Category: Musings

Taming Chaos: Creating a Routine when You Have None

Creating a routine is tough. Usually a routine is created, not by you, but by your circumstances. Right now most of my students have no schedule because of the Coronavirus shut-down. After that, they still won’t have a schedule because of summer break. We’ve been in this situation for about a month, and schedule-wise, it feels like July.

I feel like I’ve struggled with this concept all my life. As a child during the summers, I saw the days slip by, with nothing done. Same with weekends. I saw how Sundays were much more productive than other days because I had to get up for church.

As I got older and had jobs from my teen years on out, I saw how much I could accomplish when I had somewhere to go or a task list for the day. As a teen, I read Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott, who touched on this subject and gave suggestions on how to get past the doldrums of no routine. They both talked about how much happier people are when they have a schedule and tasks to do.

How does this have anything to do with music? It’s easy to forget to practice when you don’t have it scheduled into your day. Creating a routine will help with that. So, let’s take a look at some different ideas on how to create structure in your life.

Daily Routines

Back in 2002, I stumbled upon the Flylady system (not an affiliate link). One of the premises of the program is to have a routine that goes with each meal. We already subconsciously do things related to each meal – incorporate getting ready for the day with breakfast, doing the dishes for the day after supper, etc.

Her philosophy is that you can add anything you want to these normal routines. For example, my lunch routine is to eat, fold a load of laundry, then practice. This way you’re not creating a routine from scratch, but you’re building on several small routines that are already in your life.

Louisa May Alcott alluded to this system in Little Women. She mentioned that Beth would find herself cleaning up after herself without realizing she was doing it, and she was happier for it.

Have a To-Do List

If you have a to-do list, you can make sure that you have things like practicing on that list every day. In the process of doing your list, make sure that you’re doing like with like. For instance, computer stuff can be done all at the same time.

20-Minute Chunks

This combines well with a to-do list. Set the timer at 20 minutes throughout the day. Switch between the different tasks on your to-do list. I go into more detail about it here. I’ve discovered over the years that it’ll cut your homework time down by half.

Scheduling Out your Day

This can be taken in two ways. Elon Musk uses the time blocking technique where he takes his to-do list, estimates out how much time each item will take, and puts it on his calendar. This works great when you have a ton of stuff to do.

On the other hand, many of us have too much time on our hands, and so are forgetting to do the important stuff. Jane Austen suggested in Sense and Sensibility to divide your day out into sections and do certain things at certain times. Her examples were practicing music, reading, writing, needlework, and taking a walk. This is a system designed for people of leisure.

Alarm Clock

Sometimes it’s easy to get wrapped up in a project. All of a sudden you look up, and it’s been 6 hours. There goes your day, and you haven’t even eaten. I like to have several alarms go off throughout the day to remind me to do certain things. For a long time, I had an alarm go off at 9AM to remind me to write music.

Conclusion

It’s harder than most people realize to go through life with no structure, no routines, and no schedule. It makes some people cranky. It makes most people forget to do that one thing they were supposed to do today. I hope these suggestions help you get out of the funk of the doldrums and into happy, productive days.

Music Ensemble Etiquette

Etiquette in a music ensemble can be somewhat of a mystery. There are a lot of unsaid rules and norms out there for how to act among other musicians. This article should help to solve some mysteries and help you make a good name for yourself among your peers.

I’ve only ever played in America – the Midwest and in the Pacific Northwest – so some of these norms might be different where you live.

General Etiquette

Let’s get some of the basics out of the way that apply to every group situation. It’s good etiquette anywhere, not just in music ensembles. You probably already know this, but someone might need this information.

  1. Be on time. On time in music world means 10-15 minutes early because it gives you time to warm up. It’s passive-aggressive to be late and awkward to be more than 15 minutes early.
  2. Never criticize, condemn, or complain. Thank you, Dale Carnegie, for writing this book and spelling it out for us all (not an affiliate link).
  3. Be lavish in your praise. Any time you see an improvement or you see an opportunity to give a compliment, do it. It will open doors to friendships and contacts.
  4. Practice Good Manners. Hold doors open, be kind, avoid taboo topics like politics and religion. If you have further questions, go read Emily Post.
  5. Practice Good Grooming. No one wants to smell you.

