Posted by David on August 28, 2002 at 09:15:50:
In Reply to: How do you motivate yourself to practice posted by Jeremy Williams on August 27, 2002 at 22:31:03:
No tricks. It takes having a goal and then taking the steps to reach the goal. Sounds like life doesn't it?
Professionals have the pay check as the goal supposedly. Most of the pros I know aren't just motivated by the pay check. The real goal is to make some money doing what they like to do. Most of us would continue to play even if no money were involved.
Here's an example of a goal to reach:
Take out the Blazhevich book
Start with exercise #1 and #2
Assign the exercises
Put a "DUE" date on them
Practice them
Play them for the "teacher" (you are the student and the teacher here)
Have the "teacher" make comments and suggestions
Have the "student" listen and respond
If the exercises are done well, go on; if not, repeat the assignment
That provides you with a weekly goal. Now let's go for a goal 6 months away. Go to church? Ask if you can play a solo for offertory, special music, or as prelude or postlude to the service. Music directors are usually looking for someone else to provide music. You'll have fun and you will receive so many compliments you'll just naturally want to keep this going. Church in 3 or 4 months? Just remember to keep the teacher and student busy working on new materials along with the old exercises.
Hope this helps.