Back On The Wagon

April 25, 2008 at 1:25 AM

I know the secret to success is practice, practice, practice. And yet we all know that other things in life slow us down once in a while. The secret to ultimate success is getting back on track once you lose your way. It's easy to fold and get lazy, and there's nobody alive who doesn't fall into that trap once in a while. Climbing out of that trap is an altogether different story, I fear.

I've not been playing quite a year, and this is my first real slump. New job, new husband, crazy family obligations have all been delightful "obstacles" to my practice. I managed for a long time to continue to play and improve, but then I got distracted. The first week I rightfully said it was good to flush some bad habits and start from a fresh perspective. The second and third week just disappeared, and here I am, a month from my last real thoughtful string of practices, lost and unable to get my fingers to obey.

I'd like to swear I will not slack off again, it's just too frustrating to lose all that ground, but it's inevitable that it will sneak up on me again. I know over the span of my lifetime with the violin this will be a forgotten blip, but right now it sure doesn't feel that way. I've humbly returned to scales and will do my penance with double practices over the next month to catch up and then move forward. Discipline has never been my strong suit, but I have never loved anything like I love playing my violin. Guilt from my failure has proven to be the biggest obstacle of all.

In brighter news, my teacher has started me on third position. I'm still well ahead of the game for the length of time I've studied, though I'm only competing with myself. I have some making up to do, then I will be moving forward on to a new challenge. That will get the old juices flowing again.

Those of you who read this: how do you manage to handle those slumps? It all comes down to just getting back into it, but how do you handle those times when you aren't even aware of your slipping until it's too late? I think what bothers me most is that my absence sort of crept up on me. Lesson learned, I will not repeat my mistake, but any advice or input is welcome.

Until next time,

Bon The Geek

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on April 28, 2008 at 4:41 AM

Greetings,
I suggest you begin with three minutes practice. Set a timer and stop the moment it pings, whatever you are doing. That is -all- you are allowed to do in a day. period. Keep this up foir three days and then bring your max up to five minutes. You will find yourself getitng so frustrated about just starting to practice and then having to stop the desire to increase time will build up over the weeks.
Cheers,
Buri

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