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Practice Pie

4/21/2016

2 Comments

 
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First of all, mmmmmmm, pie!  

Second of all, awwww man, I "have to" practice.

Ideally practice time should be approached more like the first statement.  However, for most of us it can feel like an open-ended chore that will


Never.

End.

Like pretty much ever.


So, how does one get past this dreaded feeling and actually find a way to enjoy (or at least tolerate) their practice time?

The answer is practice pie.  Make a plan before you start and write it down.  Set the size of your pie (for example: 60 minutes) and then break down everything you need to work on into a slice of time.  Within those slices, have specific goals in mind...intonation work, building up speed with the metronome, etc.  


For a beginning student:  tuning/scales = 5 minutes, exercise/etudes = 10 minutes, and
solo = 15 minutes.  Boom!  30 minutes has gone by and no one has reached their breaking point.  Both the practicer and the practice-pusher (the parent) are still speaking to one another.  Everyone wins.

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Now remember, rehearsals and lessons don't count towards practice time, but they do count towards the 10,000 hours needed to become a "master"!

Short term goals will lead to long term success.  If you need a reward, set one for yourself!  And don't forget, it is important to take off one day a week...if you can :)

​
For the more advanced student, the motivation to practice needs to come from you!  
​
Other tips:
Keep a journal to track your progress.

Use a timer.  I use a digital kitchen timer and set a specific time for each practice slice.

Set a specific time(s) each day to practice.

Make a "practice buddy".

Have your instrument unpacked ahead of time.  

Use a metronome.  It really does make the time go by faster!

Take little breaks in between slices :)

Figure out what works and stick to it!

Check out PRACTICE TOOLS, PRACTICE TIPS, PRACTICE PROPS, and GETTING ORGANIZED for more practice tips!


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Why are you still reading this?!  You should be digging into a delicious piece of practice pie right...about...now!
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2 Comments
jessica
4/21/2016 09:49:25 pm

I really appreciate this information and find it to be quite practical. Thank you.

Reply
Hooking Up Louisiana link
12/7/2022 04:31:47 am

Appreciate yourr blog post

Reply



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    Dr. Anna Jensen,
    double bass
    ​educator & performer

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  • Home
  • About
    • Dr. Anna Jensen
    • LESSONS
    • My Commitment to the Student
    • Events, Workshops, and Camps
  • Contact
  • Resources
    • Scales, Arpeggios, & Exercises
    • Technique & Pedagogy >
      • How to Get the Most Out of Your Lessons
      • Materials
      • Standing
      • Sitting
      • Left Hand
      • Bow Hold
      • Sound Production
      • Shifting and String Crossings
      • Vibrato
      • Harmonics
      • Repertoire >
        • Orchestral Excerpts
      • Piece Background
    • Practice Tools >
      • Practice Tips
      • Practice Props
      • Getting Organized
    • Apps, Gadgets, Double Bass Gear, Etc.
    • LINKS
    • "BassBook" - Double Bassists' Websites
  • Blog
  • The Sound Post
  • The Bridge