Practicing your instrument is an amazing thing.
It’s hard sometimes too. It’s essential, but sometimes we need to know when it’s time to stop practicing!
Being from a large family (one of 14 kids—it’s true, I promise!) I loved practicing, but my mom would have to make me stop playing because my little siblings would need to take a nap.
I practiced all the time. In the bathroom, in my bedroom, back in the bathroom (the acoustics - perfection!), more practicing in the bedroom, etc. I loved playing so much I never wanted to stop!
What I realized later in my college years is this — practicing is a total joy and I loved doing it a lot (and still do!) but what I needed to practice was taking a break from practicing. Once I learned how to step away from my violin if I was frustrated and take a break when I needed to, my playing improved!
I started going outside more and doing more athletic things to strengthen my body and mind so I had a fresh approach when re-entering the practice space.
This principle is one of the most important things I have learned throughout the years and it’s one I make sure to pass on to my students and their parents. Make sure to practice, but take a break and run around once in a while to allow materials to settle.
Then come back to your violin happy, rejuvenated, and ready to explore more of what music has for you!
It’s hard sometimes too. It’s essential, but sometimes we need to know when it’s time to stop practicing!
Being from a large family (one of 14 kids—it’s true, I promise!) I loved practicing, but my mom would have to make me stop playing because my little siblings would need to take a nap.
I practiced all the time. In the bathroom, in my bedroom, back in the bathroom (the acoustics - perfection!), more practicing in the bedroom, etc. I loved playing so much I never wanted to stop!
What I realized later in my college years is this — practicing is a total joy and I loved doing it a lot (and still do!) but what I needed to practice was taking a break from practicing. Once I learned how to step away from my violin if I was frustrated and take a break when I needed to, my playing improved!
I started going outside more and doing more athletic things to strengthen my body and mind so I had a fresh approach when re-entering the practice space.
This principle is one of the most important things I have learned throughout the years and it’s one I make sure to pass on to my students and their parents. Make sure to practice, but take a break and run around once in a while to allow materials to settle.
Then come back to your violin happy, rejuvenated, and ready to explore more of what music has for you!
