Resolution Constitution

I am sure that you all know what they say about New Year's resolutions. Many people would have you believe that they usually start to peter out about this time of year. Things come up, life happens, time gets away from you, and before you know it, BAM! your resolution is all but disappeared.

I am here to encourage you to not let that happen! Especially if you resolved to become a better musician.

The secret to being a good musician is to find new and interesting ways to practice your core skills. Many of these ways do not even involve your instrument at all!

I'm sure some people will say, "But Mr. Manager, that's crazy! How can I practice without my instrument?"

Many people probably thinking I'm pulling a Harold Hill and trying to get everyone to use the THINK method, but I promise you, I am not (if you didn't get that reference, look for The Music Man at your local library. Not the one with Ferris Bueller in it, the older one).

Here we go!

• Guitarists/Woodwinders/Brass players/Drum hitters: you should practice your finger/stick combos or patterns any time you can.
  
  Even if it is just going over scales, when you take the time to make your fingers work together, they will perform better on your instrument.
  
  You can air guitar or air play if you like, or you can put your fingers on a firm, flat surface (like a table) and practice that way. The most important part is to make sure that you have great hand position, and are taking the time to force your fingers to work in the order, or together how you want them to.
  
  
• Brass/Woodwind players: Practice with just your mouthpiece.
  
  For brass players, this is easy! Just keep your mouthpiece, or if you can a spare mouthpiece with you, and when you have some extra time of not doing much, practice blowing different simple tunes on your mouthpiece. This allows you to practice gaining better control of your embouchure, and also allows you to practice in front of a mirror to watch your lip changing habits without having to worry about lugging your instrument around.
  
  Woodwind players may need to use a reed for this, and may not be able to produce as many different sounds without hurting themselves, but practicing in front of a mirror or playing long tones on just the mouthpiece can help you focus your air until you are better in control of your sound.
  
  Across the board, I like to try to have my woodwind and brass students match the pitch I play on my mouthpiece because it can help them to realize that they are pinching too tight, or not focusing their air enough to get the best sound.
  
  

These are just a few small ways to improve yourself as a player. Use your imaginations! How do you practice away from your instrument?