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Why should I practice?

Metadata

title
Why should I practice?
description
It's time to rethink our relationship to practice.
status
complete
date
2021-10-25
kind
solo
guestSlugs
listenUrl
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Why-should-I-practice-e18rklm
appleUrl
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-should-i-practice/id1567355195?i=1000539632057
spotifyUrl
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2tRVucbpSGakYz5AdPyrX2
topicsDiscussed
  • Creativity
  • Reframing Practice
  • Goal-Based Practice
  • Improv in Practice
  • Groove and Timing
  • Making Practice Fun
  • Creative Expression
  • Analyzing Your Playing
  • Overcoming Resistance to Practice
  • Balancing Structure and Play
  • Continuous Growth as a Musician
hostNote
In this episode, I take a deep dive into the often-uncomfortable concept of practice for musicians. I explore how traditional views of practice can feel restrictive and even daunting, and how reframing practice as a goal-based and playful activity can transform your relationship with music. I share personal insights into my journey, making the case that practice doesn't have to be a chore, it can be an exciting exploration of creativity and expression.
selectedMoments
  • label
    Introducing Practice Context
    startSec
    0
    note
    I introduce the concept of practice and its negative connotations for many musicians.
  • label
    Defining Personal Goals
    startSec
    135
    note
    I discuss my personal goals in music and how they shape his practice approach.
  • label
    Improvisation Over Scales
    startSec
    184
    note
    I emphasize the importance of improvisation instead of rote scale practice.
  • label
    Playing with a Metronome
    startSec
    316
    note
    The idea of treating a metronome as a musical collaborator rather than just a timing tool.
  • label
    Creating a State of Play
    startSec
    677
    note
    Encouragement to make practice enjoyable and fun as a path to improvement.
  • label
    Recording to Analyze Progress
    startSec
    312
    note
    Exploring the benefits of recording practice sessions for self-assessment.
excerptQuotes
  • text
    When you bring up practice to a lot of musicians, it instantly feels icky. It's like, I don't want to do that. It's a chore now.
    startSec
    89
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    Step one for me is to define what you want to do. Where do you want to go?
    startSec
    45
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    My goal is to be interesting. My goal is to be myself. My goal is to be fluent and be able to play with other musicians in a really compelling way.
    startSec
    140
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    Instead of playing scales to a metronome, I'm improvising to a metronome.
    startSec
    189
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    What you're trying to do is trying to make that metronome groove as though it's like a cowbell or a clave.
    startSec
    320
    reviewed
    true
  • text
    If your goal is to write songs, just learn the things that you need to write songs, be around great songs, and then write a bunch of bad songs.
    startSec
    453
    reviewed
    true
faq
  • question
    Why is practice often viewed negatively by musicians?
    answer
    Practice is often viewed negatively because it can feel like a chore rather than a creative exploration.
  • question
    How can I make my practice sessions more enjoyable?
    answer
    Incorporating improvisation and goal-centered activities can help make practice feel more like play and less like a task.
  • question
    What should my practice goals be?
    answer
    Your practice goals should reflect what you want to achieve in music, whether it's learning scales, writing songs, or developing your individual style.
transcriptPublished
false
draft
false

Content

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