David Motto’s Practice Tip of the Week:
Skip Your Warmups

Some Days Are a Challenge

Though it’s a great idea to start your practice sessions with warmups, there are certain days when starting the practice process at all is a challenge.

Have you ever had that feeling? On some days, for some reason, you just can’t imagine playing your instrument. You can’t stand the thought of dealing with that one section of your song that seems unplayable.

And, scales, arpeggios, rhythm drills, and etudes? Forget about it!

We’ve all been there . . .

On those days, here’s what you need to do:

Let Go of Any Pressure

Start playing something you really, truly enjoy. Not the scale you “should” start with. Not your usual warmup routine. Not the song you’re “supposed” to be learning this week. Skip all that. Just play something you feel like playing.

Don’t even think of it as “practicing.” Think of it as “playing” instead. And, be sure to play something fun.

It’s okay to skip your warmups now and then. It’s fine to take a day off from your usual routine in the practice room.

Your musical life is not always about accomplishing something on your road to perfection. The usual pressure you put on yourself to constantly strive for increased speed, better technique, and improved musicality can be forgotten sometimes. Auditions, rehearsals, performances, and lessons – and the pressure that go with them – sometimes need to be left behind.

Something Miraculous Might Happen

When you let go of your usual expectations and do something like skipping your warmups, you can overcome the negative feelings of an “off” day and stay motivated.

And, you know what, something miraculous just might happen. On the day you least want to practice, after playing your instrument–just for the fun of it–you may just find yourself inspired. Inspired to try something new. Inspired to play differently than you usually do. Inspired about having music in your life.

So, go to your practice space (which today is your playroom) and regain the fun of playing music.

Here’s to Your Musical Success!
–David Motto