Practice diary?

LiF · #1 10-05-2010, 06:06 PM

Do you keep one?

If so, on paper or computer?

If computer, what form?

What do you note down in particular?

Does this help, and if so, in what way or ways?

Headless Llama · #2 10-05-2010, 06:23 PM

I have a "songs I know" playlist on my media player... I never found it necessary to keep track of things like scales learned or anything like that though.

Skitch it! · #3 10-05-2010, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiF

Do you keep one?

If so, on paper or computer?

If computer, what form?

What do you note down in particular?

Does this help, and if so, in what way or ways?

How long have you played for and what kind of stuff are you working on if you don't mind?

brammerd · #4 10-05-2010, 06:31 PM

recently started making one on the computer

I just use textpad..

It's more of a practice routine I typed out but I kind of type down what I'm working on

slybass3000 · #5 10-05-2010, 06:32 PM

Any media will work but I'm old school so I love books, papers and pencils ;-)

In my best years of practicing I was keeping a log of all the exercices I was doing and the speed I was able to play them. That way it is much easier to see what you are working on (and what you are not !) and see the progress you are making as far as speed AND endurance. Daily practicing is the key even if it is 30 mins.

Here is a practice schedule that can be used: 50% on scales and technique with a metronome of course. 25% on reading if you are into it and 25% on groove or soloing or jazz for example.

Good luck

LiF · #6 10-05-2010, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skitch it!

How long have you played for and what kind of stuff are you working on if you don't mind?

Hi. 20 years, on and off. Seriously, though, for the past 5 years.

I'm working on "everything". My main focus currently is on technique, so I'm working through a load of cello etudes. I want to work on ear training too, so I am looking for a decent computer program for that, but it has to be Mac compatible. That is something I will work on, on my daily commute.

I'm also working on a load of tunes for a Swing-style Big Band I have just joined. I have all the notation and my reading is decent, it's just I'm not used to the style and the walking lines are killing me, although I am getting there with them. In the past, I have played mainly funk/soul/RnB, rock and pop.

Skitch it! · #7 10-05-2010, 06:59 PM

Do you have Bach's Cello Suite No.1 down, in standard tuning?
For stretching, awkward finger postions, string crossing with 2 right hand picking fingers, muting, imo it's a winner of a piece/exercise/warm up, IME cleaner played with the thumb, index and middle ; )

I spent 3 years at a Bass/Guitar Institute in London 15 years ago and kept a folder there because of the course work but other than that not really, saying that I should apply myself a bit more for some stuff, but what I'm involved in learning is the stuff that I do for work and the stuff I enjoy playing, tunes, styles, sounds, techniques, learning lot's of different styles mostly and the harmony, technique and feel to do them justice and get a groove on.

LiF · #8 10-05-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skitch it!

Do you have Bach's Cello Suite No.1 down, in standard tuning?

No, currently working on some stuff by Simandl and Lee.

beam2611 · #9 10-06-2010, 11:36 AM

Do you keep one? Yes

If so, on paper or computer?
On a Computer

If computer, what form?
Excel sheet with days & dates
I try practicing daily, even if it's only for 15 min

What do you note down in particular?
The 3 topics I'm currently working on
ie: # of exercise or page completed, or speed attained, etc...

Does this help, and if so, in what way or ways?
It forces me to practice everyday, and keeps
me focused, and on track as to what I'm working on.

Hope this helps

mambo4 · #10 10-06-2010, 01:36 PM

mine, when i kept one was just pencil markings on pages of the music I was practicing: a date and the tempo I was able to comfortable nail the piece at. They were basic scale exercises, but it was nice to see the slow, steady improvement.

doot doot doot · #11 10-06-2010, 07:40 PM

I use a combo of both. I have a hardcover journal where I keep a record of current stats (fastest 8th note bpm, etc.) as well as current goals. On the computer I use Ableton Live as a sort of practice machine. I drop the songs I'm learning into a track and then I can slow them down or speed them up to whatever BPM I want, as well as EQ them to make the bass track more prominent (I learn mostly by ear).