What is Practicing Anyway?
Ahhh, the “million dollar” question! Is it hard? Is it boring? Is it going to take up time in a busy day that I just don’t seem to have? Isn’t there a way around this old fashioned notion and get to a more modern, quicker way to learn to play an instrument, sing better or write good songs?
Well, let’s dig in! First of all, I don’t like the word “practicing” to begin with. It’s been around for centuries and seems to imply lots of drudgery. How about we call it “playing” ?! That sounds like what we’re supposed to be doing anyway, having fun! At the end of the day, we play music to express ourselves and to enjoy the sounds we make. Sharing music with others is a very beautiful and natural thing for us to do. It makes us forget our problems and everyday life for awhile. It’s a great sanctuary for the soul.
So, is it hard? No, it can be very relaxing and therapeutic, if approached with the right attitude. Spend some time defining your goals for any session or group of sessions. Are you learning new material? Are you working on a particular technique? Maybe you’re trying to smooth out the performance of a particular song or piece. Figure out what it is that can improve your playing and make a plan to help you get there!
As far as being boring goes, it is only as boring as you make it! If you’re just meandering about playing your favorite songs or things that you already can play, that is boring! Only by tackling new material and techniques will you hear yourself improve and that is exciting! Seeing yourself progressing and growing is it’s own reward and will inspire you to do more.
If you think you don’t have the time, then you are correct! Unless you consider how many things do you do everyday that spin you in circles and are completely useless or are time wasters! There is always time for something, if is truly important to you! When you make the commitment to being the best you can be, then it will be amazing how much time you seem to have to make that happen. Simply start by making music a big part of your day.
To sum it all up, there are no shortcuts. If you want excel it takes focus, drive, effort and passion! Being a musician, singer or songwriter is like a journey down a long and very scenic road. Lot’s of twists and turns, delays, detours and occasionally a fast ride downhill with the wind at your back. As the age old adage goes, perhaps it’s the journey and not the destination that matters. I think that’s where the fun and satisfaction is!
See you all again soon!
Until then, keep rockin’ !
Marty :)
