Home » The PARIS Forums » PARIS: Main » recommendations for good practice regimen
| recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95676] |
Wed, 06 February 2008 11:50  |
chuck duffy
Messages: 453
Registered: July 2005
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Senior Member |
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Hi All,
I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have any
recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen. I
do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge amount
of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises to
increase speed, agility and accuracy.
Thanks
Chuck
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95678 is a reply to message #95676] |
Wed, 06 February 2008 11:00  |
Paul Artola
Messages: 161
Registered: November 2005
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Senior Member |
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It has been decades since my formal piano training, but the exercises
in Hanon come to mind as working on speed, agility, and accuracy.
- Paul Artola
Ellicott City, Maryland
On 7 Feb 2008 05:50:36 +1000, "chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>
>Hi All,
>
>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have any
>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen. I
>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge amount
>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises to
>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>
>Thanks
>Chuck
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95679 is a reply to message #95678] |
Wed, 06 February 2008 11:02 |
Paul Artola
Messages: 161
Registered: November 2005
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Senior Member |
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http://www.amazon.com/Virtuoso-Pianist-60-Exercises-Techniqu e/dp/0793525446
- Paul
On Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:00:45 -0500, Paul Artola <artola@comcast.net>
wrote:
>It has been decades since my formal piano training, but the exercises
>in Hanon come to mind as working on speed, agility, and accuracy.
>
>- Paul Artola
> Ellicott City, Maryland
>
>On 7 Feb 2008 05:50:36 +1000, "chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>Hi All,
>>
>>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have any
>>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen. I
>>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge amount
>>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises to
>>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>>
>>Thanks
>>Chuck
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95680 is a reply to message #95676] |
Wed, 06 February 2008 13:01 |
Kim
Messages: 1246
Registered: October 2005
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Chuck,
While this isn't an exercise, one thing I have both noticed in my own experience,
as well as hearing of scientific support for, is the idea of not practicing
for an hour at a time, but instead doing several shorter periods as a general
approach. The mind has a very limited attention span at maximum focus, and
practicing while bored and/or annoyed with the process is not that beneficial.
Generally when I practice I will just sit down and play as I feel like it.
Ten minutes later I'll get up and do something else. Practice becomes like
a cigarette break. If I'm doing housework, every half an hour I might stop
and play one or two songs. If I'm inspired I'll keep going but if not I get
up and go back to whatever else I was doing.
I don't remember the exact numbers, but I believe it was something like three
ten minute practice sessions are measurably more affective than a single
one hour session.
Knowing this might help you manage your limited time better. Not only can
you put less time in, but it's a lot easier for most people to find five
or ten minutes a couple of times a day to quickly jump on an instrument than
it is to find a solid hour. Playing in the ad breaks while watching TV, for
example, you can probably approach the same benefit from an hour of TV watching
as you would from an hour of practice.
You do need to put in longer sessions at points, if only to improve playing
stamina, but things like scales and arpeggios only take about 15 seconds
to do. You can do quite a few of them in just a couple of minutes. Plus,
if you do, say, two five minute sessions in the morning, and then another
four or so five minute sessions through the day or at night, the brain actually
prioritizes it better because it gets the idea that "Gee, I seem to be doing
this all the time!". You brain gets the idea that it needs to have those
skills ready because they are constantly needed.
Cheers,
Kim.
"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>
>Hi All,
>
>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have any
>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen. I
>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge amount
>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises to
>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>
>Thanks
>Chuck
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95681 is a reply to message #95680] |
Wed, 06 February 2008 14:26 |
TCB
Messages: 1261
Registered: July 2007
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Senior Member |
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I find this to be true as well, but mostly for maintaining a certain level
of facility. To make a big jump, I think the only option is out there in
the woodshed.
Sadly, I haven't had time for that in years. I pretty much play at that level
where one can't play any worse. Luckily for me I put the time in when I was
younger so that's not all _that_ bad.
When I was at ECMM last week I was looking at a Charlie Christian book thinking,
'I actually used to be able to PLAY this stuff.' No more . . .
TCB
"Kim" <hiddensounds@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>Chuck,
>
>While this isn't an exercise, one thing I have both noticed in my own experience,
>as well as hearing of scientific support for, is the idea of not practicing
>for an hour at a time, but instead doing several shorter periods as a general
>approach. The mind has a very limited attention span at maximum focus, and
>practicing while bored and/or annoyed with the process is not that beneficial.
>
>Generally when I practice I will just sit down and play as I feel like it.
