes, a wooden door is enough, if you put your back to it and play standing about 2 feet away from it. Play on, and walk away from it, then backwards towards it.

Now, warm up your eyes, and walk through the room, finding 3-5 separate points, some high near the ceiling, others against the wall, and others near the floor, all around you. “Send” your sound in your thoughts to each one in turn, then include all of them in your sound game.

You may not know it, but you have just practiced how to be at home on stage, while expanding your playing world.