Need tips for a practice schedule on limited time

[glocke1]

In the not so distant past I was really dedicated to practicing. Id play two hours before work, than would get home and spend another two hours or so practicing.

I tried to be well rounded, working on different stuff, reading, ear training, jazz standards, and working on different tunes I was familar with (basically just out any radio station on and play along to whatever came on the radio).

Than came a move that required a longer commute to work, longer work hours, and a dog which is as demanding on my time as any spouse or child.

All this means that I probably have an hour max during the week to practice, and maybe two hours on sat/sun.

Since Im just coming off of a self imposed exile from music from the past 6 months or so, alot of that time is spend basically wanking off on my instrument, running through various patterns, chords, intervals and finger exercises to remove the rust, but I am trying to figure out a more effective way to practice that will keep the rust off, and allow me to work on the different stuff I mentioned above (ear training, theory, etc).

Suggestions?

[Plays_For_Dog]

Dude, I am in the same boat. I get about 15 minutes to an hour before work most days. That simply isn't enough. Luckily, when I get home the wife is in bed and the dog just needs a quick potty outside and I'm free for a few hours to do whatever. I normally check my email and then grab the bass. I have to play with headphones since it's late at night, but it works out OK. I usually end up playing for an hour - an hour and a half this way. With the headphones on, I tend to loose track of time and my fatiqued fingers usually end up telling me it's time to put the bass down and surf TB until I finally decide to go to bed. Eventually your current situation will change and you will have more time. When I was in the military, I rarely got time to play. I just did what I could and eventually my situation changed. If you have a puppy, the dog will eventually grow out of needing so much attention. Make sure you play with him/her enough to get them good and tired. Once that's done, the dog will sleep for a while and let you play. Best of luck.

[MalcolmAmos]

Have you thought of finding - or starting - a jamm session, say one that meets on Wednesday night. Playing with others is more fun and keeps the rust off.

It's a matter of carving out time more than what to practice IMO. Perhaps a couple of hours one night a week.

Good luck.

[glocke1]

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

Have you thought of finding - or starting - a jamm session, say one that meets on Wednesday night. Playing with others is more fun and keeps the rust off.

It's a matter of carving out time more than what to practice IMO.

Good luck.

Oh Ive got guys to jam with, weekly band rehearsals...

As I stated in my post Im just looking for pointers to make more effective use of my practice time at home.

[devine]

Write down what you practice each day. This will give you a pretty good idea of the areas you might be neglecting. Then you could draw up a little practice schedule to make sure your making the most of your limited time.

Easy man,

Scott.

http://www.scottsbasslessons.com

http://www.scottdevinemusic.com

[oldcatfish]

I'm in the same boat with time limitations. Also, I am easily distracted, and have young children. What I do, is I try to play a couple of songs each day that have a variety of techniques that I want to work on. I use a computer program, and remove the bass parts to make a backing track.

I stick with the same songs for about weeks, then I pick a couple of new ones. It breaks up the boredom, and keeps my technique polished. Whenever I do get more time, I spend it learning new songs, or really trying to sharpen a particular technique.
I also play for a couple of churches regularly, so I have to spend some time on that material.