>Ten minutes later I'll get up and do something else. Practice becomes like
>a cigarette break. If I'm doing housework, every half an hour I might stop
>and play one or two songs. If I'm inspired I'll keep going but if not I
get
>up and go back to whatever else I was doing.
>
>I don't remember the exact numbers, but I believe it was something like
three
>ten minute practice sessions are measurably more affective than a single
>one hour session.
>
>Knowing this might help you manage your limited time better. Not only can
>you put less time in, but it's a lot easier for most people to find five
>or ten minutes a couple of times a day to quickly jump on an instrument
than
>it is to find a solid hour. Playing in the ad breaks while watching TV,
for
>example, you can probably approach the same benefit from an hour of TV watching
>as you would from an hour of practice.
>
>You do need to put in longer sessions at points, if only to improve playing
>stamina, but things like scales and arpeggios only take about 15 seconds
>to do. You can do quite a few of them in just a couple of minutes. Plus,
>if you do, say, two five minute sessions in the morning, and then another
>four or so five minute sessions through the day or at night, the brain actually
>prioritizes it better because it gets the idea that "Gee, I seem to be doing
>this all the time!". You brain gets the idea that it needs to have those
>skills ready because they are constantly needed.
>
>Cheers,
>Kim.
>
>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>
>>Hi All,
>>
>>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have any
>>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen.
I
>>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge amount
>>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises to
>>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>>
>>Thanks
>>Chuck
>
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95712 is a reply to message #95681] |
Thu, 07 February 2008 09:36 |
chuck duffy
Messages: 453
Registered: July 2005
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Thanks for the input guys. I'm definitely down with what kim was saying. I
found that many smaller sessions get me better much faster. I hope that someday
soon I can find some time to take it to the woodshed too...
Chuck
"TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>
>I find this to be true as well, but mostly for maintaining a certain level
>of facility. To make a big jump, I think the only option is out there in
>the woodshed.
>
>Sadly, I haven't had time for that in years. I pretty much play at that
level
>where one can't play any worse. Luckily for me I put the time in when I
was
>younger so that's not all _that_ bad.
>
>When I was at ECMM last week I was looking at a Charlie Christian book thinking,
>'I actually used to be able to PLAY this stuff.' No more . . .
>
>TCB
>
>"Kim" <hiddensounds@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>Chuck,
>>
>>While this isn't an exercise, one thing I have both noticed in my own experience,
>>as well as hearing of scientific support for, is the idea of not practicing
>>for an hour at a time, but instead doing several shorter periods as a general
>>approach. The mind has a very limited attention span at maximum focus,
and
>>practicing while bored and/or annoyed with the process is not that beneficial.
>>
>>Generally when I practice I will just sit down and play as I feel like
it.
>>Ten minutes later I'll get up and do something else. Practice becomes like
>>a cigarette break. If I'm doing housework, every half an hour I might stop
>>and play one or two songs. If I'm inspired I'll keep going but if not I
>get
>>up and go back to whatever else I was doing.
>>
>>I don't remember the exact numbers, but I believe it was something like
>three
>>ten minute practice sessions are measurably more affective than a single
>>one hour session.
>>
>>Knowing this might help you manage your limited time better. Not only can
>>you put less time in, but it's a lot easier for most people to find five
>>or ten minutes a couple of times a day to quickly jump on an instrument
>than
>>it is to find a solid hour. Playing in the ad breaks while watching TV,
>for
>>example, you can probably approach the same benefit from an hour of TV
watching
>>as you would from an hour of practice.
>>
>>You do need to put in longer sessions at points, if only to improve playing
>>stamina, but things like scales and arpeggios only take about 15 seconds
>>to do. You can do quite a few of them in just a couple of minutes. Plus,
>>if you do, say, two five minute sessions in the morning, and then another
>>four or so five minute sessions through the day or at night, the brain
actually
>>prioritizes it better because it gets the idea that "Gee, I seem to be
doing
>>this all the time!". You brain gets the idea that it needs to have those
>>skills ready because they are constantly needed.
>>
>>Cheers,
>>Kim.
>>
>>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>Hi All,
>>>
>>>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have
any
>>>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen.
>I
>>>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge
amount
>>>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises
to
>>>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>>>
>>>Thanks
>>>Chuck
>>
>
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95721 is a reply to message #95712] |
Thu, 07 February 2008 14:00 |
steve the artguy
Messages: 308
Registered: June 2005
|
Senior Member |
|
|
chuck-
You may or may not be interested in his music, but I find learning monk tunes
is very useful. Same with charlie parker tunes.
