There’s a given formula to getting better. We all know it but hate to admit it. It’s practice. You think you can stop reading this now, right? You know this already! We all know it cognitively but most artists don’t fully integrate how important it is. That’s because a little ego issue comes into play – we think our magical gift will just show itself if we can’t manage as much rehearsal as we need. We’ll ride the coattails of our own charm and talent, right?
Well, for about 2% of you, you’re right! Ride away. The rest of you need to practice. It’s not always easy when you’re working full-time or raising kids or maintaining a relationship, but there is no way around it. You need to take a carving knife to your schedule and make it happen.
I know a writer who works until from 10 – 8 pm, 5 nights a week. She comes home, eats, rests for a bit and spends one hour writing – from 10 – 11 pm. That may not seem like a lot but she writes that entire hour. She allows absolutely no distractions. She is finishing her third book.
I know of a violinist who practices from 5 – 7 am, then goes to the gym, then to work. How does she avoid burnout? She takes the weekend off completely. And when I say completely, I mean completely. She doesn’t take phone calls, doesn’t run errands, and doesn’t listen to music (she says music makes her feel like she should be practicing!) She uses the weekend as a total “recharge” time, just for her.
Consistency can often matter more than amount when it comes to practicing. If you can’t rehearse with your band 3 nights a week, then make two nights really count. Don’t cancel them unless an emergency arises. If the rehearsal is 2 hours, plan it out. Define the night. Have a schedule. Take a 15-minute break then get back to work.
You really feel a sense of accomplishment when you’re on the right track, rehearsal-wise. You know deep down inside when it’s working and when it’s not. Adjust accordingly. And realize charm or talent alone won’t cut it. Nothing, absolutely nothing, replaces practice as a way to improve your art. It’s that simple.
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Padme Grace
Filed under: Performance, Priorities, Time Management | Tagged: band practice, musician priorities, practice, practice time, priority, Time Management
