6/6/23 Impulse Practicing

Grocery stores know that if they put products within arm’s reach when you’re checking out, there’s a much higher chance that you will impulse shop.

It’s not that these same products aren’t available elsewhere in the store, but when you’re going through your list and grabbing eggs and milk, you might pass right by the candy aisle without even realizing how badly you actually need a pack of Mentos.

If your life is anything like mine, you’re likely packing a lot into a day and you may not even see your instrument case in the corner or under the piano.

And the thought of getting the case out, putting on your shoulder rest (if you use one) and rosining up your bow, etc, just adds obstacles to actually playing anything.

Pro tip: leave your instrument out where you can see it and easily reach it. Leave the shoulder rest on and keep the rosin right next to it.

And then forget what your teacher(s) may have told you about practicing an hour a day. Pick it up and play it for 2 minutes, just for the heck of it, then put it back down and go about your day.

If you have a few extra minutes and can relax with it and play for 10 minutes or more, great. 10 minutes here and 2 minutes there is way more effective tor growth and improvement than an hour once a week.

Believe it or not, just seeing it can sometimes trigger mental practice that you may not even be aware of—singing a tune you’re working on can be incredibly helpful practice. I do it all the time when I’m stuck on planes or in cars before concerts.

So, find an accessible (but safe) place to keep your instrument and treat yourself to some impulse practicing whenever you can. 

Groove on!

--Tracy