❄️ January Groove Garden 🤍 Groove Garden Theme for January: “The Fresh Page” The New Year brings a clean slate. While the world often rushes to make loud resolutions, January in the Groove Garden is about the potential of the empty space. It is the quiet snow before the footprints. This month, we are focusing on space, clarity, and intentionality. Instead of rushing to fill the silence, we will explore how to frame it. We are listening before we play and finding the courage to try something completely new. Intentions for the Month: • Embrace silence and "rests" as dynamic parts of your playing. • Approach your instrument with curiosity rather than expectation. • Set a musical intention that feels exciting, not like a chore. 🌱 Groove Garden Prompts for January: Explore, Record, and Share Step onto the fresh snow of the New Year by exploring these prompts. Remember, you are painting on a blank canvas—there are no mistakes, only new textures! The First Breath Sit with your instrument in silence for ten seconds. Then, play the very first sound, rhythm, or note that feels right. Don't overthink it. Let that first sound evolve into a short, 30-second improvisation. This is your musical "inhale" for the year. The Power of Pause Groove isn't just about the notes; it's about the space between them. Create a groove or melody where you play less than usual. Force yourself to leave gaps. Let the silence be the loudest part of the performance. The Sonic Resolution Try one thing you’ve never done before. This could be a totally new tuning, holding your pick/sticks differently, using a weird sound setting, or playing a genre you usually skip. Record a snippet of this "new voice." The Time Capsule Pick a song or exercise you love but find slightly challenging. Record yourself playing it exactly as you are today, imperfections and all. Save this recording. We will revisit this in the future to see how far you’ve grown. The Slow Build Start at the absolute lowest volume (pianissimo)—barely a whisper. Over the course of 60 seconds, slowly, gradually build your intensity and volume until you end on a triumphant, loud crash or chord. Feel the energy of the year rising!

Welcome to Steel Groove, a global community designed for tongue drum players of all levels, from the absolute beginner who just unboxed their first instrument to the seasoned musician looking to refine their performance. I am so glad you're here! Introduce yourself to the community below: 1. Name 2. Where are you from? 3. Why are you here?