Useful as in "learning to negotiate chord progressions in different keys"
sort of thing.
I should spend more time doing such things myself.
-steve
"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>
>Thanks for the input guys. I'm definitely down with what kim was saying.
I
>found that many smaller sessions get me better much faster. I hope that
someday
>soon I can find some time to take it to the woodshed too...
>
>Chuck
>"TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>>
>>I find this to be true as well, but mostly for maintaining a certain level
>>of facility. To make a big jump, I think the only option is out there in
>>the woodshed.
>>
>>Sadly, I haven't had time for that in years. I pretty much play at that
>level
>>where one can't play any worse. Luckily for me I put the time in when I
>was
>>younger so that's not all _that_ bad.
>>
>>When I was at ECMM last week I was looking at a Charlie Christian book
thinking,
>>'I actually used to be able to PLAY this stuff.' No more . . .
>>
>>TCB
>>
>>"Kim" <hiddensounds@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>Chuck,
>>>
>>>While this isn't an exercise, one thing I have both noticed in my own
experience,
>>>as well as hearing of scientific support for, is the idea of not practicing
>>>for an hour at a time, but instead doing several shorter periods as a
general
>>>approach. The mind has a very limited attention span at maximum focus,
>and
>>>practicing while bored and/or annoyed with the process is not that beneficial.
>>>
>>>Generally when I practice I will just sit down and play as I feel like
>it.
>>>Ten minutes later I'll get up and do something else. Practice becomes
like
>>>a cigarette break. If I'm doing housework, every half an hour I might
stop
>>>and play one or two songs. If I'm inspired I'll keep going but if not
I
>>get
>>>up and go back to whatever else I was doing.
>>>
>>>I don't remember the exact numbers, but I believe it was something like
>>three
>>>ten minute practice sessions are measurably more affective than a single
>>>one hour session.
>>>
>>>Knowing this might help you manage your limited time better. Not only
can
>>>you put less time in, but it's a lot easier for most people to find five
>>>or ten minutes a couple of times a day to quickly jump on an instrument
>>than
>>>it is to find a solid hour. Playing in the ad breaks while watching TV,
>>for
>>>example, you can probably approach the same benefit from an hour of TV
>watching
>>>as you would from an hour of practice.
>>>
>>>You do need to put in longer sessions at points, if only to improve playing
>>>stamina, but things like scales and arpeggios only take about 15 seconds
>>>to do. You can do quite a few of them in just a couple of minutes. Plus,
>>>if you do, say, two five minute sessions in the morning, and then another
>>>four or so five minute sessions through the day or at night, the brain
>actually
>>>prioritizes it better because it gets the idea that "Gee, I seem to be
>doing
>>>this all the time!". You brain gets the idea that it needs to have those
>>>skills ready because they are constantly needed.
>>>
>>>Cheers,
>>>Kim.
>>>
>>>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>Hi All,
>>>>
>>>>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have
>any
>>>>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen.
>>I
>>>>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge
>amount
>>>>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises
>to
>>>>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks
>>>>Chuck
>>>
>>
>
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95722 is a reply to message #95721] |
Thu, 07 February 2008 14:26 |
chuck duffy
Messages: 453
Registered: July 2005
|
Senior Member |
|
|
steve i truly think we have a psychic connection :-). First I love monk. Second,
for the first time in my life I am working through chord progressions in
a variety of keys.
My buddies are working on a cd, and they send me roughs to practice.
Since I didn't write the songs, they are not in my 'keys' so to speak, the
ones I gravitate to for my tiny vocal range.
So I practice each one over and over and then I try and go up to NY and we
record in their home studio on their old steinway.
For example, one of the tunes was a bluesy tune in F# which forced me to
do all my regular 'slides' like where I would slide off e# to e or g# to
g. I had to switch to moving rapidly between two flats (a# to b#) instead
of sliding from black key to white with a single finger. Totally unnatural
for me, but after a week or so I got to where I could play the tune well
in a country/bluesy style in f#. That got me thinking - why shouldn't I be
able to play it in any key. And that got me to where I am now :-)
Chuck
"steve the artguy" <artguy@somethingorother.net> wrote:
>
>chuck-
>
>You may or may not be interested in his music, but I find learning monk
tunes
>is very useful. Same with charlie parker tunes.
>
>Useful as in "learning to negotiate chord progressions in different keys"
>sort of thing.
