X-Training

by Micheal Vickers
 

           According to Random House Unabridged Dictionary(copyright 2006, via dictionary.com), to cross-train means "To train(a worker, athlete, etc.) to be proficient at different, usually related, skills, tasks, etc."  An example of cross-training is Mixed Martial Arts fighters.  These men and women have to be efficient in boxing, martial arts disciplines like judo and jiu-jitsu, and wrestling in order to succeed in the sport.  If you don't believe me, watch the replay of the UFC 81 fight between Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir.  Lesnar, being strong in wrestling but weak in the martial arts side, lost the fight to Mir by submission.

          Now, what does cross-training have to do with music, or even art(as I am a photographer)? Plenty...  How musicians, composers, and artists can cross-train is by studying a different style or type of subject.  I am a nature photographer, which means I take pictures of flowers, birds, landscapes, bunny rabbits, etc.  I have found that, for me, photographing my young niece and nephew running around their front yard in Utah or studying the old pictures I took of my younger brother when he used to compete with his high school swim and water polo teams, makes me a better photographer.  Another thing I do is study the works of artists in other media.

           I also studied music (in a previous life).  As a performer, I cross-trained by playing multiple instruments and with multiple ensembles.  I played euphonium, baritone bugle, and both classical and jazz piano.  As a composer, I studied all the masters.  Not only did I study the music of Bach, Mozart, Adams, and Glass, but also Joel, Dwight, Emerson, White, Metheny, Davis, Coltrane, Elfman, and Jarre among others.  I have found that if you break from your "normal" style, it forces you to really study your art and become a better artist.  This is what I call artistic cross-training.

I'm done sounding off, now it's your turn...