A Few Tips About Practicing Your Instrument (and why the aerobics class are effective)

“If you don’t play for a day, God knows. If you don’t play for a week, you know. If you don’t play for a month, everybody knows”

I do not remember who told me that quote but I do believe it’s true.

So now it has been a little over a month since we started our aerobics classes, oh boy, my fingers can totally feel a difference.

Because I run all three classes, I get three times the workout than any of my students.

On top of that, I teach and therefore play with my students about 3 hours every day.

Then I practice with the metronome for an additional 2 hours every day.

Which brings me to think about how I feel about practicing.

Practicing half an hour or even one hour a day it’s only going to get you so far.

You will start to feel a real difference when you practice four or more hours everyday.

But let’s get real. With our busy lives who has four hours to practice every day?

That being said, let’s get the best out of what we have.

Here are some tips about practicing your instrument and how to get the most out of your practice.

Do not leave your instrument in the case.

Take it out and put it on the couch, on the bed, on the wall or on a stand.

That way, when you get home, your instrument is there waiting for you to pick it up and practice.

Practice with a metronome

Practice with a metronome

Practice with a metronome

If you do, your timing will improve dramatically, so will your speed.

Start slow, and gradually speed up, GRADUALLY!

Break down the tune you’re trying to learn and only practice those parts that never sounds good, in a loop

Practice scales and runs or licks as a warm-up

Ask your spouse, friend or pet to listen to you so you can gain confidence when playing in front of people, including your teacher.

Record yourself and be critical of your performance. If you feel you can do better, then you CAN do better.

Remember that everyone’s hand is different. What works for Jimi’s or Earl’s hand may not work for your hand. Adapt the piece for your hand even if it means taking off a few notes. Your goal is to sound good. Not replicate someone else’s style.

Stretch.

Stretch

Stretch.

Musicians suffer from repetitive movement injuries just like athletes.

You need to protect your hands so they’ll be functional for many years.

Did you know you can get tennis elbow from playing guitar?

I didn’t. And now I have tennis elbow and I don’t play tennis.

We do offer Music Aerobics Classes here every Tuesday and Thursday.

They have been very successful and we hope you come check them out for yourself.

Now, did you practice today?