Posts tagged: tips

Welcome to the New Year. Now what?

I’ve been intending to write a “look ahead” since the month began, pointing to the promise of the new year…musically speaking, of course. Before we begin, though, a quick review is in order.

Mark posted a very nice article here at the beginning of last year. (Go ahead, click the link in the previous sentence and read the article; I’ll wait right here.  :-D) The three key points he hit were:

1. What’s done is done
2. Look for the opening(s)
3. Set realistic goals and GO FOR THEM

While I think he covered the top 3 quite well, I’d also like to add the following as an important fourth point:

4. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plan

Goals are wonderful things, and please don’t take this as license to scrap a goal every time things get tough…but life has a way of changing around us. If we don’t adapt as our situation changes, it’s a recipe for frustration. So set your goals, large and small, and by all means work diligently to achieve them! But take the time to periodically re-examine them to see if they still make sense…and if not, change them so that they do. Be honest with yourself, mix equal parts realism and optimism, and get busy! This year has such wonderful potential for you as a Part-Time Musician; help yourself make the most of it.  :-)

Wishing you all a very musical year,
Kathy

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categories General | January 17, 2011 | comments Comments (0)

Learning Tips for Better Playing

‘Tis the season, I suppose. While reading an article about returning students and lessons, it hit me that whether student or not, taking lessons or not, we could all use some pointers on how to learn – and thus play – better.

Making the most of music lessons is an article from our friends at Violinist.com. If you’re a string player, you owe it to yourself to check out this site; and whether you play a violin or Vulcan lyre, you can benefit from the advice within the linked article. Case in point: the author, Professor Klickstein, is a guitarist.

In the article, the author highlights the attributes of “adept learners” – personal goals to aim for in your (and my!) playing obsession that will only help us grow as musicians and human beings. He also lays out tips for improving your communication with your teacher, but here’s the secret: those tips work to polish your playing in any circumstances, even if studying alone. Record yourself. Assess yourself. Exchange information. Even if you don’t have a teacher at the moment, you aren’t off the hook! Read the full article to get the full scoop.  :-)

Next time, I hope to share some observations from my own “teaching” experiences…and yes, I did put “teaching” in quotes. If you want to know why – and trust me, you probably do! – you’ll have to check back in to find out. Until then…

Keep playing,
Mark

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categories Learning | September 9, 2010 | comments Comments (0)

Three tips for setting – and reaching – your goals

As we begin a new year, many of us reflect upon last year’s accomplishments – and the many things we somehow failed to accomplish – and contemplate how we can make this year a better one. Let’s do a quick 360, looking through our special PTM lens to see what we can look forward to in 2010.

1. What’s done is done

Did you achieve all of your musical goals in 2009? No? Well, guess what? No one else did, either! If you manage to hit every goal you ever set, that only means that you aren’t setting challenging enough goals. :-)

TIP: Stop beating yourself up over missed goals, lazy streaks, unforeseen difficulties mastering a particular bit of technique, or whatever. What’s done is done! Relish your accomplishments, whether meager or myriad, and look forward to the year ahead!

2. Look for the opening(s)

Not one of us has the “perfect job” that allows us to practice when we want, as long as we want, wherever we want. Factor in family, spouse’s employment, and other commitments, and it’s easy to get discouraged. When is it even possible to play?!?!

TIP: Try to look at those “obstacles” as puzzles to be solved rather than roadblocks. Two hours a day may never be possible for you; sadly, it isn’t for me, either. Playing an instrument is just like (financial) investing, though: start with whatever you can. If you spot an opening of five minutes a day, TAKE IT! Your progress corresponds with your dedication, but even slow progress beats no progress. Once you’re in the mindset of daily playing, you’ll also be surprised at the other openings that present themselves…as long as you’re flexible.

3. Set realistic goals and GO FOR THEM

Once you’ve gotten past the self-flagellation (#1) and have identified some opportunities for practicing/playing (#2), it’s time to write down some goals. This is where the rubber really hits the road.

TIP: Identify incremental goals, write them down, and work toward them daily. Maybe you want to increase your range by one note/month, learn a new chord every week, tackle a new etude or concerto every quarter, or just learn to tune your new instrument. All are worthy goals. Write them down, review your list each day, and do your level best to work toward them daily. You’ll miss a day here and there, of course, but seeing those goals each morning will help you keep on track. How do I know that? Well, if it can work for me, it can work for anyone. :-)

May you all have a wonderful, productive, and richly rewarding 2010!

All the best,
Mark

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categories General | January 5, 2010 | comments Comments (2)