It's a beautiful thing to play an instrument and play it well.
If you got the music inside of you don't be afraid of it, go for it and do whatever it takes to make it the best quality you can. At the end of the day you have to accept what you have and use all the tools you are given at that moment and make the best music you can. Be true to yourself and don't worry about what's selling and what's popular. Don't worry about what everybody else is doing, do you. That's what's worked for me, the more creative and innovative I am it seems like the further it takes me, as opposed to playing it the same and being in a box. Also cover all the basics, listen to your teachers and do what they tell you to do. If you're a drummer and you're told to work with a click track don't let it go in one ear and out the other. I've been playing trumpet over 30 years and I still have to play a long time if I want a perfect sound, it just doesn't happen out of memory every single day. I have to discover what it is to play this trumpet and some days it really kicks my tail, but it's a beautiful thing to play an instrument and play it well.
The same principle can also be applied to your voice or any art form for that matter, it's a beautiful thing because it helps you become well-rounded. Anything that requires a tremendous amount of disciple, determination, focus and concentration, it's said to be a good thing. So, if you want to be a studio player you got to dedicate a lot of time to practicing and practicing the right things. You need solid instruction, seek out good instruction. You don't have to go to a big name school like Berkeley or Juilliard and spend thousands, but you got to seek out solid instruction and do what they say.
About Philip Lassiter
Writer, Arranger, Musician, Artist
Philip Lassiter’s contribution and relevance to the music industry are as diverse and celebrated as he is. The highlights of his impressive career include production and arranging work for seven GRAMMY winning projects with Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin in addition to working as section-leader, arranger and lead trumpeter for Prince. Lassiter is revered as a sought-after songwriter (SESAC) and Jazz musician whose talents earned him an endorsement with Cannonball Instruments and a recent record deal with GroundUP Records. Lassiter is also the musical genius behind the funk group Philthy.
Two decades of gospel, soul, R&B, funk, jazz and salsa sounds have served as a combined muse for Lassiter. Eight years in Dallas, TX brought these inspirations to life, and all the while under the wing of some of the most talented musicians and producers in the world. Bernard Wright, Bobby Sparks, Keith Anderson and many others opened new musical doors and further expanded his notoriety in the gospel and funk industry. As an arranger with multi-platinum artists including Prince, Fantasia, Kelly Rowland, Jill Scott, Roberta Flack, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Al Jarreau, Anthony Hamilton, Frankie Beverly, Ledisi, Regina Belle, Donald Lawrence and hundreds of others.
Several years in Nashville further diversified Lassiter’s musical portfolio. While there, he worked with the legendary producer Tommy Sims, performed and arranged the music of former Columbia Records country artist Shelly Fairchild, and performed in numerous awards shows such as the Dove Awards, The Stellars, and performed with My Morning Jacket at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. While in Nashville, Lassiter also formed his funk group Philthy. The talent Philip gathered for Philthy was representative of his working relationships with the best players and performers in both Nashville and New York. Based in DC, he currently leads an 11-piece horn section for Prince, with whom he tours internationally and in the U.S, and is preparing for his long-awaited album release of DreamZzz which is slated for June 10th, 2014.
About JPE: MasterClass
Created by David M. Wallace, this online series features some of the world's greatest artists and musicians sharing their knowledge and life experiences. MasterClass will be a series that seeks to make an impact by having renowned experts provide guidance and inspiration to up-and-coming artists.
This series is committed to creating a unique platform where top professionals come together to share their insights and offer a window into their creative process. Masterclass will develop into a valuable resource for the performing arts industry featuring videos and interviews.