Do I really need to practice every day? (hint: yes)

When people ask me if they really need to practice every single day, my answer is: yes, if you want to get better. 

My motto has always been: “Try a little bit harder to get a little bit better everyday!”

Underlying this philosophy is my belief that there is no such “gear” in life as neutral. Either we are progressing or we are regressing.

In his book ​Atomic Habits​, James Clear promotes the power of marginal gains. I love this approach to my viola practice.

What are some marginal gains that you can find in your viola playing?

• Better intonation

• Better bow control

• Better endurance

And beyond that, daily practice allows you to work on repertoire maintenance, physical conditioning, and the ultimate professional expectation that you will meet along the way. 

If you get one percent better each day for one year, you will end up thirty-seven times better by the end of the year.

So how do you squeeze it in? By being on purpose in scheduling. 

• Allocate a dedicated time slot each day for practice. 

• Decide what exactly you will be doing with your time.

• Depending on how much time you have, allocate your time into focused segments (for example - taking time for warm ups, technical work, repertoire practice).

• Create a routine. 

I am sure if you've gotten this far, you're already practicing a lot. I want to help make that practice even more useful for you!

I am beginning a new virtual training program on February 5 - The Wetzel Warm Up. It is something that I designed for myself to improve my facility on the viola - speed, accuracy and endurance. It's daily practice and accountability and it has helped me so much that I felt compelled to share it with others.

I would love to take some time this week and talk to you about how it might just fit into your already busy schedule. Hit that contact button and let's schedule a time to chat.