One Session Pieces

When I want to learn a skill, I sometimes give myself an assignment to complete while restricting the frame to something that’s as small as I need it to be for me to be able to continue towards it.

For example, I wish I knew more about how to record music, but learning all the facets of music recording is overwhelming to me, so using the frame “One Session Song” (make a multi-track song in one sitting) helps me permit myself to try new recording-related things out.

Here is an example of a One Session Song. In it I let myself play with using fake drums.

My invitation to you, today: is there something you want to try, that you would let yourself explore in a One Session frame?

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Parts Dialogue follow Up

As I consider posting this, some Parts speak up.

Critic (clearing his throat like a discreet butler): Ahem…wouldn’t you say this piece is…well to my mind, it’s, um, there’s no other way to say it…cringeworthy. To wit, the drums sound awful, the vocals are really loud, and also incoherent in the layers, and you didn’t really make lyrics. (a note of scorn creeping into his voice)You can’t just say “your heart your heart your heart” for a whole song, I mean, come on! (long pause) Maybe you put a different song in this post? Something that shows your skill, ability and taste? Or which does everyone the favor of editing out the less, erm, enjoyable aspects? Maybe you could go back into this file and clean it up before sharing.

I look at him, irritated, but notice that his very tight bow tie is a little crooked, and his drawn-on Errol Flynn style moustache looks kind of harried, like he didn’t have enough time to put it on. He looks stressed. It occurs to me that underneath appearances, Critic is anxious, as always, about the consequences of being creatively naked.

Me (a bit dry, but not too mean): What would be the ultimate point, dear Critic, of showing myself in an overly flattering light? I’d hate for people to gasp in shock when they get a look at the real me.

Also that’s the whole point of this post - doing something in one session allows you to do it at all. If you had your way we’d never do anything because somebody somewhere might see us.

Critic (bowing, defeated): Touche.’

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Thumbnail image is a close up of a dishtowel bought at the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens.