Practice makes perfect is we practice perfectly. But, perfect practice is a tricky business. The following article from Vic Firth outlines very effective practice tactics for drummers. I've added jazz piano addendums in brackets.
In a nutshell: a) Warm Ups (some sight reading) b) Rudiments – learning and application of (jazz chords, modes) c) Groove & Fills (working on your jazz licks through transcription) d) Learning a song (using a combination of lead sheet and recordings) http://www.vicfirth.com/exchange/2014/03/20/the-practice-of-practice/ Enjoy, David Story
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1. Communicate with your teacher your goals and aspirations. 2. Do your homework, consider that the so called boring bits are the important bits. I know, I take drum lessons. The new teacher is trying to get me to play quarter notes properly with the good tone and arm motion. This is requiring hours of concentrated effort. But, the musicians I play with can hear the difference already. 3. Participate in recitals. Everyone needs positive, self esteem building events. 4. Explore music outside of lessons: Sight read, attend concerts, listen to music, buy a music magazine, watch Youtube videos, attend a summer camp. (I'm going to Louisville Kentucky and Oxford England this summer for music training in both drumming and classical music). 5. Read Time Power by Brian Tracy. The best book on time management I know. Amy Chua's books are an interesting read for both parents and mature music students. 6. Remember musicians live to practice, performance is just the icing on the cake. Cheers, David Story Piano Teacher and drumming enthusiast. I can’t motivate anyone. But I can inspire! Motivation is the idea I can make someone like something they don’t. I can’t. Inspiration on the other hand is the heart of education. An inspired learner is the joy of our profession. Stay inspired!
As a drum student I watch YouTube video lessons each day. I read books and magazines on drumming. I play with others who play at my level, I practice, I take lessons, I have goals. You get the picture. Cheers, David It depends on how good you want to be is the short answer. A thoughtful answer takes a little longer.
Realistic Goals: Are your goals in tune with the rest of your life? What would you give up to reach them? Piano takes time, lots of it. For example to complete my ARCT in 2007, I started Grade 10 in 2003. Five thousand hours later I graduated! (This 5,000 hours included my theory studies as well as my piano lessons.) I gave up the music business to do this. If you goals are more modest, aim for 2 hours a week of practice to start. Without practice, piano is no fun! The caveat is this. If you are a recreational piano student with the goals of learning some tunes and having some fun, skipping practice is no big deal. We can do it together at lessons, I will supervise. Whatever the depth of your ambition, I suggest strongly that you schedule piano practice into your schedule. On the subject of practice, another blog post for that. Cheers, David Story “Private Practice Determines Public Performance” Carl Allen, December 2011 issue of Downbeat Magazine “Start with the end in Mind” Stephen Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Tips on Practicing I just finished reading Carl Allen’s article in the current issue of Downbeat magazine. Carl reviews his philosophy of drumming. Most of it is applicable to piano and guitar as well. Inspired, I offer this.
We play like we practice, so… 1. Practice mentally and emotionally engaged. 2. Remember, it must be in the so-called muscle memory to be secure. 3. Practice slowly, listen deeply, be patient, and pay attention to the minute details of the score: articulations, dynamics, phrasing, tone, etc. 4. Start slowly, the correct tempo will come later. 5. Imagine you must play publicly in a week. Then tackle the annoying bits first. :-) Cheers, David Updated Feb 2023 |
You've got to learn your instrument. Then, you practice, practice, practice. And then, when you finally get up there on the bandstand, forget all that and just wail. AuthorI'm a professional pianist and music educator in West Toronto Ontario. I'm also a devoted percussionist and drum teacher. Categories
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