Welcome back to the latest episode of the ArtistWorks Music Series podcast! This week, ArtistWorks CEO Patricia Butler sits down with jazz drum legend Peter Erskine to discuss how to overcome roadblocks in your musical journey. The show is available wherever you listen to podcasts, or you can listen here on ArtistWorks.

Erskine has worked with a wide array of respected artists, ranging from the likes of Joni Mitchell and Weather Report to Kate Bush and the BBC Symphony, and his experience provides a truly invaluable perspective on how to improve your musicianship.  

For Peter there are two types of “roadblocks" players experience. “One stems from lack of focus or lack of inspiration,” he shares. 

He explains that the best way to overcome this is to step away from what you're doing—maybe go for a walk or read a book. But when you come back to practice, "immediately dig into the aspect of your playing that is causing you the most frustration."

The second, and more severe form of blockage stems from when players are confronted with a new challenge that causes them to revert back to old playing habits. As Peter explains, “With music we often find ourselves relying too much on the vices or tricks that have worked for us in the past. So, when we are confronted with a challenge that requires us to break out of those patterns, we find ourselves circling.” 

The genius drummer likens this to the physiological phenomena of how unresolved emotional issues can create cycles of behavior that are ultimately harmful for us. For this issue he prescribes examining the sloppier aspects of your playing, improving on those fundamentals, and then using those tools to help fix what is frustrating you. Whether you want to learn something about music or something about yourself, definitely check out this insightful conversation! 

LISTEN HERE

On the ArtistWorks Music Series, CEO Patricia Butler speaks with master musicians across all genres who teach at ArtistWorks. Join them as they dive deep into topics like becoming a musician, playing at all skill levels and the journey of learning music. Over the coming weeks we'll be spotlighting many of our world-famous teachers who will be discussing topics such as:

Why Playing Progress Stalls: Eric Marienthal - Wednesday October 21th

Why Playing Progress Stalls: Jason Vieaux - Wednesday November 4th

Looking to dive into more music podcasts? You’ve come to the right place. Now’s the perfect time to investigate previous episodes. There are plenty of topics to explore with fantastic guests. 

Tune in for new episodes released every other Wednesday on all platforms, and don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the show!

Want to get started on overcoming the roadblock on your musical journey with our online music lessons? Try out some free music lessons with any of our master musicians and learn from the best!