Practice Worries

 Hi everyone,

In today's post I'm going talk about worrying over your practicing, and second guessing yourself.

Image: Courtesy of Lauren Foley

We all have days were we worry about if we have done enough practice for our instrumental teachers, and whether or not that have practiced the piece/s correctly ready for your next lesson. Most people have a life outside of music, but others do this for a professional career such as working for a local orchestra, teaching both in person and online, content creator, concert soloist; so we all have our different stresses depending on what we are aiming for. It could be working through your Music Grades right the way up to a Music Degree/ Masters/ PhD, to working towards a public performance programme. All of these each comes with their own stresses.

I can only talk about this from a Music Grade prospective, as thats where I'm currently at with my own personal music journey.

Break Your Practice Up

This is one thing that I have found to be the most beneficial to myself, as it helps me to focus and concentrate a lot better. My current practice routine is split into two sessions; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. My morning practice session includes working through scales and arpeggios, and a couple of exercises from the Trevor Wye Practice Books 1-6, along with warming up by doing Harmonics on C. My afternoon practice session focuses on learning the pieces for my Grade 5 Trinity Practical exam. I split one practice up into three 30 minute segments each focusing on a different area or piece, and I've found that really does help, and I can get quite a lot of work during those 30 minutes.

Take a Step Back

If practicing is getting a little stressful, then put your instrument away (after you have cleaned it) and then come back to it the following day or when you're ready. Once you have a break and taken some time for yourself, and you are ready practice - try a different approach to your practice to see if that will help you such as breaking the piece down into more manageable chunks.

Mention It To Your Teacher/s

If you are getting stressed out with your practice it could also be worth mentioning it to your teacher, as they will be able to help you and advise you on what is best for you and your wellbeing. Your teachers are there to give you help and support, as well as helping you with your musical education and getting the best for you. 

Support Network

By 'Support Network' I mean talking to your friends and family about your musical stresses, and see if they will be able offer any help or advice. It might also help if you talk to someone whose outside of the musical world - just to get a different perspective.

You Can Only Do Your Best

At the end of the day you are still learning, and you can only do the best with as much practice time you allow. If isn't right by your lesson - don't worry too much, as your music teacher/s are there to guide you so that you will get it right. Whatever it is you are struggling with whether that be a tricky passage or a new technique just remember all of these take time to develop and they might not happen overnight. But with the help and advice from your teacher you should be able to come over these practicing barriers over time.

Practice by all means, but don't forget to take time out for yourself by having a chill day or two. As it will do you a world of good.

All practice is good practice, even if it goes wrong. It's still practice