Meaning: This quote by Tennessee Ford, a musician, provides insight into the unique and personal methods that musicians use during rehearsals to set their tempo and rhythm. The act of snapping fingers during a rehearsal is a common technique used by musicians to establish a consistent beat and tempo. This quote reveals the importance of personal rhythm and tempo control for musicians, as well as the individualized nature of musical performance and rehearsal techniques.

In the context of music rehearsals, setting the tempo is crucial for ensuring that the performance is cohesive and well-coordinated. Musicians often use various methods to establish and maintain tempo, such as counting beats, tapping their foot, or, as in Tennessee Ford's case, snapping their fingers. The act of snapping fingers provides a tactile and auditory cue that helps musicians internalize the tempo and rhythm of the music they are rehearsing.

The quote also suggests that Tennessee Ford uses this technique to assert his own control over the tempo during rehearsals. By snapping his fingers, he sets his own pace and rhythm, influencing the overall tempo of the rehearsal. This demonstrates the personal and artistic agency that musicians assert in their creative process, as well as the ways in which they actively shape the musical environment to suit their preferences and artistic vision.

Furthermore, the act of snapping fingers can be a form of expression and communication within a musical ensemble. It can serve as a non-verbal cue to other musicians, signaling changes in tempo or rhythm, or simply conveying a sense of musical expression and energy. In this way, snapping fingers becomes a means of non-verbal communication and collaboration among musicians, allowing them to synchronize their performance and create a cohesive musical experience.

Tennessee Ford's use of snapping fingers to set his own tempo during rehearsal reflects the diversity of approaches that musicians employ to achieve their desired musical expression. Each musician may have their own unique methods and rituals for establishing tempo and rhythm, reflecting their individual musical sensibilities and preferences. This quote highlights the personal and subjective nature of musical performance, as well as the ways in which musicians adapt and innovate in their rehearsal practices to achieve their artistic goals.

In conclusion, Tennessee Ford's quote about snapping his fingers to set his own tempo during rehearsal sheds light on the individualized and creative approaches that musicians use to establish rhythm and tempo. This practice not only reflects the personal agency and expression of musicians but also serves as a form of non-verbal communication and collaboration within musical ensembles. It demonstrates the diversity of methods and techniques that musicians employ to achieve their desired musical expression, highlighting the rich and multifaceted nature of musical performance and rehearsal practices.