>
>I should spend more time doing such things myself.
>
>-steve
>
>
>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>
>>Thanks for the input guys. I'm definitely down with what kim was saying.
>I
>>found that many smaller sessions get me better much faster. I hope that
>someday
>>soon I can find some time to take it to the woodshed too...
>>
>>Chuck
>>"TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>I find this to be true as well, but mostly for maintaining a certain level
>>>of facility. To make a big jump, I think the only option is out there
in
>>>the woodshed.
>>>
>>>Sadly, I haven't had time for that in years. I pretty much play at that
>>level
>>>where one can't play any worse. Luckily for me I put the time in when
I
>>was
>>>younger so that's not all _that_ bad.
>>>
>>>When I was at ECMM last week I was looking at a Charlie Christian book
>thinking,
>>>'I actually used to be able to PLAY this stuff.' No more . . .
>>>
>>>TCB
>>>
>>>"Kim" <hiddensounds@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Chuck,
>>>>
>>>>While this isn't an exercise, one thing I have both noticed in my own
>experience,
>>>>as well as hearing of scientific support for, is the idea of not practicing
>>>>for an hour at a time, but instead doing several shorter periods as a
>general
>>>>approach. The mind has a very limited attention span at maximum focus,
>>and
>>>>practicing while bored and/or annoyed with the process is not that beneficial.
>>>>
>>>>Generally when I practice I will just sit down and play as I feel like
>>it.
>>>>Ten minutes later I'll get up and do something else. Practice becomes
>like
>>>>a cigarette break. If I'm doing housework, every half an hour I might
>stop
>>>>and play one or two songs. If I'm inspired I'll keep going but if not
>I
>>>get
>>>>up and go back to whatever else I was doing.
>>>>
>>>>I don't remember the exact numbers, but I believe it was something like
>>>three
>>>>ten minute practice sessions are measurably more affective than a single
>>>>one hour session.
>>>>
>>>>Knowing this might help you manage your limited time better. Not only
>can
>>>>you put less time in, but it's a lot easier for most people to find five
>>>>or ten minutes a couple of times a day to quickly jump on an instrument
>>>than
>>>>it is to find a solid hour. Playing in the ad breaks while watching TV,
>>>for
>>>>example, you can probably approach the same benefit from an hour of TV
>>watching
>>>>as you would from an hour of practice.
>>>>
>>>>You do need to put in longer sessions at points, if only to improve playing
>>>>stamina, but things like scales and arpeggios only take about 15 seconds
>>>>to do. You can do quite a few of them in just a couple of minutes. Plus,
>>>>if you do, say, two five minute sessions in the morning, and then another
>>>>four or so five minute sessions through the day or at night, the brain
>>actually
>>>>prioritizes it better because it gets the idea that "Gee, I seem to be
>>doing
>>>>this all the time!". You brain gets the idea that it needs to have those
>>>>skills ready because they are constantly needed.
>>>>
>>>>Cheers,
>>>>Kim.
>>>>
>>>>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>Hi All,
>>>>>
>>>>>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have
>>any
>>>>>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen.
>>>I
>>>>>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge
>>amount
>>>>>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises
>>to
>>>>>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>>>>>
>>>>>Thanks
>>>>>Chuck
>>>>
>>>
>>
>
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|
|
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95729 is a reply to message #95722] |
Thu, 07 February 2008 14:51 |
Paul Artola
Messages: 161
Registered: November 2005
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Chuck -
If you are playing on a digital keyboard, you could transpose the root
note so you are in your comfort zone.
- Paul
On 8 Feb 2008 08:26:59 +1000, "chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>
>steve i truly think we have a psychic connection :-). First I love monk. Second,
>for the first time in my life I am working through chord progressions in
>a variety of keys.
>
>My buddies are working on a cd, and they send me roughs to practice.
>
>Since I didn't write the songs, they are not in my 'keys' so to speak, the
>ones I gravitate to for my tiny vocal range.
>
>So I practice each one over and over and then I try and go up to NY and we
>record in their home studio on their old steinway.
>
>For example, one of the tunes was a bluesy tune in F# which forced me to
>do all my regular 'slides' like where I would slide off e# to e or g# to
>g. I had to switch to moving rapidly between two flats (a# to b#) instead
>of sliding from black key to white with a single finger. Totally unnatural
>for me, but after a week or so I got to where I could play the tune well
>in a country/bluesy style in f#. That got me thinking - why shouldn't I be
>able to play it in any key. And that got me to where I am now :-)
>
>Chuck
>
>"steve the artguy" <artguy@somethingorother.net> wrote:
>>
>>chuck-
>>
>>You may or may not be interested in his music, but I find learning monk
>tunes
>>is very useful. Same with charlie parker tunes.
