Reaching your practice goals: Systems and Routines

I 'd love to improve my soft sound playing skill ( pp, ppp). That is my goal at this point. It is very tough for me.

I wonder if I can get any advice for my goal.

Appreciate it.

Another great topic! I find it really difficult to keep my goals realistic. It always takes much longer to accomplish than I first think. I'm secretly reluctant to accept my slow learning speed, because my mind tells me I might not have enough time left to accomplish my ultimate goal! Lol (that is, to play Brahms intermezzo 118  beautifully) I'm around ABRSM grade 4 level at the moment, and concentrating on improving my sightreading as I think this area is holding me back from learning pieces more quickly. How can I  map out a realistic path to reach this dream, ( preferably before the  after life arrives! ). Really looking forward to this live stream.

Is it better to practice in multiple short blocks of time - eg 15 to 20 minutes, four or more times per day, or even just ten minutes snatched whenever an opportunity presents, or an hour or several in one long session?

I have tried a number of times to start a practice diary, but I cannot seem to keep it going for more than a week or two (at most). This is after having played the piano for many years. I eventually learn (at least some of) my pieces, but the effort is always kind of haphazard, and I think writing things down might help. Can you give any tips on creating and maintaining a really useful practice diary? Are there any good examples out there that might apply to advanced players?

I just caught the last 30 minutes of it or so. I'll be back to watch the rest of it. It was fantastic and very eye opening. For me, maybe the best thing was about memorizing -- especially how Dominic memorizes as early as possible. Since I started piano at age 12 and picked it up quickly, I was in over my head very quickly. My recital pieces were way over my real capabilities and thus, I was not technically able to play them proficiently, nor was I able to memorize them particularly well. So, I have have not memorized since my last real recital which was when I was 15 years old, although I have studied a fair bit, off and on since then. Dominic's statement leads me to think that I should go back, way back and memorize some very early pieces. I think I would memorize quickly, and who knows??? Break the memory problem barrier? Which might be the key to breaking the technique barrier I suffer as well? Readers, please feel free to comment. Thanks.

Thank you, Dominic, for your clarity, enthusiasm and expertise!

Excellent points about time of day being a factor in practicing also.

Superb recommendations. One of the many suggestions you make speaks strongly to me: practice with intent. I find your suggestions persuasive and effective. "Ego practicing"...wow, very astute to identify and speak to this. Thank you! Very insightful tips. They are all great! "Set technology aside." Yes!

I hear you about deleting the practice excerpts. Wise. Emphasis on being more carefree to aid progress.

Listening to music that relates to the piece you're working on makes sense. Very good!

The "Lazy Susan" analogy is quite appropriate and true! Video diary is a very interesting idea.

You are an excellent teacher! Your knowledge and clarity is superb!

Duly noted: Play for people! Your family, your friends. Often. This mitigates stage nervousness and shows you where you need to focus on regarding improvements.

I love hearing that you don't think there are any boring pieces. It speaks to your broad intellectual and emotional landscape that you make all the important connections around a piece to see it in its rightful place. To view works with a grateful heart is a wonderful approach. You see the humanity surrounding the pieces, as you highlighted so beautifully with the Czerny and Beethoven example. To hear you so readily and skillfully offer the connections between these two composers was delightful and educative.

Consistency, consistency, consistency. It is one of the many features integral to progress.

Thank you, Dominic! Cheers!

Thank you to all who asked questions from which we all benefit!

This was a fantastic webinar, I have read many many books (20+) on piano technique and piano learning and memorizing/interpreting, Vengarova, Musicians way, Gieseking, etc there are many that are very clinical in their approach, while others having large amounts of fluff in regards to sound production. This webinar hits the nail on the head and reinforces some modern ideas on structuring an efficient routine as well as touching on general ideas passed on throughout the years (Mental practice). It's no nonsense and straight to the point, I believe anyone can understand this approach of practicing and the many methods provided here.

I just wonder if it were possible for Dominic to post the document of notes, or the slide show,

that would be a wonderful resource for anyone to hold on to and reference for the future.

:D