Music Buddies get Creative

There are many ways to benefit from having a music buddy, even if you don't live anywhere near each other! One of my students has made a pact with her music buddy from afar. The two of them take turns choosing a tune. They spend one week learning the tune and applying original arrangement ideas. Once the arrangement is "just right" they record it and share it with each other privately through YouTube.

Here's what YouTube says about sharing private videos:

If you'd like to share one of your videos with a select and limited audience, you can do so by setting your video to private. Once the video's set to private you'll be able to share it with fifty other users.

Once you've set the video to private you'll be able to send the video's private URL with your contacts. Once your contacts receive the private URL, they'll be able to sign into their YouTube account and watch the video.

Here's how to find and send a private video's private URL:

1. Sign into your YouTube account and click the Account link located (at the top-right of any page ).
2. Then click the Uploaded Videos link. Click and choose the video you want to send to your friends. Then, click the "Edit" button.
3. Under the "Broadcasting and Sharing Options" section (on the left-hand side of the page towards the bottom) you'll see "Privacy" options. Click the little black arrow / triangle to expand and see all your privacy options (if its not already open and you cannot see your privacy options).
4. If the video's set to private, there will be a URL section below the "Private" option. This is the special private link that you will send to (up to) fifty contacts so that they can watch your private video.
5. Email / send a private message including the private video's special URL. When your friends receive the email invitation, they'll need to: Sign into their YouTube account
6. Click the video URL. They'll then be able to watch the video

That's it! You've now learned how to share a private video with your contacts!

What a great way to challenge yourself, impose accountability, structure practice time, strengthen the bonds of friendship ... practically guarantee improvement of skills and technique … not to mention have FUN! I'd love to hear more about how others share their musical journey with friends.

Previous Posting: 10 Reason Why Music Buddies are Essential

10 Reasons Why Music Buddies are Essential

I just read this article:
Practicing Your Musical Instrument with Others versus Practicing Alone
It was written for woodwind or brass players but contains plenty of wisdom to go around! Here are some of the benefits of practicing with a buddy ... or two ... or more!

• Improved consistency in your practice schedule
• Immediate feedback on your performance
• Improved rhythmic / timing competence
• Opportunity to practice harmonies, backup ideas, improvisation
• Ear training ... learn to listen, become a part of the whole, improve your musicality
• Collaboration and cooperation as you work out arrangements, set goals, etc
• Useful ideas from others on how to practice, how to interpret a piece of music, etc etc
• Opportunity to listen and learn from those who are better musicians
• Regular nudges out of your comfort zone
• Fun!

I started playing the hammered dulcimer in 1995. I met a group of like-minded individuals in 1998. We formed a band, called ourselves Blue Moon Rising, and set a goal to play for contra dances. The instrumentation was nice ... hammered dulcimer, English concertina, fiddle, and guitar ... and the players became good friends. We did provide music for some contra dances, as well as for local fundraisers and private parties. We played together for 10+ years.

We disbanded several years ago. The boys were distracted by work and family duties. Something had to give. But Betsy and I have persevered. We continue to get together once a week to catch up on each other's lives, share lunch, and practice music. I sincerely believe that playing with others has made all the difference in my personal practice and in my growth as a musician. Where would I be if not for my music buddies?

Here's the earliest photo of BMR that I have in my possession. It was taken at my parents-in-law's house during a political event in the fall of 1998. Wouldn't it be fun to reproduce this photo as we are today?