Makeing music instead of practicing

Of course, we have to repeat certain movements and passages several times until we can perform them very well. But also these repetitions – executed with great attention to good sound and intonation – can really be „making music“! A repetitive practice should never be thoughtless and „dull“, we all know that. If we can help the young musicians listen attentively while playing, we have achieved a lot. Then they are on a good way to enjoy practice. This kind of practicing, that all of us musicians have experienced: When you are completely absorbed in your actions. You forget the time. You are very attentive, you hear and feel everything. Every nuance of the sound, every muscle activity, … You are „in the flow“, as it is called today.

Pleasurable practicing

Isn’t  it of incredible value to make our students enjoy playing music and particularly practicing? If they develop a big pleasure in their daily engagement with their instrument and with music? If they learn to love their instrument and the music so much that it becomes an important part of their lives, which they don’t want to miss? When they experience practicing as something they enjoy doing? As teachers, we can support this development a lot by presenting them music pieces with challenging but not overwhelming difficulties. And establishing a practicing-culture of great attention.

With this in mind, I wish you and your students a Merry Christmas with a lot of enjoyable music making!

Sincerely,

Andrea Holzer-Rhomberg