Don't Feel Like Practicing?
I once heard Roger Crawford (http://www.rogercrawford.com/) speak on what it takes to be successful. If you think you are struggling, check out his story. His mother told him when he was young to practice when you feel like it ---- and practice when you don't feel like it.
Let's face it. There are some days that you (I) don't feel like practicing. We may be tired physically or mentally. So, what do you do?
This is probably a good time to relax, pick up your instrument, and pick something short; perhaps a one or two octave arpeggio. Play it slowly (~ 60 or 70 bpm). Play in the 1st 2nd and 3rd inversions. Play meditatively. Focus on tone and time. Maybe you want to do this for 5 or ten minutes. If this is very easy increase the speed by 10 bpm for the second five minutes. Take a break and do it with another arpeggio. Again break and return a third time. Perhaps this time take a short phrase over a II -V-I progression, and play it over and over for the 10 minute period. Focus on playing each note clearly. Eventually you will be able to play it without thinking of the notes that you are playing.
Three brief periods and now you have practiced for 15 minutes to a half hour. It is done. Not so bad after all, huh? This won' make you a master of the instrument, but it will help to continue the forward motion when you would be tempted to sit still and do nothing.
Hope that is helpful. Log into the forum and comment on this, or share some of your practice tips
© Wayne Grosvvenor 5/28/2011
