Nik Bärtsch Masterclass 3: Shaker Training - Ben Levin

[@N0t_Alex]

I think a lot of people underestimate the importance of the mind-body connection with music, and the importance of mastering these kinds of fundamentals. Nik’s masterclass was one of the most profound experiences I’ve had as a musician, and I’m so excited to see this series getting the attention it deserves.

[@artisinventable]

i dont get these comments honestly. baffles me. There isn't even anything controversial in this video - this is an musical exercise video without any ideology. I thought these videos were absolutely wonderful, and instructive for my musical development. Thank you, Ben. And the other people involved in the production

[@BenLevin]

I think it's just because of how I edited it. I think my great level of enthusiasm for Nik's work has made it seem a bit over the top in the tone. I'm glad you are digging the lessons, they certainly have made a strong impact on my music!

[@Karaolos]

Thank you so very much for exposing me to Nik Bartsch.

[@kristianmcgurran3183]

Made me so happy to see this in my feed

[@ShadeCandle]

Ben, I've been in love with your music and your channel for a while now, but I can't thank you enough for making me aware of Nik Bartsch and his work. Totally blown away.

[@ShadeCandle]

Wow, I just read through the comments. Cultish? I didn't even pick up on anything particularly spiritual in this one. Clearly he has zen influence and has a beautifully idealogical approach to his art... people are so easily weirded out. Gawd. This is a handy training exercise... that's all.

[@Jonksy]

This video has some unintentional ASMR qualities to it. To Nik it seemed almost natural to work polyrythmically but I know even without trying that I do not have that ability, very cool stuff and an awesome demonstration! True Masterclass!

[@PaulMcEvoyGuitars]

You definitely have the ability to shake a Shaker and then subdivide that beat at least in half. After that it's a lot of practice and math.

[@SupairDup]

This is so legitimately cool, I'm now going to have to purchase a shaker (and probably some of those sweet pants too) to practice and also chase my cats around with

[@NotAStranger2440]

Underrated comment...

[@floriancazacu4504]

Holy hell this guy is so good. Such a profound way to exercise this stuff too. I really like the focus on doing this relaxed. Plenty of times we get so much in our head we don't even feel the tension in our bodies.

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

Thank you to Ben and everyone involved in creating this video series. I was unaware of Nik Bartsch until a few weeks ago - now I can't stop listening. So wonderful.

[@jimmylaze]

This is so good thanks ben! And thanks for the lesson today

[@AmandaKaymusic]

When I was visiting Habana an eye opening moment was learning they start the shaker with up or towards self. It feels much more natural and sound more in the groove when I am playing that way now. Harder for me to get but more in the pocket. Thanks for sharing this. Some terrific techniques.

[@unoaotroa]

This series have been very evocative! In recent years I've come to find 'sound through movement' became a primary motive of mine to indulge in creative exploration. Nik has eloquently expressed many of the sentiments I've had making music while exploring 'sound through movement'. I'm looking forward to listening some of his music! Also, I think mastering multiple sets of polyrhythms helps to develop complex melodic phrasing easier.

[@davidfreel1451]

No thought, or musical thought, may exist in the brain without a change in a persons musculature taking place. Musical thinking is clearer when it is clearly embodied, ie when the performer can reach for a memory of easeful coordination in their body which will allow them to further embody their musical thoughts on their instrument. Whenever a person experiences technical limitations with either pain or unreliability they sometimes narrow their focus to their hands or fingers and ignore, tense and interfere with their body as a whole. Nik is demonstrating a few ways of broadening his attention to include his whole body. If the whole body has modes of embodied music which may be accessed during performance then clear musical thinking is easier because a stiff body is to a musicians thoughts what a potato in a cars exhaust pipe is to making a getaway.

[@BrunoWiebelt]

this was very mindful and loosened me up in a blockade

[@QuietQuest]

This is absolutely mind blowing! From a musical/health/physical theray/brain perspective. Great video, thank you!