Music Etiquette

This list is more music-specific. Almost everything is unsaid, cultural norms.

  1. The Conductor/Leader’s word is law. It’s not up for debate. If your first chair or conductor says jump, you say how high. Be silent while the director speaks and try to keep eye contact when you can while playing.
  2. Do your five-minute warm-up. You arrived 10-15 minutes early (see #1 from the first list), so you have time to do your warm-up before you start running any parts.
  3. Greet Other Players. As other people come, or as you sit down, greet others within your vicinity. Stop your warm-up, look them in the eye, and say hi. If they want to chat, go ahead and chat for a bit. Otherwise, continue your warm-up.
  4. Own your mistakes. If there’s a crash and burn that’s your fault or you can’t hear whether you’re sharp or flat, apologize. It creates a good atmosphere.
  5. It’s better to be sharp than flat. When in doubt, go up. Other people are more likely to identify the flat person than the sharp person.
  6. Ignore the haters. Whenever I join a new ensemble, there’s almost always someone who instantly dislikes me. It’s instant and palpable, and it’s before I even have a chance to greet the other person. Still greet them, but otherwise ignore them and continue to be friendly with everyone else. They’ll either come around or leave. Another option that works occasionally is to ask advice, even if you already know the answer.
  7. NEVER practice someone else’s part. It can seem as though you’re out to get the other person.
  8. Put in your practice time at home. Rehearsal isn’t for practice, unless you’re running fingers or working on something before rehearsal starts.
  9. Clean your instrument. Taking the time to do this after rehearsal says a lot to the others about your musicianship and helps you keep your instrument in top shape. It also gives you a chance to chat with others while you put your instrument away.

Other Stuff

Here are some other things that I like to do that aren’t necessarily music ensemble etiquette, but make life easier.

  1. Talk to the Old-Timers. They will have cool stories and fabulous advice. Try to joke around with them to get them to open up.
  2. Ask Questions. Be a sponge. Others have a different background than you with different ideas that you can learn from.
  3. Try to Create a Relationship with the Leader(s). They’re in that position for a reason – they know more than you. See #2. Also, they might know about other gigs that are available to you.

Conclusion

When we all act with good etiquette, life goes smoother and everyone is more comfortable. When everyone in a musical ensemble is comfortable, they make better music. If you act properly among other musicians, you’re more likely to be asked to come back.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Merry Easter, Everyone!

I am unapologetically Christian. My normal Easter is singing and playing flute all morning in church, from 7AM till noon, then coming home and crashing for the rest of the day. I love sharing my faith through my music, and I didn’t get that this morning, so I felt the need to share with you.

This is “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” arranged by Rebecca Bonam. I just played the first 2/3 becaust the last third is a cool duet between flute an piano, and my oldest daughter isn’t far enough along to play it.

It’s from this book. I’ve had it since college and it’s really fun to play. The piano part is a little tough, so you might have a hard time finding an accompanist for it.

I’m playing this in my bathroom because that’s the room with the best accoustics, lol. Have a great Easter season!

How I Am Handling COVID-19 as a Private Music Teacher

Our mayor just announced a ruling by the CDC that there will be no gatherings in Omaha greater than 10 people for the next 8 weeks. This is going to affect a lot of people in a lot of different ways.

Events – Cancelled or Postponed

I was going to play pit orchestra for a musical next weekend. That musical has been postponed. It’s tough because it was going to be a world premiere of a new version of Phantom of the Opera. I was really excited about it, but I understand that the government wants to keep people safe.

We were going to have a spring recital at the end of the month. I have to go with the CDC recommendation and cancel the recital. I feel bad for my students who have worked so hard on their pieces, but I need to keep the safety of the immunocompromised in mind. Edit: Some parents are suggesting some online alternatives that I’m looking into.

