Watch over my shoulder

By Vidas Pinkevicius (get free updates of new posts here)

This morning I had a lesson with one of my students at the church. She is preparing for her upcoming recital.

It was tempting to look over her shoulder while she played. After all I could see finger movements, watch the score etc.

But one thing wasn't clear from this close distance - the registration. Specifically - the mixture.

Was it too loud or normal?

I decided to go downstairs by the pews where listeners would be sitting. Immediately all the registration issues became crystal clear (the mixture was OK).

30 steps down the stairs and problem solved.

Sometimes it's better to imagine yourself in the listener's shoes.