The Art of Practice: Using a Timer

Education Tips & Tricks No Comments

 

Maintaining a consistent and focused practice routine can be a challenge. You have to actively schedule time for practice. It is difficult to “find” one hour, 7 days in a row in the hustle of life. Every moment counts, so maintaining focus keeps you moving forward. A good mechanism for keeping yourself in check is using a timer. (and a checklist)

 

Using a timer allows you to give undivided attention to specific elements of your routine in small bursts. It is too easy for the mind to wander and fall into aimless “noodling” territory. 

 

If you use an iPhone, you can swipe down to instantly access the timer shortcut. I typically leave mine on two min. I’d even suggest buying a small digital timer. [using a stopwatch is not really that effective since you have to keep your eyes on it consistently.]

If I have 20 min to spend on the physical practice, I will do 8-10 two min rounds of particular & modular exercises. 

Applying limitations for each two min round allows you to enter a deep FLOW STATE and develop positive repetitions/muscle memory.

The core goal is LESS PRACTICE. (More specifically, less time practicing technique).

Modular Practice Plan

I keep a checklist of concepts and exercises currently I’m working through. Every time I complete a round, I put a check mark to keep track of how I spend my time. This helps keep things intentional and conserves energy. 

Actively follow through with arrangements, techniques, and concepts you have started practicing, but potentially haven’t spent enough time on.

If you don’t practice a new concept at least 3 days in a row, you are not maximizing your return on investment. Without focus, it can take months(even years) to get new vocabulary fluent.

Using a timer and a checklist helps you see when it is time to move on to uncharted territories. 

 

Plus, the instant gratification of putting a checkmark on the list fuels growth.

My checklist has some main categories and a ton of specific subcategories and exercises under each one. This systematic approach provides awareness of any holes in the fundamental practice. 

Categories:

  • Melody, Voice Leading, Chord Progressions
  • Triad Drills[maj, min, aug, dim, sus] Chords & Arpeggios
  • Seventh Chord Drills. Chords & Arpeggios
  • Chord Extensions
  • Finger Independence Drills
  • Scales and Position Drills
  • Rhythmic Studies
  • Application of Techniques

In your next practice session, be sure to open up a timer right from the start.

For more like this, check out:

https://namsfrisco.com/the-art-of-practice-3-fundamental-habits/

https://namsfrisco.com/fully-digest-information/

 

Or swing through our facility in Frisco and say hello! We offer private and group lessons Monday-Thursday.

Voice, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Synth, Ukulele, Violin, Songwriting, Band, Audio Production & Recording, Nuendo, Cubase, Logic Pro X, Reason, Pro Tools, Abelton, Video Production & Editing lessons available!

 

I wish you the best!

Cody