Leland Sklar: Listening Is the Essence Of My Job

Leland Sklar is a legendary American bassist known for his extensive session work and live performances with a wide range of artists. With a career spanning over five decades, he has played with icons like James Taylor, Phil Collins, Toto, and Jackson Browne. (And so many more.) Sklar’s distinctive style and technical prowess have made him one of the most sought-after bassists in the music industry, contributing to countless hit records and memorable performances.

In the realm of music, the art of listening is fundamental to the role of a studio, recording, and touring musician. Renowned bassist Leland Sklar shares his insights on how crucial it is to be attuned to the various elements of a song. For Sklar, the ability to listen is essential in creating a harmonious balance. In this blog, he delves into the nuances of his listening process and how it shapes his contributions to musical projects.

Why is listening important to you?

In music, listening is the essence of my job, as a studio/recording/touring musician. To make the most of a song, you must be aware of its components. When I work, I listen to the drums for rhythmic direction and to the melodic instruments (guitar, keyboards, etc.) for voicing. In order for me to find the perfect balance between melody and rhythm it is imperative that I listen to all the parts. Some people are too self-indulged to listen to others. They will not blend and complement their project by this sort of attitude.

How do you apply listening to your work?

There is no process for this. Each time I start a project, the available information is different. If I am with just an acoustic guitarist, I sit and listen to him or her play the song. Then I begin to respond as a player to what I have heard. I tend to play more from the gut than the brain and trust my gut instinct more than anything. But the process always begins with a song being played in some form.

Allow a moment for things to settle in and then start to craft your response. Too many people start to answer before they have the question. Hold back!  Don’t start by imposing yourself from the get-go.

The world would be a far better place if we all listened to each other a bit more and tried to acquire information and experience from others, if only to enhance our own experience. 

We hope you found Leland Sklar’s insights on music and listening as inspiring and enlightening as we did. Leland’s contributions to the music world are unparalleled, and his thoughts on listening offer valuable lessons not just for musicians, but for anyone striving to be more present and attentive in daily living.

The insights shared by Leland Sklar highlight the profound connection between music and listening, underscoring the importance of being present and fully engaged. As he demonstrates through his musical journey, true listening goes beyond merely hearing—it involves understanding, empathizing, and responding thoughtfully.

Applying these principles to the workplace can lead to more effective communication and stronger team dynamics. By honing our listening skills, we can create an environment where every voice is heard and valued. This not only fosters collaboration but also drives innovation and success.

Tip for Better Listening in the Workplace

Practice Active Listening: Make a conscious effort to fully engage in conversations. Avoid interrupting and focus on the speaker’s words, tone, and body language. Reflect on what is being said before responding. This approach can improve mutual understanding and build stronger relationships within your team. By valuing and practicing active listening, you can enhance both personal and organizational growth.

If you enjoyed reading about “Leland Sklar: Listening is the Essence of My Job” please take a moment to click through our other musician interviews on the subject:

Guitarist Steve Morse on Listening – IC Interview

Kasim Sulton: One Word – Focus – IC Interview

Arnold McCuller – Listening for the Spirit – IC Interview

Jordan Rudess — Listening with Focus – IC Interview

Rod Morgenstein – Listening: One Cohesive Unit – IC Interview

Musician Carl Palmer on Listening – IC Interview

Nick Beggs — Listening means Understanding Relationships – IC Interview

Pat Mastelotto— Listening Requires Concentration – IC Interview

Mark Egan – Listen and Be In the Moment – IC Interview

Simon Phillips on Listening – IC Interview

6 Ways That Effective Listening Can Make You A Better Leader

Listening is a main topic in our Improving Communications Customer Service training classes curriculum. If you’re looking for ways to improve your overall communication skills, register for one of our upcoming public classes.