David Motto’s Practice Tip of the Week
Practice TODAY
Reasons Musicians Don’t Practice Every Day
Today’s practice tip is a variation of last week’s “Practice Every Day.”
But, it’s a very important variation. Here’s why:
Even though musicians know they’ll benefit from daily practicing, very few people actually do it.
There are many reasons for this, including:
- People are busy with other things.
- It’s hard to get a practice session started.
- Many musicians focus on “practicing” instead of “playing” music, and “practicing” does not excite them.
Psychological Barriers to Practicing
There is also a subtle, psychological barrier that stops many people from practicing daily.
The thought of practicing every day for the rest of your life is a difficult concept to face. It’s just too much to think about. It’s like a long road fading into the distance–with no set destination!
This barrier has actually gotten worse in the last few years because of a couple changes in our society.
First, the popularization of the idea that it takes 10,000 hours to get really good at something has scared off a lot of people. Many musicians wonder if they can just be happy at the level they are today if it’s going to take so long to experience the type of improvement they’re dreaming of. The idea that it takes so long to master a musical instrument is even stopping some people from taking up a musical instrument in the first place.
Second, the rapid growth of new technologies that promise extremely rapid learning systems makes the years-long pursuit of mastering a musical instrument seem, at best, old-fashioned and, at worst, not really a worthwhile way to spend time.
The Philosophical Side of Practicing TODAY
The solution to erasing your thoughts of the endless road ahead is to focus on practicing today only! Don’t worry about tomorrow. Your one and only responsibility is to practice music TODAY.
That’s all your responsibility ever is. Why? Well, without getting too philosophical about it, Today is the only time we ever have. After all, Tomorrow doesn’t really exist–it’s just a concept in our minds.
This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make long-term plans and goals. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t dream of a better future. But, it absolutely means that to carry out those goals and plans so that our dreams come true, we have to do something TODAY.
You have control over Today. So, make the most of it!
The Practical Side of Practicing TODAY
From a purely practical point of view, look over your schedule for Today and decide the best way to fit in your music. Decide when you’ll practice and for how long.
Once you know when you’ll practice, set a practice goal – just for Today. Having this daily goal gives you the focus you need to make real progress. Your responsibility is to meet Today’s goal Today. Nothing else.
With your daily goal in place, you’ll get carried away by the music you’re working on. All thoughts of Tomorrow and the endless road ahead will disappear. Taking action has an immediate, positive effect on any worry musicians have about the future.
Try thinking about just one day at a time – Today. Leave me a comment and let me know how this strategy works for you.
To Your Musical Success!
– David Motto
Thank you for your tips. They’re always helpful to me and my students!
The concept of ‘Today’ versus ‘The rest of my life’ carries over into so many areas of our lives. Daily habits set us up for success or failure. We don’t think about eating every day, yet we have to do that for the rest of our lives. I’m grateful for this email I get every week(even if I don’t always read it?)
Dear Mr. Motto: Glad you are back in action & I am still on your list. This weeks tip was very timely for me as I had neglected my regular daily accordion practice/playing for several days due to work getting ready for Winter but as you have often pointed out, the daily practice does not actually interfere with the work especially if it is put on a regular schedule so it becomes an anticipated daily event. Work even becomes more pleasant if the practice session goes well & was enjoyable. Many thank for your advice, inspiration and dedication to helping people—especially me. Yours truly Gordon Geasland
The 10,000 hour thing is a myth. I think that it has been disproven. If you don’t have a true purpose defined for why you are playing or learning an instrument, you won’t feel compelled to practice. That is key.
Thank you so much for sharing these great Pratice tips it really keeps me going in helping my 5 years old daughter with her daily violin practicing.. being that I have no musical background at all, your tips are so helpful with the materials she is learning, memorizing, repertoires and tips on performing so I just want to say thank you for taking the time to share.
Hi Rick – Congratulations on on sticking to your goal, and please keep me posted on your progress! Very happy to hear that my Practice Tips are helping you move beyond any plateaus you hit. Keep at it!!
I think you are right that the idea that it will take at least 10,000 hours or greater than 10 years to reach a level of mastery may put off some younger students from their daily practice. What turned me off then is that I talked myself into believing I had no talent. If I had known then that deliberate practice for 10,000 hours could lead to mastery, and that work can compensate for the lack of “the gift” at least to a degree, I may have persisted. Ironically, now at a more advanced age with less time to get there, my 10,000 hour goal gives me added incentive to put in that deliberate practice time every day. 7,100 hours to go!
But when I do hit the wall or reach a plateau, your practice tips are among the things that help me get over the hurdles. Thanks for your valuable advice.