4 Tips To Optimize Your Practice Time
Author: Haneef Nelson, Guest Contributor
Louis Armstrong once said, “If I don’t practice for a day, I know it. If I don’t practice for two days, the critics know it. And if I don’t practice for three days, the public knows it.” As musicians, we spend much more time practicing than performing, but are we maximizing our efficiency in the practice room? Sure, playing music is fun and many of us can play for hours on end and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Trumpeter and Professor of Jazz History at Keene State College, Haneef Nelson shares his thoughts about practicing below, providing 4 Tips To Optimize Your Practice Time.
TELL YOURSELF THAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU SET OUT TO ACCOMPLISH TODAY - This may sound ridiculous but playing an instrument is more mental that it is physical. If you want to make sure that you gain progress and have quality practice time it starts with letting yourself know that you are fully capable and that you will accomplish what you set out to do in this practice session.
ORGANIZE YOUR PRACTICE TIME FOR QUALITY NOT NECESSARILY QUANTITY - Be it 1 hour, 8 hours, or 45 minutes you need to make sure that whatever practice time you have is set up to be quality and will allow you to have progress. Trying to practice 12 things in 1 practice session can be futile if you are not practicing them right or if you are frustrated while practicing. You can also practice for 6 hours and accomplish nothing if you are not focused and specific as to what you are trying to accomplish.
KEEP A PRACTICE JOURNAL - Having a practice journal allows you to keep track of your progress as well as your challenges. By keeping track of both your progress and challenges, you can better organize your practice time to make sure that no matter how much time you have to practice it will be quality time for maximum progress.
IT’S NOT A COMPETITION, NOR IS ABOUT COMPARISON SO PACE YOURSELF - Practicing is about you getting better at your craft. It isn’t about how you can best outdo someone else. Music at times can be very competitive, adversarial even but your practice time is your time to sit with yourself and your practice materials in order to improve yourself so that you can play the music that you want to play. These tips can be utilized for all musical instruments and by implementing them into your practice strategy, you’ll work towards getting the most out of your practice sessions. Work hard, have fun and Happy Practicing!
About The Author
Known for his commitment and versatility trumpeter Haneef N. Nelson is continuing to make his mark on the music of his mentors. Composer/Arranger, Bandleader, Sideman, Musical Curator, and Educator, Haneef continues to solidify his place as one of the pillars in his community. He is known for being someone that works to keep the integrity and authenticity of the scene going as well as being a musician that is respected for his contributions in both the performing and presenting of quality live music. Haneef’s early music education continued at the famed Jazzmobile Program where he studied trumpet, music theory, as well as played in ensembles with people such as Eddie Preston, Cecil Bridgewater, Dr. Donald Byrd; John Stubblefield; Frank Foster; Charles Davis; Roland Guerrero as well as several others. His passion for music also translated into a passion for education. As a teacher he encourages students to learn how to play their instruments as well as to learn the culture and traditions of the music they are playing. Haneef consistently tells students, “Until you are playing your life through your instrument you aren’t playing music.” He currently serves as Professor of Jazz History at Keene State College. He also teaches Chamber Jazz Ensemble, Assistant Director of Jazz Ensemble I and teaching Jazz Trumpet Lessons at UMASS. Haneef has had the honor of sharing the stage with the likes of Rene McLean, Bill Saxton, Jimmy Owens, Dr. Donald Byrd, Helen Sung, Wayne Escoffrey, Kris Allen, Abraham Burton, Zaccai Curtis, Luques Curtis, among many others. www.neefjazz.com