Perfect practice makes perfect! Maximizing your practice routine with Sean Jones, Trumpet

Notes on Practice for precollege and college musicians. I wrote in New Orleans after hearing Mr. Jones speak.

This could be subtitled, "how I raised myself from obscurity to playing in Lincoln Centre and how I keep my place in the band now that I've got there post."

Start with your goals. This year, this month, this week, this day, this hour. And then 5, 10, 15 20 years out. These goals must be congruent. (I'll vouch for that)

Sean's Four Hour Daily Routine 

1. Pedagogical routine Shut out the world 15 minutes before starting. Then practice classical technique, which is maintenance. Use practice journal, record yourself, and take another 15 minute reflection opportunity at the end of this session. Total time 90 minutes 
2. Reinforcement routine. Shut out the world 15 minutes before starting. Etudes and classical repertoire for 60 minutes.
3. Repertoire development and transcription. 90 minutes plus. 

Some notes from the talk:
---------
Self assessment is important. These moments define your character as a musician. It takes for your body to catch up to your brain. Plateauing. Respect this, you are still moving. 
------------
Practicing is proof you have it in you. 
-----------
Jamming and gigs take priority 
------------
Consistency counts
------------
Rest as much as you play
Endurance comes from enduring 
Don't hurt yourself 
Push to exhaustion but not injury 
-------------
Slow and clean
----------/
"Practice is the repetition of an action that gives you the results you want to achieve"
-----------
"How I became a cornetist" book A how to manual from the 19th century (I'm reading this book currently. It is so inspiring)
------------
Educators, "Don't limit your advice to your own experiences"
------------
The music is the motivation to practice. 
Environment is important. Peer group affirmations.  

It was a packed room of enthusiastic music strivers.

For more information click this link from Downbeat:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/sean-jones/down-beat-magazine-article-master-class-chops-goals-a-three-part-practice-regime/146724975161/
​
Cheers,
​
David Story

---