I may be disappointed, but I’m glad that I can do my part to keep people safe.

Online Lessons

I did my first Skype lessons this week! They went better than I expected. I really liked that it changed the angle of what I usually see, so I could watch the form from a different angle.

I sincerely hope that this is an avenue that will allow my students to continue their studies through this social distancing event. I haven’t heard back from some of my families as to whether they’re continuing lessons, but most are.

Summer Schedule

This week I’m going to start talking to families about switching to a summer schedule – two or three days per week. That way my time is more blocked and I’m able to spend more time taking my kids to the park.

What I’m Doing Personally

This social distancing mandate may give me some extra time. I hope so. Here’s what I’m planning on doing with my extra time:

  1. Spend time in nature.
  2. Do some composing.
  3. Increase my practice time.
  4. Finish reading Quantz’s Treatise on Playing the Flute. (not an affiliate link)
  5. Spend more time with the family
  6. Make some YouTube videos? (Comment if you want some, and what the videos should be.)
  7. Front Porch Concerts – AKA: Annoy the neighbors. 🙂

Conclusion

I refuse to panic over this virus, but I will make smart choices. Based on what I’ve read and seen, these are the choices that I have made. I may have to make some different choices based on other things that come up, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. For now, I’m doing my best to keep others safe while continuing to do the things that I love.

Winter Break – Did You Practice?

In the USA, schools and studios alike are just coming off of Winter Break. Some students took the opportunity to practice every day. Some didn’t touch their instruments. Let’s take a look at this phenomenon a little more closely

The Students who Practiced

These are students who practiced at least three times per week. There are several reasons students practice over winter break.

  1. Intrinsic Motivation – this is the goal. This means the students practice because they enjoy playing.
  2. Parents – the parents make their children practice. This is a really good reason, too. It will eventually turn into the intrinsic motivation. This was my motivation when I was growing up.
  3. Boredom – there’s nothing going on, so I might as well practice. This is a really good one, too. It’s the stage before Intrinsic Motivation. This was also one of my motivations when I was a student living in the country.
  4. Habit – this is why the pros practice. They always practice at this time, so it’s habit.

The Students who Practiced a Little

These are students who practiced five times or less in the past two weeks. Their reasons are the same as those above, but their motivation wasn’t as high.

Their practice might have a little more to do with their parents, but that’s just fine. It shows their parents are invested in their musical education.

The Students Who Didn’t Practice

This category accounts for about 25% of my studio. There are three reasons for no practice over Winter Break:

  1. The student was on vacation with no access to a musical instrument.
  2. The break was over scheduled – Christmas is a time of running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
  3. The student didn’t want to practice.

The first two reasons are out of the student’s control. The last reason is the heart of the matter and the most common.

It’s Okay to Take a Break from your Instrument

Everyone gets burned out sometimes. That’s when we need to walk away for a week or two. When you come back, you’ll remember how much you loved it and will be able to play with a zest you forgot you had.

Notice I said a week or two, not longer. As with any discipline, you need to schedule a time to get back into that discipline. Practicing is definitely a discipline.

Getting back into the discipline of practicing will be hard for the first few weeks. You might want to take a look at some of these tactics to help you get back into the swing of things.

Prevent Burn-Out

Make sure you schedule time to enjoy life. I don’t mean video games or television, I mean go outside of your house.

  1. Go for a run or a bike ride.
  2. Climb a tree.
  3. Go to the art museum.
  4. Garden.
  5. Get together with friends.
  6. See a concert.

I’m sure there are plenty of better lists out there, but this is a start. Another thing I do is go online and do a search for “free things to do in [your city here]. ”

Music Is Art

We can’t produce art if we are only practicing all day. We need to go out and enjoy life. Then we use a studio break to take a break, we do just that. Experiencing life gives you the maturity to play better – more emotion, more tone colors, more artistic expression.

