Effective Practice Spaces
Making it easier to get better at your craft by removing obstacles. Comment on this post with any suggestions you may have found that help.
Dheeraj Chand
Ex Oriente Lux, Ex Occidente Lex
Dheeraj Chand
Ex Oriente Lux, Ex Occidente Lex
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A structured practice discipline is very helpful. Many teachers, particularly of young prodigies, suggest having a dedicated space, a particular configuration of materials, wearing special clothing that is used for practice, and other ritualistic elements. This is a little like how martial arts structure the activity of practice. The goal is to divide the world between “practicing” and “not practicing” — when you’re practicing, you’re in a bubble.
Proper seating is extremely important for many people. In my case, unless I have the right place to sit I can bork myself up for days or weeks. Similarly, I need to be dogmatic about taking a break every 45-60 minutes, and I’m sure to do this both when practicing and performing. I can occasionally play a long set but it’s always risky, and if I pay with days of pain and immobility I’m very sorry. However my physical problems are not typical. Still, everybody is at risk of physical issues, from tendinitis to spinal problems.
However, there is another approach that also is worth considering. Always practicing in a silent, closed, private bubble can make it hard to play in public. All those distractions! So I encourage some students to practice with the TV or radio on, or to try to carry on conversations when practicing rote material such as scales. A balance is, as usual, the goal.
At my practice spot, I have only a handful of items. An iPad sitting on a music stand — most of my music is now accessed electronically, but I like having the stand there (rather than a dedicated iPad stand) so that I can use sheet music when needed. A proper chair with lumbar support, essential for me. I no longer can use a footstool, so none of them. A guitar stand holding my guitar with its strap (a strap is essential for me, see above). Three sand-glasses of 30, 45, and 60 minute duration, which I sometimes use to help stay aware of my break intervals. Some blank paper with staves and Ted Greene style grids for jotting down ideas. Light. Reading glasses. Pens and pencils.
I’m surrounded by things that could be distractions but at this point in my life they don’t interrupt me, since what I always want to be doing is playing guitar if possible.