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Learning to Practice a Musical Instrument
Suggestions from guitarist Dale Reagan
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of learning a musical instrument is developing an approach to musical practice. This is even more challenging if you are working without the aide of a teacher... Developing your musical skills is more important than developing your technical skills (i.e. playing fast will follow playing musically.) Generally speaking, your focus should be to reach a point where you play your instrument naturally. If your practice includes emphasizing natural movement to create the sounds that emanate from your instrumet then your performances should also, eventually, be natural (technical performance will seem effortless to all that hear it...). Some suggestions for practicing include:-
establish a schedule for practice (i.e. use the same practice location, perhaps the same time slot on each day that you practice)
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break up longer sessions by including short breaks where you actually change your physical position or location (i.e. get up and stretch a bit)
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begin each session by completing a review of what you will be working on before you pick up your instrument
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if not already done, then during the mental review, establish at least one goal for each practice session
include short 'mental practice' units in each session (i.e. play the music or review fingerings 'in your head', without touching the instrument)
if you experience physical pain at any point during your practice then STOP what you are doing; evaluate the physical aspects of your playing for a cause for the pain AND change what you are doing - playing an instrument should not be painful for you (or for your audience!)
have FUN! If you are not enjoying your practice time then something is wrong. Either change the amount of time you spend working on specific issues or change the pieces that you are working on.
There are several book resources that may aide the development of your practice skills. I recently read the book by Madeline Bruser listed below and I recommend it for several reasons: 1) I am in agreement with the focus of the book, 2) I found that many of the suggested techniques worked for me (or I was already using them) and 3) the book includes some suggestions that are specific to the classical guitar.
I also suggest the book by Lee Ryan - it has a guitar focus and covers many aspects of guitar study with a focus on a 'relaxed approach'. Mr. Ryan clearly elaborates a 12 step approach to learning a new work with significant detail. He also lists eight points to keep in mind as Master Practice Strategies:
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Set Goals and Priorities
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Do One Thing At A Time
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Break Down the Problem
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Slow is Fast
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Repeat Until It Feels Natural
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Set Up a Regular Practice Schedule
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Take Breaks
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Do It Now
If you prefer to work with exceptional musical exercise resources from exceptional musicians then try any of the book or book/DVD combos by Scott Tenant; In Pumping Nylon Scott presents many ideas and 'exercises' (with help from friends like Andrew York) that you help you stretch and discover your sound with the guitar - good luck!
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Pumping Nylon (Book and DVD) (The Classical Guitarist's Technique Handbook) Edited by Nathaniel Gunod, written by Scott Tennant. For classical guitar. Includes instructional book and instructional video (DVD). With introductory text, instructional text, illustrations and standard guitar notation. Technique. Series: National Guitar Workshop. 95 pages. 9x12 inches. Published by Alfred Publishing. (AP.20417) See more info... |
Also see: Building a Classical Guitar Recorded Music Collection
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