Conclusion

If you practiced during Winter Break, I’m proud of you.

If you didn’t practice over winter break, I hope you were able to fill your bucket so you can come back to your instrument and create art.

Do it, anyway.

I have a story about my life that is bursting to come out because it will help so many people. It may be about music, but it’s not about flute or piano. It’s about singing.

I have always loved to sing. I sang before I could talk. My mom told me that I would sing in my sleep when I was a baby. When my mom told me that, my husband said that I still do. Poor guy.

All my childhood, I was told to not sing by everyone except for my parents and a select other few. This was not because I was singing at inappropriate times. It was because almost everyone around me hated my singing voice. I sang, anyway, because I loved it.

Every choir director that I had from 5th grade through 12th grade took me aside and said, “Tarah, please, just don’t sing. Please, Tarah, just don’t sing.” All but two said exactly those same words.

I won’t mention what the other two said. One was much more kind, and the other was much less kind.

Guess what I did? I sang, anyway.

When I Realized the Lie

I realized early in life that if I am in choir, I get flute solos. Therefore, I’m always in church choir. About five years out of college, the church choir director asked me to do a singing solo. During the rehearsal. In front of everyone.

I said, “You don’t have to be nice and offer me a solo. I know I don’t have a good voice. Go ahead and give it to one of the better singers.”

After she picked her jaw up off the floor, she said, “What makes you think that?”

I said, “Every choir director I had from 5th through 12th grade told me I shouldn’t sing.”

Still flabbergasted, she gave me the solo.

That Was Then, This Is Now.

I’m still in a church choir that’s adults only. If I’m sick or can’t make it to a service, everyone is upset because I’m such a good leader.

I get compliments on my voice all the time. I’m one of those people who sings if there’s a song that applies to what we’re talking about.

On nice days during November and December, I’m tempted to stand next to a bell ringer and sing, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” and continue on with my day as if nothing happened. I’ve never actually done it. Someday maybe I’ll do it. Maybe.

Your Takeaway

Now it’s time to apply my story to you.

If someone isn’t very good at something, encourage them. They just need practice.

If someone is very good at something, encourage them. They may not have any encouragement in their lives.

If someone tells you that you’re not good enough, don’t give up. Keep going. Do it because you love to do it. Don’t let them take away your joy.

Music as Emotional Support

This is my path of how music has helped me over the years.

Music has always been there for me during the tough parts of my life. Over the years, I have discovered how to use music in several different ways for the music to help me.

I’m not saying that you should only use music when you’re going through a tough time. It’s just part of the whole picture. Please continue to use medication, professional counseling, journaling, reading the Bible, etc. What I’m showing you is to be used in conjunction with those things.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. I am showing my path of how music has helped me over the years.

Just Play.

I’m going to be a little more vulnerable than normal and share some things that usually makes others uncomfortable. They’re no secret, by any means, but things like these don’t really come up in casual conversation.

4th through 8th grade were a living nightmare for me. My classmates constantly berated me, punched me, threw rocks at me, and sexually harassed me. I’d rather not go through the nitty-gritty details of what I went through at the time, and I did work through those things that happened to me. I’m grateful that I had a stable home life.

Half-way through that time of my life, in 6th grade, I learned to release the emotions that were weighing down on me through music. I did this by ending my practice with a piece of music that spoke to me on whatever level I needed at the time. This piece of music was usually something that I already had learned. It was such a relief to release those emotions, and then, in turn, be comforted by the music that I was playing.

While I played, my subconscious mind would also present me with solutions for some of the smaller problems that I was having to deal with. This was also a relief. Anything to make my life easier at the time was very welcome.

My go-to music at that time was I Do It For You by Bryan Adams on the piano and Kohler’s 25 Romantic Etudes on the flute. In 8th Grade, I added Phantom of the Opera to the piano portion of my music therapy, and in High School I bought some Disney books that really helped. While the ones that I bought are no longer in print, here are some similar options for flute and piano. These are all affiliate links.

