How many times have you heard this phrase? How many times have you said this phrase? I know I’m supposed to practice, but I don’t want to. Here are some tactics to get over that hump.
Prevention
First of all, let’s talk about prevention. While everyone gets in a practicing funk sometimes, it’s best to prevent the lack of motivation if at all possible. The way to prevent this is to always end your practice with a song that you know and enjoy. You’re ending your practice on a good note, which sends, “Practicing is fun!” signals to your brain.
The Big Piece of Candy
This is for when you know you will be fine with practicing once you start, it’s just starting that’s the problem. Have some big pieces of candy (jawbreakers, ring pops, etc) next to your practicing area. When you’re done practicing, you get to have a piece of candy.
Little Pieces of Candy
This is for when you are having a hard time getting yourself to practice the right things. You line up M&Ms, Skittles, or whatever you love, and it’s one candy for each item. If you want to practice a certain piece of music twice, you put up two pieces of candy. Eat them as you go.
If you’re playing a wind instrument, make sure to swish your mouth out with water after eating each piece of candy. This method is from Lara Moldenhauer.
Seeing the candy lined up is powerful. If you don’t want to eat while you’re playing, you can put them in a cup and eat them afterwards.
The Two Stand Method
This is for when you’ve lost all the joy of practice. Practice has become a chore. Create two stacks of music – one that you’re supposed to play, and the other that is music that you already know. Alternate between the two stacks of music. It will bring back the joy of playing and remind you of how far you’ve come. This method is from Jennifer Cluff.
The Bossy Friend/Parent
This one is very simple, but it works. It’s for when you’re having a hard time starting, but you know you’ll be fine once you start. Call your bossiest friend or parent and have them order you to practice. They’ll enjoy it and it’ll get you going.
The Alarm
This is for the forgetful people (Guilty!). Set an alarm for a certain time of day to remind yourself to practice. It will become automatic eventually, and this way you’re fitting it into your schedule.
Schedule a Gig
Scheduling a performance will be enough of a motivating factor to get you into the practice room. It will create an intrinsic motivation (motivation from inside of you) because you don’t want to look like a fool for not practicing.
Need ideas for creating a performance?
- Ask to play for church.
- Sign up for a competition.
- Sign up for a performance at a museum at Christmas.
- Join a new ensemble.
- Find a production for which you need to try out.
- Create a recital of your music.
How about you? Are there any tricks that you do to make yourself practice?