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For me, I typically start my day with a shower (I like to LITERALLY warm up my body) and then 10-15 minutes of full body stretches + arm stretches.
Then I really need to drink water (hydrate!) and decide:
What is my goal for today?
That is how I always start, no matter how small or simple the goal might be.
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Dominic Cheli Excellent and advantageous beginning! The stretches likely help center oneself, calmly and clearly, with increased awareness for what one want to accomplish. Thank you!
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I like to take a clean cloth and gently dust off the keys before I start. Sort of showing my respect for the instrument.
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I wake up and I usually think "what small repertoire goals could I accomplish today?" I have found if I start thinking about what specifically I want to fix, it not only gets me to the piano, but also gives me a sense of accomplishment when I meet the goal... which gets me back to the piano. My goals used to be very general (i.e. fix page one) now they are more specific (measure 10, 12-14 and feeling the pulse on parts I can already play). Seems to help at the moment.
I have also started doing 10 minutes of meditation between between practice sessions - giving my brain a rest, letting the work sink in and giving my body a rest.
...oh and of course, I have a crystal or two on my piano :-)
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Closing the door to the Piano room.
At this point, nobody bothers me, they know I鈥檓 working, practising, thinking, sometimes, just listening and enjoying the silence.
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Ever since I got worried if I was practising for too long at a time, I turn on my practice app that will track how long I spend practising each time and on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. I like checking out the stats. I also practice "publicly" on the app and love chatting to the other members when they drop in to say hi or to listen for a bit.
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Natalie Peh that is amazing. What app is that?
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Natalie Peh That sounds amazing. Please share the name of the app!
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Lisa Thomas
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Gail Starr The app is Tonic, founded by Ray Chen. It's an excellent tool to track your practice sessions. I use it myself.
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Dottie Lisa Thank you! Ray Chen is such a cool guy. I鈥檒l get it now!
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Gail Starr yes, it's Tonic!
I'm on Tonic every day, unless I'm not home (like now). -
Dottie Lisa hi Dottie! Good to know you're on Tonic! I will remember to look out for you :) Do you often practice in the public or private studios?
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Gail Starr yay! Hope to see you on Tonic!
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Natalie Peh I just downloaded the app. Which groups are you in?
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Natalie Peh Gail Starr I may actually start using it now! I downloaded it awhile back, but didn't really use it, but if y'all are on there it could be fun!!
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Gail Starr I'm in many groups, the more active ones are Tonic Community, Keyboard Community, Performance Practice, Piano Gang, Henle. Let me snapshot my groups list for you!
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Michelle R I just downloaded it 5 minutes ago!
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Michelle R it is good fun! Hope to meet you in your studio or my studio sometime!
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Lisa Thomas do give it a try! It's good fun to use and I find it quite motivating!
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Natalie Peh Well, I'm about to go practice, and will give Tonic a try (Michelle McRuss is what I go by). I found and followed Gail . Maybe you can find me Natalie? I didn't see your name when I looked through quickly.
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Michelle R hi Michelle! I have followed you now. Yes, my profile picture is a bunny at the piano if you鈥檙e wondering :D
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Natalie Peh Interesting - I have been curious about Tonic for quite a while now ... may give it a try
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Priya Viseskul do give it a try! It's quite neat :)
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Natalie Peh When I first joined Tonic, I practiced in a private studio, but then I took a leap of faith and began to practice in a public studio. I hope to see you there.
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