I impressed my music teachers because I was able to play with such great emotion, even though I was just a beginner. I needed that emotional outlet, and it made me a better musician. Beethoven once said, “To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.” I had a lot of passion to get out of my fingers.

This situation that I went through is why I make sure that every one of my students has a sad piece and an angry piece after they’ve been playing for a few years. Everyone has bad days, months, or years, especially in Jr. High. Having an emotional outlet like this is very valuable.

Performing

I was never good at any sports. I was such a klutz that my PE teachers even made fun of me. Even though I moved 18 times by the time I was 24, I was almost always in farming communities. Farming communities tend to put a lot of emphasis on sports put down those who aren’t able to do them.

Music was where I could prove to myself that I had value as a person. I may not have proved myself to those around me (because sports), but it felt good to get those ribbons and medals at the competitions. I even got to State twice in High School Solo & Ensemble, getting one gold and one bronze.

This is one reason why I make sure that I offer entry into the local and state competitions to all my students. In addition to helping them learn how to handle themselves in nerve-wracking situations and getting feedback from a judge to better their skills, they get awards and prizes to give them a boost, right when they might need it the most.

As an adult, performing on the flute energizes me for weeks (I have stage fright on the piano, so that not so much). I love to move people to tears when I volunteer to play for church. I love the give and take of the ensembles that I play in, because everyone’s tone and musical ideas meld into one.

Listening

We all listened to sad songs in high school to try to feel better. We’ve all listened to dance music to get energized. Those things really do work. I have discovered a different way of listening to music that heals me quickly.

A couple of years ago, my “friends” were giving me a rough time and I was feeling really yucky about myself. A friendly acquaintance invited me to watch him play in the symphony. Of course, I couldn’t refuse.

I can’t remember the exact music they played, but the orchestra played two pieces. The first was an atonal, modern piece. Very dissonant. The second was a beautiful, romantic era piece. Very lush.

While I listened to the first piece of music, I felt all the yucky feelings inside of me that had been brewing for months float out of my body. I felt clean, but I was afraid that the yucky stuff would come back in.

While I listened to the second piece of music, all the yucky feelings blew away and the comfort of a beautiful, lush piece of music entered my soul. I felt like a new person with a clean start.

Now that I know this information, I look up something to listen to that’s really dissonant, then something beautiful when I have a ton of negative feelings boiling inside of me. Everything just floats away and I’m able to logically go through my problem.

Conclusion

These are the three areas that music has helped me and will help me for the rest of my life. I hope they help you. Life is hard. Music relieves some of the pain.

Relationships with the Music Stores

It’s important to find and support a good music store. That store will support you. I hope this guide helps you find your music store home.

I walk into my favorite music store and the people who work there all know me by name. They greet me with a genuine smile and I know they’re happy to see me. My day is instantly brighter.

Perks of Having a Good Relationship with the Music Store

If you have read any of my blog posts, you know that I like lists. They clarify things. I’m writing the list below and explaining what I mean for each item in the sections afterwards. There are more perks than just these four things, but these are the main ideas.

  1. Good Advice
  2. Networking
  3. Trust
  4. Try Things Out

Good Advice

If you find yourself stumped, you have a ton of musicians at your fingertips to give you advice. For example, my first time switching a piano student from Faber to Bastien after the primer level, I wasn’t sure what to do. The student needed the faster-moving method book, but there was a big gap between where the Primers ended between the methods. Faber goes much slower than Bastien.

I asked the person behind the counter what he would recommend. He mentioned a couple of ideas – write a few pieces of music to get her through the gap, or use the first few pages of a third lesson book to get her to that point.

I didn’t want to re-invent the wheel, so I chose the second option and the student got through the gap famously.

Networking

The people at the music store know the best local bands, where they play, and what times. They know what music seminars are coming to town. They know which ensembles have openings and which ensembles have good reputations. All you have to do is ask, and they’ll help you out.