>>
>>Useful as in "learning to negotiate chord progressions in different keys"
>>sort of thing.
>>
>>I should spend more time doing such things myself.
>>
>>-steve
>>
>>
>>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>Thanks for the input guys. I'm definitely down with what kim was saying.
>>I
>>>found that many smaller sessions get me better much faster. I hope that
>>someday
>>>soon I can find some time to take it to the woodshed too...
>>>
>>>Chuck
>>>"TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>I find this to be true as well, but mostly for maintaining a certain level
>>>>of facility. To make a big jump, I think the only option is out there
>in
>>>>the woodshed.
>>>>
>>>>Sadly, I haven't had time for that in years. I pretty much play at that
>>>level
>>>>where one can't play any worse. Luckily for me I put the time in when
>I
>>>was
>>>>younger so that's not all _that_ bad.
>>>>
>>>>When I was at ECMM last week I was looking at a Charlie Christian book
>>thinking,
>>>>'I actually used to be able to PLAY this stuff.' No more . . .
>>>>
>>>>TCB
>>>>
>>>>"Kim" <hiddensounds@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Chuck,
>>>>>
>>>>>While this isn't an exercise, one thing I have both noticed in my own
>>experience,
>>>>>as well as hearing of scientific support for, is the idea of not practicing
>>>>>for an hour at a time, but instead doing several shorter periods as a
>>general
>>>>>approach. The mind has a very limited attention span at maximum focus,
>>>and
>>>>>practicing while bored and/or annoyed with the process is not that beneficial.
>>>>>
>>>>>Generally when I practice I will just sit down and play as I feel like
>>>it.
>>>>>Ten minutes later I'll get up and do something else. Practice becomes
>>like
>>>>>a cigarette break. If I'm doing housework, every half an hour I might
>>stop
>>>>>and play one or two songs. If I'm inspired I'll keep going but if not
>>I
>>>>get
>>>>>up and go back to whatever else I was doing.
>>>>>
>>>>>I don't remember the exact numbers, but I believe it was something like
>>>>three
>>>>>ten minute practice sessions are measurably more affective than a single
>>>>>one hour session.
>>>>>
>>>>>Knowing this might help you manage your limited time better. Not only
>>can
>>>>>you put less time in, but it's a lot easier for most people to find five
>>>>>or ten minutes a couple of times a day to quickly jump on an instrument
>>>>than
>>>>>it is to find a solid hour. Playing in the ad breaks while watching TV,
>>>>for
>>>>>example, you can probably approach the same benefit from an hour of TV
>>>watching
>>>>>as you would from an hour of practice.
>>>>>
>>>>>You do need to put in longer sessions at points, if only to improve playing
>>>>>stamina, but things like scales and arpeggios only take about 15 seconds
>>>>>to do. You can do quite a few of them in just a couple of minutes. Plus,
>>>>>if you do, say, two five minute sessions in the morning, and then another
>>>>>four or so five minute sessions through the day or at night, the brain
>>>actually
>>>>>prioritizes it better because it gets the idea that "Gee, I seem to be
>>>doing
>>>>>this all the time!". You brain gets the idea that it needs to have those
>>>>>skills ready because they are constantly needed.
>>>>>
>>>>>Cheers,
>>>>>Kim.
>>>>>
>>>>>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Hi All,
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have
>>>any
>>>>>>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen.
>>>>I
>>>>>>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge
>>>amount
>>>>>>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises
>>>to
>>>>>>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Thanks
>>>>>>Chuck
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
|
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95735 is a reply to message #95729] |
Thu, 07 February 2008 17:47 |
chuck duffy
Messages: 453
Registered: July 2005
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Hi Paul,
That's what I was doing to practice, but my buddies have this nice old steiny
at the house, and when I get there - well there is no substitute :-)
Chuck
Paul Artola <artola@comcast.net> wrote:
>Chuck -
>
>If you are playing on a digital keyboard, you could transpose the root
>note so you are in your comfort zone.
>
>- Paul
>
>On 8 Feb 2008 08:26:59 +1000, "chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>steve i truly think we have a psychic connection :-). First I love monk.
Second,
>>for the first time in my life I am working through chord progressions in
>>a variety of keys.
>>
>>My buddies are working on a cd, and they send me roughs to practice.
