Sori-Do (Path of Sound)
Sori-Do is the name I have given to the teaching system I have developed, which applies the principles of taekwondo to musical teaching and learning.
Components of the training include:
- Constant repetition of basic techniques in a wide variety of variations and combinations
- single and multi-tone exercises to train the intuitive sense of intonation
- scale and triad exercises in as many different variations as possible
- rhythmicization of basic techniques with impulses for a shared feeling of metrical elements
- working on solo literature in a group as a supplement to the development of independent interpretation
This symbol is the octagon from my taekwondo school in Erding/Bavaria.
The center with the ‘Mitsu-Dome’ symbol represents the unity of body, mind, and soul. It is surrounded by an octagon consisting of the basic “I Ching” symbols with various combinations of the male (Yang - solid line) and female (Yin - broken line) principles. The eight trigrams represent heaven - wind - fire - marsh - earth - mountain - water - thunder.
All exercises—including the development of solo literature—are performed without sheet music. The main focus is on listening to and responding to each other. The constant variations require a high degree of concentration. At the same time, the mind moves to a higher level that transcends pure intellect, a level that allows experience to flow into insight.
Training creativity is also an essential part of the program. Melodies and musical lines are not exclusively prescribed by the teachers; students are also encouraged to engage in a basic form of improvisation. Spontaneity is a central element in this process, as it leads away from the intellectual level.
With brass players, I work extensively with natural tone rows. Their proximity to the human voice allows for a very original style of playing, without distraction from rational elements such as fingerings and notes. Sound exercises with natural tones are also very effective, as it is easy to sense when balance and intonation are correct.
“Those who are strong but do not work on themselves will become weak.” (Asian wisdom)
