Today, we’re diving into a practice essential that I wished I had used way earlier in my journey learning the violin: the practice notebook. Think of it as your violinist’s diary, your personal tool for growth, and a bridge to becoming your own best teacher. Let’s explore why keeping a practice notebook is a game-changer and how it can propel your progress like never before.
The Art of Being Your Own Teacher
As violinists, we’re not just players; we’re also our own teachers. When you’re in the practice room, you’re like a detective, analyzing every aspect of your playing. It’s about paying attention to the nuances, the challenges, and the moments that make you think, “Is this how I want it to sound?”, “Which physical movements are involved here in order to get the outcome I want?” and “Hmm, I wonder if this could be done with less effort?”. These many little moments of self-inquiry per practice session are crucial for improvement.
The Importance of Experimentation
When you take on this detective mindset, a notebook can become your canvas for experimenting. It’s where you write down your thoughts and ideas, tackling the challenges you will encounter during your practice sessions. You’re creating a space where you can freely explore. And let’s face it, not everything you’ll write down will be the best idea or solution. That’s okay! It’s all part of the process. The notebook is your safe space to experiment You will find out which of your insights will be valuable to you in the long run.
Capturing Eureka Moments
Ever had that magical moment when you stumble upon a solution that transforms your playing, whether it’s a small improvement or a significant breakthrough? These are your eureka moments, and they can occur more frequently than you might imagine, especially if you closely zoom in on your own playing. Here’s the catch: many of these insights will vanish if not captured. It’s simply impossible to remember every beneficial discovery you’ve made for your playing. That’s where your notebook comes in. Write down those lightbulb moments! Whether it’s a fresh approach to tackle a tricky passage, a self-discovered exercise, a mental trick that helps you hit the perfect pitch, or a technique that improves your tone, jot it down. These insights are gold, and they deserve a place in your notebook.
Building Upon Your Ideas
Sometimes the best solutions arise from revisiting your notes. Your notebook is a treasure trove of violin wisdom. You might stumble upon an old idea that didn’t fully work before, but now, with a fresh perspective, it suddenly clicks. You can build upon the foundations of your previous ideas, creating a chain reaction of improvement.
The Joy of Problem Solving
Remember, the path to mastery isn’t always about finding the immediate solution. It’s about exploring the avenues of thought, testing hypotheses, and enjoying the process of problem-solving. Your practice notebook is your companion on this quest, helping you to be your own teacher and capturing your progress along the way.
So, make a practice notebook your trusted partner. Let it be the witness to your growth and the repository of your eureka moments. Embrace the role of the violinist detective within you!