>>
>>Since I didn't write the songs, they are not in my 'keys' so to speak,
the
>>ones I gravitate to for my tiny vocal range.
>>
>>So I practice each one over and over and then I try and go up to NY and
we
>>record in their home studio on their old steinway.
>>
>>For example, one of the tunes was a bluesy tune in F# which forced me to
>>do all my regular 'slides' like where I would slide off e# to e or g# to
>>g. I had to switch to moving rapidly between two flats (a# to b#) instead
>>of sliding from black key to white with a single finger. Totally unnatural
>>for me, but after a week or so I got to where I could play the tune well
>>in a country/bluesy style in f#. That got me thinking - why shouldn't I
be
>>able to play it in any key. And that got me to where I am now :-)
>>
>>Chuck
>>
>>"steve the artguy" <artguy@somethingorother.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>chuck-
>>>
>>>You may or may not be interested in his music, but I find learning monk
>>tunes
>>>is very useful. Same with charlie parker tunes.
>>>
>>>Useful as in "learning to negotiate chord progressions in different keys"
>>>sort of thing.
>>>
>>>I should spend more time doing such things myself.
>>>
>>>-steve
>>>
>>>
>>>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>Thanks for the input guys. I'm definitely down with what kim was saying.
>>>I
>>>>found that many smaller sessions get me better much faster. I hope that
>>>someday
>>>>soon I can find some time to take it to the woodshed too...
>>>>
>>>>Chuck
>>>>"TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>I find this to be true as well, but mostly for maintaining a certain
level
>>>>>of facility. To make a big jump, I think the only option is out there
>>in
>>>>>the woodshed.
>>>>>
>>>>>Sadly, I haven't had time for that in years. I pretty much play at that
>>>>level
>>>>>where one can't play any worse. Luckily for me I put the time in when
>>I
>>>>was
>>>>>younger so that's not all _that_ bad.
>>>>>
>>>>>When I was at ECMM last week I was looking at a Charlie Christian book
>>>thinking,
>>>>>'I actually used to be able to PLAY this stuff.' No more . . .
>>>>>
>>>>>TCB
>>>>>
>>>>>"Kim" <hiddensounds@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Chuck,
>>>>>>
>>>>>>While this isn't an exercise, one thing I have both noticed in my own
>>>experience,
>>>>>>as well as hearing of scientific support for, is the idea of not practicing
>>>>>>for an hour at a time, but instead doing several shorter periods as
a
>>>general
>>>>>>approach. The mind has a very limited attention span at maximum focus,
>>>>and
>>>>>>practicing while bored and/or annoyed with the process is not that
beneficial.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Generally when I practice I will just sit down and play as I feel like
>>>>it.
>>>>>>Ten minutes later I'll get up and do something else. Practice becomes
>>>like
>>>>>>a cigarette break. If I'm doing housework, every half an hour I might
>>>stop
>>>>>>and play one or two songs. If I'm inspired I'll keep going but if not
>>>I
>>>>>get
>>>>>>up and go back to whatever else I was doing.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I don't remember the exact numbers, but I believe it was something
like
>>>>>three
>>>>>>ten minute practice sessions are measurably more affective than a single
>>>>>>one hour session.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Knowing this might help you manage your limited time better. Not only
>>>can
>>>>>>you put less time in, but it's a lot easier for most people to find
five
>>>>>>or ten minutes a couple of times a day to quickly jump on an instrument
>>>>>than
>>>>>>it is to find a solid hour. Playing in the ad breaks while watching
TV,
>>>>>for
>>>>>>example, you can probably approach the same benefit from an hour of
TV
>>>>watching
>>>>>>as you would from an hour of practice.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>You do need to put in longer sessions at points, if only to improve
playing
>>>>>>stamina, but things like scales and arpeggios only take about 15 seconds
>>>>>>to do. You can do quite a few of them in just a couple of minutes.
Plus,
>>>>>>if you do, say, two five minute sessions in the morning, and then another
>>>>>>four or so five minute sessions through the day or at night, the brain
>>>>actually
>>>>>>prioritizes it better because it gets the idea that "Gee, I seem to
be
>>>>doing
>>>>>>this all the time!". You brain gets the idea that it needs to have
those
>>>>>>skills ready because they are constantly needed.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Cheers,
>>>>>>Kim.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Hi All,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have
>>>>any
>>>>>>>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen.
