Here is a topic that I have thought a lot about and to which I will probably return to in future posts. It seems to me that getting yourself to do something-- anything-- on a regular basis has a lot to do with habits and patterns, big and small. With music playing here are some things I've found to be helpful for me and for students.
-Find triggers that motivate you. Listening to music whether familiar or new, gets me ramped up to play, and reminds me what it's about.
-Remove barriers. The simplest is leaving the instrument out of the case, so you can just pick it up and play, unplanned.
-Make room in your life. Everyone is busy. We need to make space for something new, to take root and grow, so to speak.
-Be patient with yourself. It is a process to install a new habit and really make something part of your life over time.
-Track what to do. Whether you log the hours or the songs or the scales, this feedback is invaluable. And, it actually can be kind of fun.
-And, above all, remember to enjoy making music...in all its spectacular novelty, so to speak...
Images from The State Library of Victoria collection.
