Writing down practice

jkramb19 · Veteran Member Joined: 16 Mar 2002 Posts: 365

I write down everything i practice including the metronome speed. Does anyone else do this? I do it so i can see progress and know how fast to take things like clark studies so i dont do them at a fast tempo one day and slow the next.
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mafields627 · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2002 9:17 pm Post subject:

I do this also but mainly just to make sure I do everything I need to since I break my practice times up over two sessions during the day.
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No representation is made that the quality of this post is greater than the quality of that of any other poster. Oh, and get a teacher!

sean007r · Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2002 10:08 am Post subject:

I used to do it, but...

when I reviewed it and did not see the progress I wanted it made me depressed!

However, now that I have no record I'm depressed because I'm not sure I'm making any progress in my practice sessions!

So which is worse?
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Sean
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trjeam · Posted: Sat Apr 20, 2002 7:10 pm Post subject:

I use to do that too but just so that I could look back and see what I needed more work on or less work on.

But then I got lazy and stopped.

nc~trumpet · Regular Member Joined: 22 Apr 2002 Posts: 13

I do it as well(when i don't forget). I find it very helpful to write down everything about how you played, why you think you did so well or not, and any other relevent information. This is so you if you get into a funk and arent playing as well maybe you can look back and see that you have changed something you should't have.

mcstock · Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2002 8:42 pm Post subject:

John Haynie suggested keeping a practice plan/log when I studied with him about 10 years ago. Currently, I probably do that about half the time. The advantages are: 1. You know what you'll be working on each day, no time wasted deciding what to work on or how to work on it. I'm in the habit of leaving myself post-it notes on the music I'm working on to make sure I get right to the passages that need to be practiced. 2. Keeping a record of you're practice allows you to recognize slow, steady progress made over a period of time. Big breakthroughs are great when they happen, but the bottom line is that it's that 1% or 2% improvement day, after day, after day that gets the job done.

Byron Stripling talks about using a practice journal in a couple of essays on his website: http://www.byronstripling.com/byronstips.html

Best wishes,
Matt Stock

Quadruple C · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Nov 2001 Posts: 1448

[ This Message was edited by: Quadruple C on 2003-09-24 13:57 ]

William F. Dishman · New Member Joined: 11 May 2002 Posts: 7

I write down in on a chart the exercises, range, tempo markings etc. for exercises in my daily routine. In addition to keeping a record and a "hard copy" that indicates technical progress, it also makes me rest for a few seconds just during the time it takes to grab a pencil and jot down the info. It also keeps me aware of weak areas and strong areas for further improvement.

Keeping it in writing also keeps me honest as to what areas I may be neglecting.

Bill Dishman
Gainesville, Florida