by Sarah Schouten
What to do when you don’t want to practice.
The word practice—even the idea of practicing—can bring up different feelings for different people. Some people naturally love it, others work to find the joy, and some do it because it gets them to an end goal. It is inevitable that, at some point, most of us will sigh and think, “But I don’t want to.” What do we do then? Following are some ideas for when you just don’t want to pick up your instrument.
- Rhythm
Secure, solid, impeccable rhythm is essential for success as a musician, and you can work on your rhythm without your instrument. Select a piece of your own music, borrow an etude book from a non-horn playing friend, find a piece of music that is public domain, then focus solely on the rhythm. Can you count it? Can you clap it? If it includes a piano part, can you clap the left-hand rhythm and sing the right-hand rhythm? Turn on your metronome and record a performance: are you in time? - Listen to different instrument
Listening counts! Exercise this skill in a different way by listening to different instrumentalists. Think critically about their musicianship and style and how it could impact your own playing. What do you like about their tone? What do you like about their breathing? If it’s a non-wind instrument, do they approach phrases differently since they don’t have to breathe to play? For chamber music, what’s the balance like between instruments? What else did this composer write? The opportunities for exploration are deep, and the answers at the end of the rabbit hole will only help your playing. - Conduct a concert
Find a score (orchestral, chamber, solo, etc.), find a recording, and start conducting. You can sing along, cue different instruments, pretend you’re in a glorious concert hall! The opportunities are plentiful here along with the rewards. You’ll be practicing your conducting, singing, rhythm, cues, score reading, and more. You have just been highly productive for not wanting to practice! - Play something fun!
The word “play” means to do something for enjoyment. Most of us started our journey as musicians because it was something fun—and I hope it still is! Practice doesn’t always have to be serious. If you need to get the horn on your face, find your favorite song and buzz or play along, pausing as needed to learn pitch, rhythm, etc. Play favorite etudes or lip slurs you enjoy. Play other instrumental solos, orchestral excerpts, or arias. Find what you like, start there, and see where it takes you.
Practicing won’t always spark joy, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to get started, stay engaged, work on musical skills, and have a little fun in the process. Good luck!