[@hiqwertyhi]

yeah the dude's got a weird vibe but have you heard his music? have you heard him seamlessly pulling off 5:7 or 5:9 polyrhythmic melodic patterns that actually sound good? he might be strange, hell he might even be crazy, but i'll be damned if he's not a genius. i think it's more than plausible that he's on to something (although maybe also on something, idk) thanks for this series, ben. if nothing else you've introduced me to some great music; both his solo piano work and his band's work are terrific

[@EtienneAbelin]

He's on very delicious green tea;)

[@siljamattmann8728]

@@EtienneAbelinhahah I was gonna say the same!! 😂

[@mikefearon3577]

I like the part where he shakes the shaker

[@BeatleJWOL]

"Hey, what's your favorite Ben Levin video?" "I like the one where the guy shakes the shaker for a looooooooong time"

[@Seth-hc2bj]

Wow that peice at the very start is beautiful

[@J.Millhouse]

I know I’m late to the party here, but if you like Bartsch’s work there’s this guy Rob Kovaks on KZbin who’s posted some really beautiful rhythmic piano performances. He hasn’t come out with much content though so don’t expect a KZbinr. Worth checking out though for sure

[@artisinventable]

So happy there is a third part

[@amindfulemergence9835]

I'd love to know what those books on the table are...probably something zen.

[@tolbertpitman]

Oh wow! This is so cool! I’m going to share this with my band, as well as my family to have some “chill” time. Love your music Nik!

[@TylesBrain]

Tao of Music

[@matthewbenedict5923]

awesome documentary

[@enricopersia4290]

Ben, do you know that many of us will re-watch the video and playing along with the exercises? :D

[@jackk9366]

Wow man I need to start thinking about my rhythmic connection with my instrument as much as this guy

[@yeahlon]

Awesome. Didn't know this guy earlier. Thanks Ben;)

[@pratishyoutube]

Amazing ❤️

[@greenoak1]

Wow! This is amazing!

[@MGCaverly]

Brilliant

[@sayanbhattacharya3233]

I am blown !

[@gabrielebonotto3087]

He make it look so easy...

[@klavieru6632]

I really love this, because I can‘t do it😂

[@blaisedangeac3130]

someone needs to caption 2:57

[@fefritschi]

"A calm spine"

[@jianyuan5578]

Things get wild when the 3:4:5 happened

[@creatief_met_kaas]

Feels like I'm watching a Taika Waititi sketch

[@-1subswithoutuploadingavid621]

I train my shaking skills every night...

[@McDoinky]

nice

[@Psyfonify]

What a nice and cool truck boi

[@petermarsh4578]

Hmm. While I respect his work, I'm not convinced by all this spiritual stuff. Always interesting to see a new perspective though

[@BenLevin]

Hiya! I wouldn't necessarily describe him as spiritual in his craft. I think his approach is more of an expression of the fact that music is pretty all encompassing. It plays a big role in how you see the world and then at the same time, everything in the world effects your music. So it's just a super dedicated acknowledgement of that fact. He's a fun guy to hang out with too!

[@siljamattmann8728]

What do you mean by „all this spiritual stuff“? Like what exactly is it that you feel pushed away by?

[@requemao]

I'm puzzled. Is this satire or what is it?

[@BenLevin]

It may seem crazy that such a simple training exercise with shakers can make such a big difference, but when you give it a serious try for a few weeks, the results are super helpful. Sometimes the simplest things in our performance are the things we overlook the most!

[@requemao]

@@BenLevin Thanks for your reply. I guess I have paid too much attention at the form and I have overlooked the content. You'll have to forgive me, but that lama look and some of the remarks ("there's an energy that such-and-such") put me in the wrong frame of mind, so to speak.

[@ThePreting]

Not knocking this, but is anyone else getting some cult vibes?

[@BenLevin]

Hi Chris, I think the reason some people have been feeling this is a little cultish is because of my editing choices. I admire Nik a lot and have learned a lot from his approach to music so it might seem like I am a bit extreme in my appreciation for his work. At the end of the day, the thing that is so inspiring about this to me is how he helps me find new ways to think about musical practice. It's really just that. I love his music and the lessons. I think in cults usually there is some call to action or a belief in an individual. With this, it's simply about the fact that Nik has done a great job building a musical community and has a cool way of teaching about it.

[@ThePreting]

Ben Levin yeah I can see that. Thanks Ben for the upload!