Trust

If you have created a good relationship with the people in the music store, you can trust them to give you good service. The repair techs will take their time on your instrument. If you have a problem with a product that you bought, they’ll trust you that it was an actual problem, and they won’t doubt you.

Try Things Out

A good music store will allow you to try things out that you would be surprised about.

When I accidentally put my electric metronome through the washer and dryer, I went to my favorite music store. I told them what happened and I brought my piccolo along. They opened up the metronome packages and allowed me to try each electric metronome that they had. The very last one was the one I could hear above the sound of the piccolo. The salesman knew how to open the packages so they would close up without anyone knowing.

I had no clue that trying out the packaged metronomes was even an option. When I was younger, they had metronomes behind a glass case that you could try. That’s why I brought my piccolo. I was very appreciative.

Supporting a Good Music Store

I personally drive half-way across my city in order to go to the music store that treats me right. The techs know what they’re doing and the staff is fabulous. In order to go there, I drive right past the music store that is 8 blocks from my house because they don’t treat me right. In the past, I have driven up to three hours in order to take my flute to a tech that I liked.

What with the amount of students that I have, the amount of sheet music that I buy is the equivalent of buying a student instrument once a year. I recommend this music store a lot to my students and to my colleagues. I support them the best that I can.

It’s important to me to have the resources that I need from the places that I go. I try not to order online if at all possible so I can support my local music store. I hope music stores never go away because online shopping can’t hold a candle to the service you get at a good music store.

Finding a Good Music Store

Good music stores can be hard to find. Some choose to hire people who are arrogant and condescending. Some choose to hire people who are only after your money and treat you like a cash cow. Some choose to hire repair techs who use shortcuts on your instrument, which makes things worse in the long run.

Test out the music stores within driving distance from you, systematically.

One test is to peruse the music. Do they ask if they can help? Do they stand there with an attitude?

Another test is to try to strike up a conversation. How do they respond? Do you have a nice conversation, or do they act like you’re stupid?

A really good test is to ask if they carry a folding music stand that gets at least 5 ft tall. They probably don’t. How do they treat you? If they just apologize or offer to order one, those are the best responses. Do they say that those stands don’t exist? They exist online. Do they talk about how you don’t need a stand that tall for various reasons? It’s a good idea to have one that tall for practicing while standing up.

If you need to get your instrument repaired, call around to all the stores in the area and ask to talk to them. Ask about their processes. How do they treat pads that stick? If they mention powder paper, run the other direction. That’s an emergency-only item.

As you can see, it’s a process, but it’s important. What if you unwittingly took your flute to a tech that makes your flute worse? What if you were sold something that’s unnecessary or the wrong thing for you? It’s important to take the time to find a good music store.

Conclusion

It’s important to find and support a good music store. That store will support you. It’s also just as important to not support the bad music stores, for obvious reasons. I hope this guide helps you find your music store home.

Back to School!

There are a few different kinds of lessons I give when it’s back to school time. I thought it would be nice for you to see what to expect.

There are a few different kinds of lessons I give when it’s back to school time. I have first lessons with brand-new beginners, students who took the summer off, students who are coming back after a year or two away from lessons, and lessons with the students who took lessons through the summer.

I thought it would be nice for you to see what to expect.

First Lessons with Brand-New Beginners

I had a ton of first lessons this week. We talk about proper form on the instrument, I go through my practice incentive program, the students show me how they like to goof off on the piano, I assign the first few pages of the lesson book, and we start a rote piece. It’s a lot of fun and they’re very high-energy.

One aspect that I don’t want to gloss over is that the new students show me how they like to goof off on the piano. This is actually a very important step that sounds like it’s not important at all. It helps me see what kind of music they enjoy and will be naturally good at.

  1. Do they bang on it or do they lightly play?
  2. Do they try to make melodies or do mostly harmonies (well, let’s admit it, it’s note clusters)?
  3. Do they try to make patterns with their rhythms or their melodies?

