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the big P(ractice)

#21
Well, I just got into music school so Im having to practice a minimum of 5 hours a day. However, that 5 hours includes an hour (at least) for piano, an hour for ear training, an hour (at least) for string bass, an hour of practice for Jazz Combo, and at least an hour working on technique, new scales, etc. on electric. Of course, this gives no time for learning songs, or just goofing around on the bass, and in order to really progress on string bass, which is a new instrument to me, I have to put in much more time than an hour a day. So really I try to practice like 8 hours a day and always more on the weekends. What a Labor of Love!
Its almost like the time I spend in class is cutting into my practice time!
Oh, and I still have to get a job to pay for this, and Id like to earn enough cash so I can go study with Jeff Berlin at the Players School of Music in FL.
Damnit, I cant believe Ive actually wasted 30 min surfing on the web, Ive gotta go!
 
#23
Im lucky if I practive more than a couple of hours per week. And that's at band rehersal. It's clearly not enough by a very very long way. But me getting the bass out (to practice acoustically when the kids are in bed) just reminds the wife of all those jobs around the house that I've not yet done. Result = a(nother) row. :(

Hmmmmm.

John
 
#24
Originally posted by Tronictq
Sometimes it feels like a chore, no one else get that?
Click to expand...

It IS a chore. It can be fun and enjoyable at times and totally boring at other times (who REALLY likes running scales and arpeggios for half an hour?).

The fun part of playing is in the performing, not the practicing. I look at practice as what I do so when I do perform I can have MORE fun.


To Rockin John:

If practicing your bass causes a row with your wife you need to work out some priorities with her. I have no idea of your overall situation, but if your band is gigging and making any money then you can at least argue that practicing at home is part of the deal. Of course, then you might have to turn over the cash :)
 
#25
Hello (again) Brainrost.

Well, I guess part of the reason she tollerates me with the music thing is that the band is to play @ the lad's school @ Christmas. She's quite heavily involved @ the school. If we go out playing for cash then I'm sure there'll be more arguments. But she has kinda warmed to the notion of some more money!;)

Situation @ home is not brilliant but then I guess TB isn't into marriage advice!! We'll have to see on that one.

John
 
#26
Just one further teenzy little thought on this subject. Got the bass out last night: she was on the computer so there were no arguments!

I left the bass downstairs cos it makes too much noise putting it away when the lad's asleep. Anyways, I'm up @ about 6 and it's about 6.45 before the others get up so I practiced for about a half hour this morning.

Well, it felt really good. I'm not sure why but was probably because I was fresh and my fingers weren't tired. Perhaps, also, I knew there'd be no flak from "certain quarters"!

I'm not sure whether it's really possible to do structured practicing @ that time but it seems pretty good for just finger exercises and the like.

(Is anyone else dim enough to practice the bass at such an unGodly hour?):D

John
 
#29
Originally posted by Rockin John
.... I'm not sure whether it's really possible to do structured practicing @ that time but it seems pretty good for just finger exercises and the like.

(Is anyone else dim enough to practice the bass at such an unGodly hour?):D
John
Click to expand...

I cheat John. I've got some serious volume going on at 2-4am some night - but it's all coming from the stereo and my Korg Pandora through headphones.

It's usually unstructured but I find it good for more than "just finger exercises" as you say. With the structured practicing having been done earlier, (technically, yesterday), there's an affordable freedom to try out all the "what if's???".

Plus, maybe you're like me - I'm not really "on" till about 10 p.m.
 
#30
Hi Rick.

:D LOL:D

10pm? For us overweight middle aged blokes, 10pm is past bed time;)

You're clearly a 'night-bird', Rick. Other than Christmas morning when Matthew gets up @ about 3, I don't think I've ever seem 2-4am!!! What a sad ole bugger, eh?

I tried practicing again this morning. 'Seems to work out OK. It's definitely a different mental approach. I attack the bass a bit more @ 6am (dunno why), trying speedy licks and so on. 'Hardly ever come off, mind you:eek:

Still, @ least I'm now doing some regular practice instead of none at all.

John
 
#31
Practice is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak... I try to practice between 4-8 hours almost every day.
But you have to think, you can't sit for 4-8 hours & practice everyday! You Could, however,
practice for 1 1/2 & take a break then another 1 1/2 & so on.
I try to set a series of goals for myself & acheive each one. Practice is something that you will be doing for the rest of your life if you are serious about becoming a better player.
If you are serious about becoming better, the that will always be the case, & you will never see yourself as having practiced enough. Never. If you are not serious, then you have no problem, right?:confused:
 
#32
I got alot of hwk everynight (hey 8th grade algebras tuff when ur teacher gives u hwk every night (argh i have on average 20-30 probs every night :/)) but when ever i CAN practise i do...every 6:00-7:30 i jam with my brother who is the guitarest...weekends i try as much as i can...today the jam went 4 1/2 hrs straight :cool: Now my fingers are bloody but hey! its all good!
 
#33
The most important thing to remember about practice is that the object is supposed to be getting better. Alot of people just play songs they know over & over again, & call that practice.
Practice time(however much there is) should be divided into groups specifically tailored to address your needs as a player. Set a series of short goals(moving up 2 clicks on the metronome on major sclaes, etc.) & try to achieve each one, instead of trying to go from where you are to super-bassist all in one shot. IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!! Break it down to manegeable pieces.
Make a list of your strong & weak points... Then design a practice routine to addresss a specific weak point, & then work through all your weak points.
For instance, if your weak point is finger-style technique, then you should be working on right hand exercises, alternating your index & middle fingers strictly. If your weak spot is your endurance, or lack thereof, then you should be running scales & arpeggios over the range of the neck, playing isometrics & permutations.
The amount of time you spend practicing is not nearly as important as how focused you are when you are practicing. 15 focused minutes of practice is better than 5 hours of scattered noodleing any day of the week! I hope this is helpful to whomever is reading this. Ciao!
 

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