Here are some basic things that will help with any practice program.
First
Whenever possible have your instruments out
of its case. An instrument kept in its case is “out of sight out of
mind.” It would be preferable to have it on a good guitar or
violin/viola or cello stand. Make sure it is somewhere safe but highly
visible. Then dang-it, every day you walk by your instrument for the
third time pick it up and play it!
Second
Practice in an area with as few distractions as possible. Make sure the
TV or stereo is turned off, and if possible the ringer on the phone as
well. I am fortunate; I am able to practice in an area that has natural
lighting from a fair sized picture window. Before you start relax for a
moment, take a couple of cleansing breaths, and try to clear your mind
of any outside thoughts. Take 30 seconds and look at your music or
lesson, hear it and visualize it in your head … there, you’re ready …
have a great practice.
Third
Science has shown that we absorb new information best during the first
tens minutes of the study or activity. I suggest to all students that
they will get way. In
a perfect world that would be ten minutes 3 times a day, once in the
morning, once mid-day, and then again in the evening … but I’ll take
ten minutes a day for 5 days with a big smile on my face. Practice tip
#1 makes doing this daily routine easier. Students get more out of their practice
time if they do ten minutes a day 5 days a week as opposed to a one
hour practice session one day a week.
Finally
Keep a practice log. If you do not currently keep a log of your
practice time start one. It can be as simple or in-depth as you wish. I
started the habit of keeping a practice log during my college days. It
was of great benefit to review the log every couple of months and see
the progress on paper. To look back at when I started a particularly
difficult piece and remember the struggle with the more difficult
passages, and now, a few months later, was executing the music, was a
great source of encouragement and inspiration. Start a log today and
write in it every time you practice or rehearse. What do you have to
lose, a minute or two? What do you have to gain? … My bet is a lot.
Finally
Following these sugestions will get you started with the good habits. As we all know it is easier to start out with good habits than have to replace the bad habits later.
Peace and good (practice) tunes to you, D. Patrick
