Practice Post: Chill & Easy Practice Session/s

Hi everyone,

In today's post I'm going to talk about chill & easy practice sessions for when you want to do a little easier, but at the same time still getting some practice in.

The aim of having a chilled, and laid back practice session/s is for them not to be stressful; and you can use this method of practice for a number of reasons.

They are :-

- If you getting back into playing after a long break from practicing your instrument

- You may need a break from your usual practice session

- Health reasons

- Getting back into playing, and figuring out what to do with ongoing health issues

- You may just want a bit of fun, and go and explore a little bit.

For myself I've got a curated set of around ten pieces that I can fall back on for when I just need to have an easier practice session/ week. It's always a good idea to have easier pieces that you can just pick up, and just have a chilled out practice session. Also, make sure that it's pieces that you enjoy playing.

If you are doing easier practice sessions due to health reasons - then please take your time, as you may have to build up your stamina again. Only do what you can manage without forcing it. If you are a woodwind player, and have been taught harmonics on your instrument I would recommend using the easiest harmonic to do on your instrument, and then use it a gauge of finding out what you are capable of doing for that practice session.

Please don't force anything, especially with health reasons. The aim of these chill and easy practice sessions is so then you can slowly build yourself back up, to help you to figure out what you are capable of doing, and at same time have some fun. Also, get advice from your teacher to see how they can help you, as they might have a few ideas to help you to get back into playing. 

I had to do this recently, and I had work with my teacher to figure this out. But, because I already 

This could also be useful for someone whose working through their grades/ diplomas, and may just fancy changing things up slightly for a day or two; just so you can give yourself a bit of break from your usual routine and explore around a little bit. There's nothing wrong with taking a step back from your usual routine, and having a day or two of more relaxed practice.

If you are coming back into playing your instrument, and you just want to ease yourself back into it. You could ease yourself back into playing by using some fun pieces that aren't too difficult, and fun studies that again aren't too difficult to master. Just take your time throughout your practice, and please don't stress about anything as it should start flowing back in time. But, you do have to slowly build your stamina up. Make your sessions as fun and enjoyable as you can, and you should bounce back in time.

Make sure that your practice sessions are chilled, and relaxed. Don't stress over the amount of time that you have practiced for, as it shouldn't matter for this type of practicing. Enjoy the time takes getting back into playing or relaxing back into playing.