Re: How much do you practice?
We are all different and should watch ourselves and observe how we learn most efficiently and enjoyably. What works for one person may not work for another. For me, as a beginner, the question is not how much I practice, it is “What is the quality of my practice!”. If I, for example, were to play scales for an hour, I can almost guarantee that after 15 minutes my mind will “disengage” and I will very likely spend the remaining time reinforcing a bad habit or poor technique. For this reason I take the advice of a well known professional mandolinist, Pete Martin: I choose a specific goal, for example hitting all strings equally in a two or three course tremolo, and focus intently on it for 15 minutes. Then, whether I feel successful or not, I stop. I take a short break, stretch et al, and then focus on a new 15 minute subject. I divide my overall time across the areas of technique, practicing a new piece, and developing a small repertoire. Since I am a not an advanced student, I seem to weight my practice towards technique. I only study classical mandolin. Different genres may possibly require a different approach (?). Most importantly I make sure I enjoy all of my practice. If I am not really enjoying it and having a real sense of content satisfaction, I believe that means my practice needs a change.
“There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.” ― Albert Schweitzer
1925 Lyon & Healy Model A, #1674
2015 Collings A (MT2-V)
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