How much is too much when it comes to practicing?
The law of diminishing returns. While it's extremely important to maintain a steady practice routine, there is a point where you've stopped making any progress that day. Usually after 45 minutes to an hour, it's time to take a break. Your fingers get tired, you quit hearing what you're playing, and you don't seem to be getting anywhere. That's how you know you need to do something else for a while.
I practiced that part over and over, but when I went to play it for my teacher I messed it up. Playing at home is a lot different from performing for someone else. Whether it's your teacher, your class, or a live performance, it's much harder to play in front of people. You need to build confidence in your ability to play the part that gives you trouble and you can't let it get the best of you. My students will say things like "here comes the part I hate", or "here's the part I always have trouble with", and guess what? They immediately have trouble with it! At that point the problem is in your head, not in your fingers.
How do you overcome this? No matter how painful it is, play in front of and with other people. I conduct a "controlled jam session" at the studio where I get students of the same level together so they can all experience playing with others. The first week or two everyone's timid, shy and pretty much unable to perform at their normal level. Once they become more comfortable and relaxed the tension slowly goes away and they play much better.
Open mikes, jam sessions and other outlets. Being nervous or scared is a common reaction, so the best thing to do is to learn a few songs that you can play well, record and/or make a video of yourself playing the songs, and play them for friends and family members. Most cities have open mikes or jam sessions, so the best way to get some experience is to just do it. At jam sessions, play along in the background until you're comfortable. Most jammers are very encouraging and you'll be surprised at how helpful they can be. At an open mike, it's only going to get better if you keep doing it. Again, most of the people attending will be very encouraging and helpful.
Be prepared. Before you leave the house be sure you have everything you need. Extra picks, strings, a capo, a strap and an electronic tuner should all be in your case. If you've never practiced while standing up, you'll be surprised at what a difference it makes. When you think you're ready, just go for it.
The law of diminishing returns. While it's extremely important to maintain a steady practice routine, there is a point where you've stopped making any progress that day. Usually after 45 minutes to an hour, it's time to take a break. Your fingers get tired, you quit hearing what you're playing, and you don't seem to be getting anywhere. That's how you know you need to do something else for a while.
I practiced that part over and over, but when I went to play it for my teacher I messed it up. Playing at home is a lot different from performing for someone else. Whether it's your teacher, your class, or a live performance, it's much harder to play in front of people. You need to build confidence in your ability to play the part that gives you trouble and you can't let it get the best of you. My students will say things like "here comes the part I hate", or "here's the part I always have trouble with", and guess what? They immediately have trouble with it! At that point the problem is in your head, not in your fingers.
How do you overcome this? No matter how painful it is, play in front of and with other people. I conduct a "controlled jam session" at the studio where I get students of the same level together so they can all experience playing with others. The first week or two everyone's timid, shy and pretty much unable to perform at their normal level. Once they become more comfortable and relaxed the tension slowly goes away and they play much better.
Open mikes, jam sessions and other outlets. Being nervous or scared is a common reaction, so the best thing to do is to learn a few songs that you can play well, record and/or make a video of yourself playing the songs, and play them for friends and family members. Most cities have open mikes or jam sessions, so the best way to get some experience is to just do it. At jam sessions, play along in the background until you're comfortable. Most jammers are very encouraging and you'll be surprised at how helpful they can be. At an open mike, it's only going to get better if you keep doing it. Again, most of the people attending will be very encouraging and helpful.
Be prepared. Before you leave the house be sure you have everything you need. Extra picks, strings, a capo, a strap and an electronic tuner should all be in your case. If you've never practiced while standing up, you'll be surprised at what a difference it makes. When you think you're ready, just go for it.
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