Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Fun-practise


When I was younger, my Dad would encourage me once in a while to have a "fun-practise".  This is a great way to take a break from pieces that you have been working on for a while and review some favourites, no matter how old!  I have favourites that I play at least every week from about 15 years ago!  Or work on some popular music you like.  

Another way to have a fun-practise is to make it social.  Often, as a musician at any level, you have to spend a lot of solitary time practising.  It can get lonely!  Join a music group or get together with some other musical friends.  At my music-dinner-parties, repertoire ranges from Vivaldi, to Jazz, to Adele and  old classics.  Much to the amazement of a new attendee, we even played and sang "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" (John Denver).  I'm sure my neighbours were equally impressed at such a late hour.

Don't have any other musical friends?  Talk to me!  I have been working on creating theory, composition and performance groups for my students of all ages.  I think it is great to get together with others who share your interest in music.

What else do you do to make practising fun?  What are some of your favourites that you play time and time again?