Re: What do Famous Musicians Recommend about Practicing?
As a music coach, I have quotes about playing and practicing all over my studio walls. One of my favorites that resonates with a lot of players is from Dan Crary: "I'm convinced that playing well is not so much a technique as it is a decision. It's a commitment to do the work, strive for concentration, get strategic about advancing by steps, and push patiently forward toward the goal."
Wynton Marsalis has this to say:
12 rules of practicing
- Seek out private instruction. It could take years to figure out what a good teacher could show you quickly.
- Write/work out a regular practice schedule. Always include the fundamentals.
- Set realistic goals. Chart your development.
- Concentrate when practicing. Don't just "go through the motions".
- Relax and practice slowly.
- Practice what you can't play - the hard parts.
- Always play with maximum expression. Play as if you are singing it.
- Learn from your mistakes. Don't be too hard on yourself.
- Don't show off. Expression, not tricks or gimmicks.
- Think for yourself. Respect your teacher, but think things through for yourself.
- Be optimistic. There is nothing worse than pessimism coming out of an instrument.
- Look for connections between your music and other things. Try to find concepts or ideas that connect with each other.
Then there's the old adage, "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."
Oops! Did I say that out loud?
Once upon a time: fiddle, mandolin, OM, banjo, guitar, flute, whistle, beer
Bookmarks