Preparation is key when it comes to practice
One of the funny things about playing an instrument is that the actual part of sitting down to make sound and practice is the bulk of what we do, but there are so many other things that need to be taken care of on a regular basis like instrument care, tuning, bow care, mental and physical preparation, and on and on. Here are my top five tasks to do before you practice, even before your pickup your instrument. I give this advice to any beginning instrumentalist, not just cellists!
#1: Relax!
Most instruments require fine motor skills and precise action to achieve the best possible performance and timbre. Doing a quick mental exercise to relax or simply taking 5 deep breaths will help you prepare your mind and your body for the music you are about to make.
#2: Stretch.
Performing music is basically like being an athlete. Stretching not only helps your muscles perform their best but also helps prevent injuries. For cellists, the back and hands need special care.
#3: Remember your goals.
Have a goal for this week, this month, this semester. Make sure your goals are challenging but within your reach. If you aren’t sure what your goals are and should be, ask your teacher and make sure they give you a clear answer!
#4: Review your lesson notes.
Hopefully your teacher makes notes on what to work on for each piece, scale, or etude. Know what your need to focus on before playing and hit those problem spots before you jump in to play something straight through without proper preparation. If you’re learning on your own, then make sure to stop on challenging parts and notate them so you know to go back and review.
#5: Practice mental perfection
It sounds completely ridiculous and your will probably feel silly the first few times, but it’s 100% true that imagining yourself playing that piece or that scale perfectly before you sit down to do it actually helps. This is a technique used by professional athletes, speakers, performers, and just about anybody who has to do something publicly. If there’s a four-measure phrase that you have trouble with or if it’s getting your bow hand right, practice it in your mind and you will be almost half way there to getting it right.
I hope these tips help you with getting started on your instrument. What preparation- mental or physical- helps you practice or perform?
Photo by on Flickr used under a Creative Commons license.
Ten Nothern
Hi!
First off– nice blog. This is the first entry, right? I hope you keep it up, because it sounds like you’ve got a lot to say.
Secondly– good question. I was kind of struck by your last point of imagining a perfect performance before playing. I completely understand that this works for a lot of people, but for me this has tended to add a lot of unnecessary pressure. Lately I’ve been more in to learning the piece and then trying to really listen and respond to the moment as I’m playing. Kind of a long story for a comment, but I have posted about this on my blog , http://tennorthern.wordpress.com/ .
Again, thanks for the tips, they keep me thinking about my own practice…
blochhead
Thanks for stopping by! Yes, this is the first post I’ve made… hopefully of many! I want to do some videos as well, hence the url. With the visualization, I think for me it can be as simple as imagining that hard shift happen perfectly, not always a performance or event that I imagine. It’s the mental act of repetition that helps and that I want to emphasize. I will try to clarify that in my explanations!
Nice blog! I subscribed and will continue to check it out.
kareensyl
Hi! Thanks for your comment on my blog. Really appreciate it. I just picked up cello as my second instrument about 2 months ago and I’m loving it. You are right, time is definitely a problem for working adults, however, I also believed that adults are much more dedicated to their instruments and will find time to practice
It would be great if you could post videos of how to care for your instruments especially string instruments as the players are require to tune their own instruments unlike the piano.
Great blog! Keep up the good work!
blochhead
That is an excellent suggestion for a video. I will add it to the list. Sounds like a good one to start with, perhaps!
I agree- the dedication and the passion is there for us working adults. I know I didn’t “get it” when I was 10, although there are some very talented young players out there that we need to encourage!!
Kristin
I am a visual learner, so having this blog to refer to is a big bonus for me. I look forward any future videos! Your dedication is inspiring. Thanks
Louetta
In May 2008 at age 47, I got a cello to try and see if I could have any level of success with it. I had some experience with violin and viola off and on for a few years prior to that but of course the cello has its own unique challenges. For my first year anniversary with the cello, I treated myself to a Jay Haide that was just delivered this morning. I have run the gamut over the past year exploring the spectrum of skills that I will need to tackle. Now I’m ready to reel back in and go back to the basics to make sure I don’t miss any of the foundational skills. I have added this site as one of my resources.
Carla
How do I keep the bow straight. Adult just getting into 3rd position
blochhead
Carla- thanks for asking! Keeping the bow straight is all about the mechanics of your hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder working together. If you don’t have the luxury of another cellist to watch you and give advice about what to work on, then try practicing in front of a mirror. All the pieces have to be moving as one to get the bow at the right angle, be comfortable, and create enough pressure to make beautiful sound!