Finding Joy in Daily Piano Practice During a Tough Winter Month
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Chapter 1: Embracing Daily Practice
As I embark on another month of my personal journey through daily piano practice, my goal is to inspire others to engage with their favorite musical instruments. I hope to convey that the simple act of dedicating time each day to music can serve as a powerful support system during challenging times.
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Section 1.1: The Spiritual Connection
After years of searching for a spiritual outlet, I finally recognized that my passion for playing the piano could provide that fulfillment. This realization has allowed me to merge my musical pursuits with my spiritual growth. My daily practice is not merely a task; it has transformed into a form of devotion. Each session is a precious gift, granting me insights into myself while I strive towards my musical goals. The journey involves facing challenges, experiencing setbacks, and continuously rising to meet them, all while cultivating patience and gratitude for both my strengths and limitations.
Section 1.2: Weathering February's Challenges
February has proven to be quite a harsh month in Maine. From icy falls to muddy trudges and deep snow, the weather has made outdoor activity challenging. Even though we experienced a brief warm spell, the cold has kept me indoors, leading to feelings of isolation and mild depression, exacerbated by troubling news from around the globe.
Chapter 2: The Structure of a Routine
A daily routine has become essential for my well-being during these tough times. As I navigate semi-retirement and remote work, I have established several habits to maintain a loose schedule. Among them, my daily hour of piano practice stands out. I’ve committed to starting each day with practice at 7 AM, a decision that has positively influenced my week.
The video titled "Matt Rife: Matthew Steven Rife (FULL SPECIAL) - YouTube" captures the essence of resilience and humor, paralleling my journey of tackling daily challenges with joy.
Section 2.1: Balancing Structure and Freedom
On weekends, I grant myself the freedom to explore whatever music I desire, creating a balance between structure and spontaneity that I thoroughly enjoy. My practice schedule includes:
- 10 minutes of sight-reading new pieces (Chopin Mazurkas)
- 10 minutes focused on technique (Pischna exercises and broken arpeggios)
- 10 minutes revisiting previously learned pieces to keep them fresh
- 30 minutes dedicated to learning a monthly Bach Partita while memorizing the third movement of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.
This blend of activities keeps my practice enjoyable and allows for flexibility. I’m even contemplating extending my practice to an hour and a half, but for now, I’m taking it slowly amidst other projects.
Section 2.2: Progress and Insights
Throughout this month, I’ve noticed significant improvements. My sight-reading skills have sharpened after six years of consistent practice, and I’ve become more adept at recognizing key signatures and their implications. Delving into Bach’s Inventions has been both challenging and rewarding, as I grapple with the intricacies of his compositions.
Memorizing Beethoven's sonata presents its own set of challenges, as I work to internalize the music without the sheet in front of me. This process requires focus and determination, allowing me to engage deeply with the piece.
Additionally, I’ve become more aware of my body while playing, noticing tension in my toes as a signal to slow down. This mindfulness has become an integral part of my practice.
Section 2.3: The Benefits of Practice
My daily piano practice offers numerous benefits:
- It structures my day.
- It stimulates various areas of my brain.
- I derive joy from playing music I love increasingly well.
- It enhances my attention, focus, and concentration.
- It encourages creativity in my practice approach.
- It provides a comprehensive workout for my mind, body, and emotions.
I encourage you to find music that challenges you, something that will engage and inspire you. It may just keep your spirit youthful.
You may enjoy these other stories
- My Piano True-Love Was a Seven Foot 1882 Steinway Grand
- My Daily Practice Series — rescued from the Medium archives
- The End of This Year of Piano Practice Brings Hallelujah and Important New Learning
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