We Perform What We Practice

I found myself using this phrase (title above) again with my elementary band students and it is applicable in all levels of musical performance.  If you get lazy while you’re practicing little issues (I call them “gremlins”) can insert themselves into your performance.  Perhaps you are playing an instrumental rhythm inaccurately because you did not practice it initially at a slow enough tempo.  Perhaps you are approaching a certain vocal note, but you decide to push through that part instead of vocalizing it on different syllables. 

There are many different “gremlins” that can enter into your musical performance but there is one way that they get in, and that is lazy practicing.  I know it is difficult to stay focused throughout your practice time.  I know that sometimes you just feel like jamming through the songs and having fun.  However, every time you play or sing you are shaping your musical habits and abilities.  Jam on a song that you are prepared to do so with.  This is a good way to put the final polish on a performance before the gig.  However, you shouldn't be jamming on everything, especially material that is in need of technical improvements.        

Lately, I have been breaking my practice sessions up into smaller segments.  Studies have shown that we get the most out of the first and last ten minutes of our practice time.  Some people like to take a literal approach to this and practice in twenty minute segments throughout the day.  I find that some days I am in the zone and can have a very productive and long session.  Other days I need more frequent breaks. The important thing is that I keep my focus throughout the session and don't let those "gremlins" creep into my performance.