Are you a musician, perhaps returning to your instrument after a long hiatus or a beginner eager to dive into the world of music? Do you yearn to make meaningful progress in your musical journey, but find yourself struggling to feel a sense of accomplishment and focus in your practice sessions?
You're not alone. Many musicians, especially those balancing busy lives, often face challenges in maintaining consistent and effective practice routines. The constant cycle of self-doubt and frustration can hinder progress and dampen the joy of music-making.
But fear not! This blog post offers a practice solution for all musicians and is your guide to setting intentions, tracking progress and celebrating your musical journey (with a bit of my personal story shared as well!)! We'll explore the power of intentional practice, the importance of celebrating your wins, and how tracking your efforts in a simple practice journal can transform your musical experience.
My Musical Journey
I’ve made no secret that part of my musical journey included about ten years where I called myself a “former musician.”
I never should have done so, as I now believe that a musician is a musician even if they aren’t actively engaged in creating music. However, at the time, I thought it was less painful to put my musicianship in the past than it was to acknowledge that I wasn’t actively participating in an activity that fed my soul.
My return to music came at a challenging time in my life. I found myself naturally turning to the piano, allowing my fingers to dance along the keys playing the saddest songs I could find. In the sorrowful tunes of Chopin, I found solace and expression for my soul - two things I desperately needed at the time.
Feeling the benefits of time spent with my instrument, I dedicated myself to a daily practice routine of only 10 minutes. At the time, as a busy newly single mother of 6, that was all the time I could spare.
Knowing that I wanted to maximize my time with my instrument, I began setting specific goals for each practice session to bring focus to my practicing. I remembered a masterclass given by my college piano professor about the art of efficient practicing and applied all the tools he taught us(and then some) to my sessions. I was pleased to observe I was progressing faster than anticipated despite my limited practice time.
As I found success, I made a note: Practice with intention.
At the height of the pandemic, I began to rebuild my piano studio. After engaging with my students week after week, I noticed a pattern, especially with my adult students. They often downplayed their successes, or even worse, were unable to see their musical wins.
They reflected what I know is often true of myself. Musicians often carry the burden of overbearing self-criticism and the propensity to see the worst in their playing and musical development. According to science, looking for the negative is wired into our DNA to protect us from danger. However, it is unhelpful for personal growth, especially in fields that require long-term commitment and perseverance to reach our goals.
From other areas in my personal growth and development, I've learned how important celebration can be for establishing a positive mindset.
So, I decided to help my students (and myself) prioritize celebration in every lesson and practice session.
I started by opening each lesson with the question, “What are you celebrating about your playing today?”
At first, this question took them by surprise. (Wasn't I supposed to ask them about their practice routine first?) Eventually, they grew accustomed to my query and often began to tell me about their weekly wins before I even asked.
These two themes, practicing with intention and prioritizing celebration began popping up in every lesson I taught. I began to think about how I could help guide my students into these practice habits and rituals outside their lessons.
A Practice Solution For All Musicians
That's where the idea for Notes to Self was born. I realized what I, and my students, truly needed was a practice journal that went beyond rigid schedules and dry technical exercises. I craved a companion that would:
Encourage intentionality and focus in my practice sessions, even if I only had a few minutes.
Provide a framework for setting goals and tracking my progress, no matter how small.
Celebrate every accomplishment, big or small, to keep the joy of music alive.
So, I created a tool to help my students bring intentionality and celebration to their home practice sessions.
Notes to Self: A Guided Mindful Practice Journal
This is the heart of Notes to Self: A Guided Mindful Practice Journal, designed specifically for adult musicians (or older youth) of any ability, instrument, or genre.
Whether you're a seasoned pianist returning to the bench, a music teacher needing practice encouragement, or a beginner picking up an instrument for the first time, Notes to Self is your supportive guide to (re)discovering your musical passion through intentional and celebratory practice sessions.
Let’s take a look more specifically at each of the elements included in Notes to Self.
Here's what makes Notes to Self a unique practice solution:
1. Intention: Begin each session by setting an intention for your practice. This prompt taps into the idea of how you want to be, not what you want to do. How do you want to feel during your practice session? What do you generally hope to achieve? This simple step sets the tone for a mindful and focused practice experience.
2. To-Do List: This is your space to create a targeted to-do list for each session, helping you stay organized and ensuring you're making the most of your valuable practice time. (Tip: Be realistic about what you can accomplish! Don’t overload this section.)
3. Next Time: The end of the practice session is the best time to plan out where you want to focus during your next practice session. So, while your mind is fresh, jot down your thoughts on where you left off and where you want to begin next time.
4. Additional Notes: Write additional notes, questions, observations, or insights about your playing or repertoire. I often fill this spot with best performance practice questions or reminders to listen to a recording of the song again!
5. Celebrations: Celebrate every victory, no matter how small! A win could be mastering a tricky passage, finally getting your fingers to fly across the scales, or simply showing up and dedicating time to your musical growth. Recognizing your progress is key to staying motivated and keeping the joy of music alive.
6. Flexible and Adaptable: Notes to Self was carefully designed to provide ample space to write, ponder, dream, reflect, and use the journal in a way that works best for you! That’s why you won’t find rigid prompts (or reminders to practice technique!)
7. No Checklists or Calendars: We are more motivated when we see our progress, not our missteps. That’s why you won’t see checklists or calendars in this journal that provide as much negative feedback as positive! Consider this journal a way to track what you have done, not what you haven’t! Use the journal as a positive tool to track your progress, celebrate your wins, and inspire your playing.
The Powerful Practice Results
The journal has been a smashing hit with my students (and myself). Users of the journal have reported feeling more focused during their practice sessions, more productive, and more encouraged with their progress. Clearly mapping out their goals for each session and pausing to celebrate at the end of each session brings encouragement and inspiration to continue on their musical journey.
My personal practice sessions are filled with purpose, progress, and celebration. I’m tackling more challenging music than ever before because of the growth I’ve noticed since utilizing this powerful practice journal I now consider my musical companion.
Ready to give it a try and reignite your musical spark? Head to my website to learn more about Notes to Self and grab your copy today! Let's bring intentionality and celebration to your practice sessions!
Looking for even more resources to elevate your practice sessions? Check out my eBook Practice Sessions with a Punch. Oh, and if you are an adult musician looking for community with other adults actively pursuing the skill of mastering an instrument?, join my Facebook Group, Notes to Self Musical Community: A Supportive Group for Adults. I hope to see you there!
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