>>>>>I
>>>>>>>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge
>>>>amount
>>>>>>>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises
>>>>to
>>>>>>>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Thanks
>>>>>>>Chuck
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>
|
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95749 is a reply to message #95735] |
Fri, 08 February 2008 02:00 |
steve the artguy
Messages: 308
Registered: June 2005
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Chuck-
Using the transpose button reminds me somewhat of using a capo.
Sure, you can learn your licks and just slide them up and down the neck (or
transpose your keyboard to do the same.) It will sound good to the audience.
But you won't be progressing.
I remember seeing someone play who impressed me mightily. Found out he played
everything in G and transposed the keyboard.
Personally, I think it's just so much more fun to actually learn the licks
in the different keys. Each key is different (obviously) but in ways you
wouldn't anticipate. Playing the same tune in different keys is a challenge,
and adventure, and hard work followed by a sense of joy and accomplishment
that you just don't get by pushing the transpose button.
The first time someone asked me to accompany them on some standard, I forget
what it was, Misty or Someone to Watch Over Me, or something, and they asked
for it in F#, and I pulled it off, I felt like I was finally beginning to
get a grip on this keyboard thing.
-steve
"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>
>Hi Paul,
>
>That's what I was doing to practice, but my buddies have this nice old steiny
>at the house, and when I get there - well there is no substitute :-)
>
>Chuck
>Paul Artola <artola@comcast.net> wrote:
>>Chuck -
>>
>>If you are playing on a digital keyboard, you could transpose the root
>>note so you are in your comfort zone.
>>
>>- Paul
>>
>>On 8 Feb 2008 08:26:59 +1000, "chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>steve i truly think we have a psychic connection :-). First I love monk.
>Second,
>>>for the first time in my life I am working through chord progressions
in
>>>a variety of keys.
>>>
>>>My buddies are working on a cd, and they send me roughs to practice.
>>>
>>>Since I didn't write the songs, they are not in my 'keys' so to speak,
>the
>>>ones I gravitate to for my tiny vocal range.
>>>
>>>So I practice each one over and over and then I try and go up to NY and
>we
>>>record in their home studio on their old steinway.
>>>
>>>For example, one of the tunes was a bluesy tune in F# which forced me
to
>>>do all my regular 'slides' like where I would slide off e# to e or g#
to
>>>g. I had to switch to moving rapidly between two flats (a# to b#) instead
>>>of sliding from black key to white with a single finger. Totally unnatural
>>>for me, but after a week or so I got to where I could play the tune well
>>>in a country/bluesy style in f#. That got me thinking - why shouldn't
I
>be
>>>able to play it in any key. And that got me to where I am now :-)
>>>
>>>Chuck
>>>
>>>"steve the artguy" <artguy@somethingorother.net> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>chuck-
>>>>
>>>>You may or may not be interested in his music, but I find learning monk
>>>tunes
>>>>is very useful. Same with charlie parker tunes.
>>>>
>>>>Useful as in "learning to negotiate chord progressions in different keys"
>>>>sort of thing.
>>>>
>>>>I should spend more time doing such things myself.
>>>>
>>>>-steve
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>Thanks for the input guys. I'm definitely down with what kim was saying.
>>>>I
>>>>>found that many smaller sessions get me better much faster. I hope that
>>>>someday
>>>>>soon I can find some time to take it to the woodshed too...
>>>>>
>>>>>Chuck
>>>>>"TCB" <nobody@ishere.com> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I find this to be true as well, but mostly for maintaining a certain
>level
>>>>>>of facility. To make a big jump, I think the only option is out there
>>>in
>>>>>>the woodshed.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Sadly, I haven't had time for that in years. I pretty much play at
that
>>>>>level
>>>>>>where one can't play any worse. Luckily for me I put the time in when
>>>I
>>>>>was
>>>>>>younger so that's not all _that_ bad.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>When I was at ECMM last week I was looking at a Charlie Christian book
>>>>thinking,
>>>>>>'I actually used to be able to PLAY this stuff.' No more . . .
>>>>>>
>>>>>>TCB
>>>>>>
>>>>>>"Kim" <hiddensounds@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Chuck,
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>While this isn't an exercise, one thing I have both noticed in my
own
>>>>experience,
>>>>>>>as well as hearing of scientific support for, is the idea of not practicing
>>>>>>>for an hour at a time, but instead doing several shorter periods as
>a
>>>>general
>>>>>>>approach. The mind has a very limited attention span at maximum focus,
>>>>>and
>>>>>>>practicing while bored and/or annoyed with the process is not that
>beneficial.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Generally when I practice I will just sit down and play as I feel
like
>>>>>it.
