Don't musicians practice everyday? Why is the 100 Day challenge so important?
In theory, musicians desire to practice every day but, just like everyone else, at times life gets in the way. With the challenge to practice 100 days consecutively came the reality of having to prioritize my time. After a while, I realized what I spent more time on that could be cut down to make room for practicing. During the time of January 1, 2018 to April 10, 2018 I learned so many lessons from this challenge! Both about music and about myself. Here are several that I would like to share with you with the hope that it will encourage you in some way.
First, be determined in your approach to practicing! Determine what you want to accomplish. Write it down and then do it! On some days I only had a 20 minute time frame in which to get any practicing done. When I approached those times with a plan and a determined mindset I was able to accomplish quit a bit in a short amount of time all the while feeling satisfied with my practice for that day.
Second, record yourself in your practice sessions! I found that many times what I heard while I was playing was not what I was actually portraying in the music. For example, my dynamics were not as dramatic as I thought or my articulations did not come across how I wanted them to. Listening to my recordings gave me insight in how to better my playing. After going back and listening to my video from Day 1 versus my video from Day 100, there was an incredible difference not only because of time but also because of listening to my recordings and learning from them.
Finally, focus and have fun! A challenge like this doesn't have to be work! The more I approached each practice session with a sense of excitement the more I accomplished and enjoyed the time. If I had a bad day at work, I would come home and just have fun with my music to relieve the stress. By the end of the day (whether a good one or a bad one), I felt accomplished and happy.
It is said that it takes 21 days to form a habit. While writing this article I was in South Carolina with some students for their national music competition. During this time I was unable to practice (thankfully my 100 days had just finished) and, I must say, it was strange not to practice during that time. I am an advocate for taking breaks but without letting the new habit of practicing fall away completely. (It is healthy to step away for a short time and come back.)
If you have not participated in this challenge I strongly encourage you to start today! If you would like more insight on my 100 Days of Practice or advice on your practice sessions send me a message or comment below. I'd love to help you enjoy practicing as much as I do!
In theory, musicians desire to practice every day but, just like everyone else, at times life gets in the way. With the challenge to practice 100 days consecutively came the reality of having to prioritize my time. After a while, I realized what I spent more time on that could be cut down to make room for practicing. During the time of January 1, 2018 to April 10, 2018 I learned so many lessons from this challenge! Both about music and about myself. Here are several that I would like to share with you with the hope that it will encourage you in some way.
First, be determined in your approach to practicing! Determine what you want to accomplish. Write it down and then do it! On some days I only had a 20 minute time frame in which to get any practicing done. When I approached those times with a plan and a determined mindset I was able to accomplish quit a bit in a short amount of time all the while feeling satisfied with my practice for that day.
Second, record yourself in your practice sessions! I found that many times what I heard while I was playing was not what I was actually portraying in the music. For example, my dynamics were not as dramatic as I thought or my articulations did not come across how I wanted them to. Listening to my recordings gave me insight in how to better my playing. After going back and listening to my video from Day 1 versus my video from Day 100, there was an incredible difference not only because of time but also because of listening to my recordings and learning from them.
Finally, focus and have fun! A challenge like this doesn't have to be work! The more I approached each practice session with a sense of excitement the more I accomplished and enjoyed the time. If I had a bad day at work, I would come home and just have fun with my music to relieve the stress. By the end of the day (whether a good one or a bad one), I felt accomplished and happy.
It is said that it takes 21 days to form a habit. While writing this article I was in South Carolina with some students for their national music competition. During this time I was unable to practice (thankfully my 100 days had just finished) and, I must say, it was strange not to practice during that time. I am an advocate for taking breaks but without letting the new habit of practicing fall away completely. (It is healthy to step away for a short time and come back.)
If you have not participated in this challenge I strongly encourage you to start today! If you would like more insight on my 100 Days of Practice or advice on your practice sessions send me a message or comment below. I'd love to help you enjoy practicing as much as I do!
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