Dear SSM Families –

 

We are one month out to the return of juggling school, work, after school activities and just general LIFE  schedules.  

 

Maybe this August can be an opportunity to organize home practice to ensure you hit the ground running with motivation and inspiration.  Sounds aspirational, but with a few strategies in place, we can create intersection between : strategies, time and motivation.  Thanks to violinist Susanna Klein, aka Practizma for the prompt ideas.  Below are just three points  to get us started this month.

 

 

TIPS FOR EMPOWERMENT

~ strategic self-encouragement

Write down one thing you are PROUD of at the end of each session.  Maybe you keep a special lovely notebook and fill it with these positive statements.

For example:

I am proud of myself for …

I am of myself for playing slowly in my new 10x preview spot.

I am proud of myself for not skipping my scales:)

I am proud of myself for starting practice when asked.

 

TIPS FOR EFFICIENCY

~add a note forwards or backwards

I call this packing /unpacking grandma’s suitcase ( ask me why in September)

It’s the classic practice technique of starting just with one measure and one note.

You play one note . Repeat. Feel good. Play the first two notes . Add a third. Etc.  Do this in BOTH directions. Start with the last note of the measure , back up to the previous note. 

Just one measure and voila! It’s under your fingers.

 

TIPS FOR JOY

~incorporate some goof-off time on your instrument .

Play  a pop tune you like by ear , add an old review piece with gusto – improvise -anything that sparks a bit of pure, uninhibited joy.

 

Throughout the semester you will receive weekly  SSM posts that are operational; class schedules, performance information, etc.  You will also receive midweek SSM posts that are inspirational : the Dear SSM Families letter.   Building and supporting our wonderful SSM community is one of our priorities .

 

With a twinkling spirit,

Diana