>>>>>>>Ten minutes later I'll get up and do something else. Practice becomes
>>>>like
>>>>>>>a cigarette break. If I'm doing housework, every half an hour I might
>>>>stop
>>>>>>>and play one or two songs. If I'm inspired I'll keep going but if
not
>>>>I
>>>>>>get
>>>>>>>up and go back to whatever else I was doing.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I don't remember the exact numbers, but I believe it was something
>like
>>>>>>three
>>>>>>>ten minute practice sessions are measurably more affective than a
single
>>>>>>>one hour session.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Knowing this might help you manage your limited time better. Not only
>>>>can
>>>>>>>you put less time in, but it's a lot easier for most people to find
>five
>>>>>>>or ten minutes a couple of times a day to quickly jump on an instrument
>>>>>>than
>>>>>>>it is to find a solid hour. Playing in the ad breaks while watching
>TV,
>>>>>>for
>>>>>>>example, you can probably approach the same benefit from an hour of
>TV
>>>>>watching
>>>>>>>as you would from an hour of practice.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>You do need to put in longer sessions at points, if only to improve
>playing
>>>>>>>stamina, but things like scales and arpeggios only take about 15 seconds
>>>>>>>to do. You can do quite a few of them in just a couple of minutes.
>Plus,
>>>>>>>if you do, say, two five minute sessions in the morning, and then
another
>>>>>>>four or so five minute sessions through the day or at night, the brain
>>>>>actually
>>>>>>>prioritizes it better because it gets the idea that "Gee, I seem to
>be
>>>>>doing
>>>>>>>this all the time!". You brain gets the idea that it needs to have
>those
>>>>>>>skills ready because they are constantly needed.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Cheers,
>>>>>>>Kim.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Hi All,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone
have
>>>>>any
>>>>>>>>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen.
>>>>>>I
>>>>>>>>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a
huge
>>>>>amount
>>>>>>>>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises
>>>>>to
>>>>>>>>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Thanks
>>>>>>>>Chuck
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>
>
|
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| Re: recommendations for good practice regimen [message #95756 is a reply to message #95680] |
Fri, 08 February 2008 06:37 |
rick
Messages: 1976
Registered: February 2006
|
Senior Member |
|
|
so you play piano after having sex???
On 7 Feb 2008 07:01:26 +1000, "Kim" <hiddensounds@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>Chuck,
>
>While this isn't an exercise, one thing I have both noticed in my own experience,
>as well as hearing of scientific support for, is the idea of not practicing
>for an hour at a time, but instead doing several shorter periods as a general
>approach. The mind has a very limited attention span at maximum focus, and
>practicing while bored and/or annoyed with the process is not that beneficial.
>
>Generally when I practice I will just sit down and play as I feel like it.
>Ten minutes later I'll get up and do something else. Practice becomes like
>a cigarette break. If I'm doing housework, every half an hour I might stop
>and play one or two songs. If I'm inspired I'll keep going but if not I get
>up and go back to whatever else I was doing.
>
>I don't remember the exact numbers, but I believe it was something like three
>ten minute practice sessions are measurably more affective than a single
>one hour session.
>
>Knowing this might help you manage your limited time better. Not only can
>you put less time in, but it's a lot easier for most people to find five
>or ten minutes a couple of times a day to quickly jump on an instrument than
>it is to find a solid hour. Playing in the ad breaks while watching TV, for
>example, you can probably approach the same benefit from an hour of TV watching
>as you would from an hour of practice.
>
>You do need to put in longer sessions at points, if only to improve playing
>stamina, but things like scales and arpeggios only take about 15 seconds
>to do. You can do quite a few of them in just a couple of minutes. Plus,
>if you do, say, two five minute sessions in the morning, and then another
>four or so five minute sessions through the day or at night, the brain actually
>prioritizes it better because it gets the idea that "Gee, I seem to be doing
>this all the time!". You brain gets the idea that it needs to have those
>skills ready because they are constantly needed.
>
>Cheers,
>Kim.
>
>"chuck duffy" <c@c.com> wrote:
>>
>>Hi All,
>>
>>I know that there are some keyboard players in here. Does anyone have any
>>recommendations for some books/materials with a good practive regimen. I
>>do all the standard stuff, scales arpeggios, etc. I don't have a huge amount
>>of time to practice, and I'm looking for the most effective exercises to
>>increase speed, agility and accuracy.
>>
>>Thanks
>>Chuck
|
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