Some Practice Thoughts for my Viola Students
Today, let's get inspired by a simple but powerful message from one of my favorite stand partners. Her name is Meredith Snow and we’ve been performing together for three decades.
Meredith said to me: "Investment in preparation and knowing what you are doing when you step on stage is the key to security. It means having a clear purpose in your performance.
We are custodians of our art, and we have the privilege of taking our listeners on the journey with us.”
So as you practice this week think about:
Practicing with Purpose: Set a clear goal for the piece and for your practice session. Break it down into smaller, manageable sections, and focus on mastering one aspect at a time. This approach keeps you motivated and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Staying Positive: Remember Meredith’s words—it is a privilege to tell a story with our music and when we practice, we get there.
Focused Listening: Pay close attention to the sound you produce. Analyze your tone, intonation, and articulation. This level of mindfulness will help you fine-tune your playing.
Breathing : Control your breath and maintain a relaxed posture.
Visualization: Visualize your success. Remember last week’s advice—what you think about, you bring about and before you start a practice session, picture yourself playing a challenging passage flawlessly.
This mental rehearsal can boost your confidence and motivation. As you practice this week, remember how lucky we are to tell stories through music!
And if you need a few more tips to take your practice session to the next level, let’s schedule a time to talk.
Happy practicing,
Mick @ The Viola Pro