Why do you practice?

[Road Hat]

This isn't "practice." It's rehearsal. Different thing. Practicing musical content (new or old) to increase and retain musical skill is one thing; getting ready for "the gig" is another.

I practice music because I want to maintain and develop my skill as a lifelong musician. That's pretty much the most important reason I can think of for *anybody* to practice.

Rehearsing by playing music you already know in a manner -- alone or with others -- that helps ensure you'll be an entertaining musician to listen to and watch, is very important, but I don't really think of it as "practice."

Maybe I'm splitting hairs, but I don't think so. They are different concepts.

I understand your point. My perspective has been that anything I do at home is practice, and anything I do with the band is rehearsal.

As part of my review of the setlist, I'm currently attempting to learn all the lyrics from memory and be able to back anyone up. Playing and singing is one of the hardest things I've done musically, especially since I don't have the greatest voice.

 

[Road Hat]

One other relevant point is the range of instruments that are being practiced by the music group is quite diverse. We have Carnatic singers (Southern Indian Classical), Hindustani singers (Nothern India Classical), Carnatic vioin, piano, classical guitar, slide guitar, and bass. Frankly, I think it would be one heck of a jam if we all got together! Also, that's part of my challenge, as well as delight, as a practice mentor - how to cross music cultures with inspirational and fun messages.

 

[logdrum]

I joined a music-accountability group on one of our work channels about our practice schedules, and I'm the only one really sticking with it..

Music Accountability Group? At work? It sounds like a compliance board of some sort.

I have little time so I go directly to composing stuff and lay it down directly on my DAW. I practice piano mostly nowadays because I am not good at it even though it was my first instrument as a child. Even though I have a steady gig as a bassist with a jazz singer, I rarely practice electric bass anymore - more upright. I also play saxophone (Bari, tenor, alto and soprano). That needs constant practice and air control

But I play music everyday and listen critically to new things as much as I can.

 

[dave hope]

Almost everyday
Maintaining/flexibility
Therapy/relax

 

[tbz]

Because I really enjoy playing bass and there’s always so many ways I feel I can get better at it.

 

[Dega60]

1 - I enjoy it - Love music and even when I'm not in a band or group I will still pick up the bass, or guitar, or mandolin and work on whatever chops I can or just play for the fun of it. I also like writing and recording my own original tunes and practice to make them sound better.

2 - (And this is currently the Big One) in the last 10 years I have been blessed as a mediocre bassist to hook up with a couple really good bands and am able to play with musicians whose skill level is WAY above mine. I practice extra hours just to be ready for whatever they throw at me and so I don't embarrass myself at rehearsal or embarrass them at a show.

 

[red_rhino]

I joined a music-accountability group

That’s a thing? To me that seems like like something that would take the joy right out of the learning process. Although I do understand and appreciate that some people get motivation from group activities (which I guess does include being in a band). But I’ve always felt that time away from your instrument is just as important as time spent with it. Play when you’re motivated, don’t play when you’re not. YMMV.

 

[bassliner50]

I find (now in my old age) a bit of practicing goes a long way toward a better performance. 50 years ago, I'd practice and have little to show for it when it came to performance. Of course now I am surrounded by seasoned pro's and that must be factor as well.

 

[climber]

I’ve been playing professionally since ‘66. I practiced then, I practice now. I enjoy the time and frankly I savor the focus. I like learning new tunes. At 74, with some arthritis, I need to keep my fingers moving. Same reason I go to the gym 3-4 times a week and ride my mountain bike. You need to keep doing, so you can keep doing. I’m one of “those” people who play Bach almost every day and still find new things in it. ‍

 

[tbz]

so maybe a brief hiatus is not all bad...

I’ve found that breaks are a good answer if you’re trying to drastically change an aspect of your playing.

Several years ago I kept trying to break the habit of how I constructed runs, when playing fast improvised parts. I’d always kinda fall into these patterns that worked, but that I was bored of hearing. Never got complaints from band members or the audience but from my end I was boring myself.

Took lessons with a teacher that helped me deconstruct that and helped me build some new ways to approach those situations. But I had a hard time putting it into use on the bandstand and eliminating the old parts from my “on demand” repertoire.

Took a break from playing overall for a few months, then when I came back I was mostly just practicing and not playing in front of people. Was able to break those old habits and get the new ones into place during that time.

 

[REV]

I feel that I am playing better now than ever part of this is that I practice on my own on a more regular basis. Seeing the improvement in my playing is motivation enough to keep practicing.

 

[ThunderV]

Mainly to try out and break in new gear purchases......

 

[outoftune]

Mental health. Playing/practicing bass is my happy place.

Exactly this

 

[Ellery]

To increase the practice time I put in, I count the time I spend on Talkbass as practice, cuz you know it's like learning about bass and stuff. Works really well, without that the time I put into practice would be like zero.

 

[Road Hat]

Music Accountability Group? At work? It sounds like a compliance board of some sort.

We're a Canadian-owned company, and they encourage the idea of collegial and supportive self-interest groups, especially since most of us work virtually and rarely see one another. The idea of accountability in our context is less about any requirement for diligence or monitoring, and more about a shared passion to improve as musicians through practicing our art, and sharing that passion (and process) with one's colleagues. I've learned much already just watching the practice sessions of the Hindustani singers. It's a full body and soul experience for them, quite fascinating and moving.

 

[SteveBassJr]

I practice everyday. For years now. Sometimes twice a day. I hope to get good. My drummer says I am. I do see the fruits of my labor sometimes. But, I compare myself to my heroes. I know it's not realistic. Those guys are super heroes. I am a mere mortal.

 

[Sparkl]

Why do you practice?

Because I must. Also, because I have to. And because it is necessary. Therefore, I must.

 

[mysteryclock]

1. Playing the music I love helps me feel more connected to it.
2. I'd like to get better, starting with getting back to how I was able to play a couple of decades ago.
3. It helps my hands stay limber and hurt less.

 

[mr80htz]

I practice to piss off my neighbors. FEEL MY LOW END HIPPIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Johnny StingRay]

It’s fun.