First Lessons with Students Who Take the Summer Off

This kind of lesson isn’t as high-energy as beginner lessons, but it’s still pretty high up there. We have to catch up a little with how the summer went and the student is really excited to get back into the routine of practicing and seeing my smiling face every week.

I do have to see how much the student forgot or gained over the summer. Some continued to practice, others didn’t touch their piano. The ones who continued do practice might have worked farther ahead in their lesson books.

The students who didn’t touch their piano might have to back up a bit in their lesson books. Nevertheless, it’s important to back up for them so they become more confident in playing rather than pushing them forward too fast.

Finding the right spot takes a ton of work on both our parts.

First Lessons with Transfer Students or Those Who Took a Year or More Off

These can be a little tricky. I have to double-check their form and make sure any mistakes didn’t creep in. If the form is really off, I create a plan on how to improve it. I actually really love this part because I’m creating a plan to make their lives better.

Then I work with them to see where they are in their lesson book or their repertoire, just like the students who take the summer off.

First Lessons with Students Who Didn’t Take the Summer Off

These are the most calm lessons of back to school week. We continue to work on what we’ve been working on, in the same order – theory, scales, technical studies, etudes (lesson book), and repertoire. I may be a little higher-energy than normal because of the other lessons, but it feels like sinking into a comfortable, familiar place.

I know that within a month, all of my lessons will feel like this.

Daily Schedules of People in the Arts

I read a book that listed successful artists’ daily schedules, quirks and all. I always feel like my schedule is inadequate. I hope this helps.

I always feel like my schedule is inadequate. There isn’t enough time in the day. I have to hurry up and wait. I always have something along to do because I have to drop a kid off at sports practice, and it’s not worth it to go home. Sometimes I forget to bring something to do.

The book I’m reading right now is Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey (not an affiliate link). It describes in detail the daily schedule that great people in the arts have had – writers, artists, composers, etc. I thought it might be a good idea to see what other people do and how other people set up their day. Maybe I could find something to help me.

I’m partially through the book, and a pattern has emerged. The vast majority of artists did most of their work from 9AM till Noon. Most of them took a walk after lunch, sometimes for several hours, and did some office work before supper. After supper, a majority of the artists either went to parties or read books. Those who were around before the 1850’s would have their social time in the afternoon and do office things or read in the evening.

So far, I have only seen one mention of television. Most of the artists mentioned are from the 20th Century, so you would think they would follow the norm and have television as one of their diversions. Not at all. The one person who watched TV was a movie producer, which makes sense.

Applying This Information

Exercising during the afternoons in the summer is a definite no-go. I’m training for a marathon. Outside. The entire month of July is usually in a heat advisory here in Omaha. Nope. That’ll stay firmly stuck in early mornings or evenings, as my schedule permits.

The 9AM till Noon portion of the average schedule intrigues me. I could change it so my work time is 9 – noon starting in the school year. I could spend that time alternating between composing and practicing.

I like to watch TV. It helps me unwind. It keeps my mind occupied while I fold laundry. My kids learned to read before PreK because they watched PBS. Maybe I should cut back on TV. I’m not sure. I do use it for good, but it’s also a time thief.

During the school year, my late afternoons and early evenings are pretty booked up. Between giving music lessons and taking my kids to sports practices, there’s not much time left. After that, I tend to crash on the couch and watch TV. Maybe I could do my office things at that time, like the pre-1850s people did in the book.

As for partying, I wouldn’t know where to start. I’ve never been a partier, even in college. I also don’t know how wise it would be for me to go out, what with having young children.

Do What Works for You

I know that I’m in the minority, being able to set up my day like this. Most of my work is in the afternoons and evenings because I teach flute and piano. If you can’t set up your schedule like the majority of the greats, don’t worry. You have a different path.

There were lots of people in the book who worked longer than this on their art. There were lots of people who didn’t start working on their art until 10PM, and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning. There were people who got up at 4AM to write until breakfast time. These were the outliers, but they can be other ideas for you. I hope this information helps you like it has helped me.