Weekly Practice Tip

We all know regular practice produces the best results but how do we create the habit in a busy, distracting world?

Write down on a piece of paper with ink (not pencil) when you would ideally like to practice and add a big smiley face on the bottom. Put this piece of paper on your fridge or coffee machine or TV screen.

Practicing reminder for fridge (left). Revised reminder (right)

After a week you'll probably want to alter it (right side) until a regular time is established. Notice there's no mention of how long you will practice. We are only establishing the habit of sitting in front of the keys at a regular time. 5 minutes or 1 hour, it doesn't matter. What DOES matter is that you have a GooD FeeLing at the EnD of your practice session :-) If your practice time wasn't fun or productive you will avoid the next session. 10 mins. of fun and productive practice will establish a practice habit faster than one hour of slogging. We always want to repeat something that left us feeling good.

For me it's right after I make my morning cup of tea. I walk to the piano without thinking. When it's becoming a habit, make a change. Take your sign off the fridge/coffee maker/TV and put it on your piano next to a favorite piece of music. Another enticing way to draw you to your musical bliss.

What else has worked for you?