You know what it’s like, right?
You’re all inspired to learn a new musical instrument and improve your singing. You enroll in some classes and take your first lesson. It’s all really exciting until….your teacher drops the “P” word:
Practice.
What? You mean I can’t learn this new skill by osmosis? (pity, huh!)
So, once you’ve recovered from the realization that you can’t wave a magic wand or download the new skill-set like Keanu Reeves from The Matrix, then you set about practicing. Got it.
But…how do you practice anyway? How can you make your practice sessions effective and efficient, without losing the fun?
Firstly, there is no one single way to practice that works for everyone. How (and what) you practice depends on your lifestyle, your learning style and what you aim to achieve.
Here are some tips to point you in the right direction…
1. Practicing music is NOT the same as playing music
Playing music = applying those skills you find easy, fun and can do with creativity and personal flair. For example: singing the songs you already know or playing the same old favourite pieces you learned years ago.
The outcome? Enjoyment, relaxation, confidence and good times!
In contrast, practicing music = doing those things you find hard, challenging or difficult until they become easy. For example: singing the tough, high notes in the bridge of a new song that you’re learning. Don’t expect yourself to sound great on the first attempt! Take your time, enjoy the process and lose the self-judgement.
Outcome: you develop new skills and as your skill levels increase you become more inspired and motivated.
Some general pointers:
- Aim for accuracy, not speed.
- Aim to feel comfortable with (eg: to like) your singing/playing.
- Aim to get to a point where you feel ‘flowing attention’ rather than ‘intensely focused’.