creating a practice regimen

[Michael Case]

There must be a sound reason many of us stick to 20 minute increments. I arrived at mine randomly, but it seems efficient, even if the day adds up to many hours of practice.

It's kind of how the brain functions, after 20 minutes the brain starts to loose focus.

 

[dalconthenovice]

i love the idea of practicing another instrument, i have always wanted to learn keyboard after john paul jones the man used to do both for zeppelin

 

[tobie]

i have always wanted to learn keyboard

The extra advantage of this is that once accomplished, you'll be able to play without sheets just by watching the keyboardist's left hand (after a bit of practice).

 

[Old P Bass Guy]

What a GREAT thread!! Thanks everybody!! I'm an old 60's rock n roller. I'm retired now and have the time to start back at it again. This time, academics first. If it's hard and I don't like it, I hammer away at it until I like it and it's relatively easy the I move on to the next challenge.

 

[bigtiny]

so i need a more concrete and focuses practice regimen and i'm lookin for ideas and discussion on that. so far all i've gotten down is just to practice my scales, modes, chords, jam with different time signatures, and jam to records.

the idea is i want a concrete weekly practice regimen so i can stay focused and have a well rounded list of things to work on

any ideas?

I've played trumpet for over 50 years and I'm largely self taught. I can tell you that to do this (create a practice regimen) is a larger task than you might imagine. The first thing to realize is that to keep track of things you need tools to a) specify exactly what to practice and b) account for what was actually practiced. A note here - it's really easy to cheat yourself about practicing. Little bits slide, some days you don't get to it, whatever. In the end it's all up to you, but it's important to be brutally honest about what you expect to cover and what you actually covered. Over time these data will help you to continue to practice EFFECTIVELY.
I suggest two forms (I like to do them on the computer, but if you want to do them long hand that's okay too. Just do them loose leaf so you can easily add the latest to your practice journal.) the first, being a form listing what you're going to practice for the week. Example:
Week of:
1) arpeggios - major arps., up only, all positions, 20 minutes
2) minor scales - up and down, position 2, 20 minutes
3) bass part from 'Purple Haze', 20 minutes
4) jazz tune (melody and changes) 20 minutes

Then, what you did:
Week of:

Sunday (date):
1) arpeggios - major arps., up, all positions, 20 minutes
2) minor scales - up and down, position 2, 10 minutes
3) bass part from 'Purple Haze', 20 minutes
4) jazz tune (All The Things You Are) - melody 30 minutes
after 6 hour break
5) minor scales - up and down, position 2, 20 minutes
6) arpeggios - major arps., up, 2nd position, 20 minutes

Monday (date):
1) arpeggios - major arps., up, all positions, 20 minutes
2) minor scales - up and down, position 2, 20 minutes
six hour break
3) bass part from 'Purple Haze', 30 minutes
4) jazz tune (All The Things You Are) - melody 40 minutes

etc
etc
etc

These are just loose ideas, but you get the picture. Over time you can review and see how well you're sticking to your prescribed regimen. Does the regimen cover all of the things you need to practice? Are you sticking to it? If you're consistently not sticking to it, are you asking yourself to do too much? Are you spending enough/too much time on particular exercises?
You should be in a constant state of honing your practice regimen. Things will change as you become a better player and a gain more experience practicing effectively.