Today I wrote to a potential student’s mom about what to expect from voice lessons. And when I wrote about what I expect from my students, I wrote:
Students are expected to practice at home to the extent they need to make progress. I don’t require proof of practice in writing or any journal – if they’re not practicing, I can tell.
That’s not what I’ve said before. I’ve always told people that they should practice a specific amount of time – 30 minutes a day, 5 days minimum, break it up into appropriate increments if you don’t have a 30 minute stretch of time, keep a journal of your practicing, etc., etc., etc.,
I don’t always do that myself. And I listened to my friend Megan Ihnen’s Studio Class podcast awhile back and she admitted that she doesn’t do that either. She practices when she has time for a good chunk of time; more leading up to a gig or audition. And that’s pretty much what I do as well. I have journaled leading up to a specific event (and I still recommend Nancy Bos’s journal highly for those who want to journal).
But if that’s not your thing, and it actually makes you rebel against practicing – “eww I have to write things down” – then don’t. Find your own way to make progress.
Here are some thoughts about practicing:
- From the Bulletproof Musician on boosting your practice efficacy:;
- More from the Bulletproof Musician on deliberate practice
- From Megan Ihnen’s podcast directly
I started reading Eric Maisel’s The Power of Daily Practice: How Creative and Performing Artists (and Everyone Else) Can Finally Meet their Goals. I haven’t gotten very far because of the Musical Theatre History & Performance Course that I’ve been offering, which finishes up this week. I have made a few notes on things I’ve read so far and they include:
I’m not telling you not to practice. I’m telling you that you need to figure out the best strategy for you. I’m still figuring that out for myself (see book purchase above). Because, ultimately, talent isn’t enough.
I promise I’ll finish the book by the end of 2020 (which will be soon, dank sei Gott) and I will report any new insights in the new year!
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