Tag: learning

The Start of a New Journey – The LMusA Diploma

Nicole Neal5 Comments

So, I decided very recently to start preparations to take the AMEB LMusA (licentiate diploma) exam* – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licentiate_in_Music,_Australia . And when I say start preparations I mean pouring over the syllabus and checking out which pieces I’d like to start getting under the fingers, working on and working up. This is literally the start of a new journey and a new journey I’d like to share with you, dear reader.

Why the LMusA Diploma Exam? What’s my motivation?

We all have different motivations for wanting to take exams/ qualifications (or otherwise!). For me personally the motivation is twofold. Firstly I really enjoy the journey in preparing for something like this (a big event, a big concert, an exam). Secondly I do enjoy setting myself goals and timeframes – structure, if you will – in sharpening the mind and helping to push me onwards. And OK, I’ll admit there is a third motivation here – it is quite cool (I think) to get another qualification under my belt and another set of letters after my name.

It is mostly about the journey though, and how I learn and develop along the way – as a guitarist, musician and human being (I don’t mean to sound all “far out”, but you really do learn a lot about yourself on this kind of journey). And I think whenever you take an exam, or commit to something of a similar nature, the journey has to feature largely in your motivation or at least be significant for you in some way – think about how long an exam may be (anywhere between 20 minutes and an hour tops) and how long you’re preparing for it. You’ve got to make the most of that journey!

So, I’m in no hurry to take the examination (plus I’ve got to sit the theory component of it too before the practical, recital type exam). Realistically I’ll probably not look to take the exam earlier than the next 18-24 months. That sounds like a long time to some I’d probably guess, but I’m more than happy to allow myself the time to really get to know the pieces, technically and musically. To let the pieces take on a life of their own.

I’m more than happy to give myself time, once I’ve got to know a few pieces reasonably well, to pick out which are my favourite or have the greatest connection with, winnow out those which I’m less connected with. Then allow that final selection of pieces to seep into my very being so they’re indelibly etched into my musical memory, my aural memory, my visual memory, my kinesthetic memory, my finger and hand muscle memory. I’ll play them to various people, various audiences at various stages of development, so playing them for living, breathing, warm to the touch audiences is a standard occurrence.

The first piece I’ve selected to work on (and I officially started working on it on Sunday) is La Maja de Goya by Enrique Granados. An absolute favourite of mine and a classic piece in the classical guitar repertoire. If you’re not familiar with it head over to YouTube and check out Julian Bream playing it – it’s just beautiful!

Over the next few weeks and months, I’d love to share this journey with you – my ups, my downs, my thoughts, quandaries, decisions, concerts, approaches to learning, practice, how pieces are developing and so on. I may even share with you snippets (or more) of pieces as they develop. And hopefully it helps some of you, dear readers, which is always my key aim.

 

* Which reminds me, it’s high time I complete the series of posts I started late last year on preparing for an exam. Watch this space!

Work-life-Guitar Balance

Nicole Neal5 Comments

We’ve all heard of work-life balance – finding that (perhaps mythical?!) equilibrium between making ones living and enjoying life (although that definition presupposes that we may not enjoy our work…), spending quality time with family and friends and so on.

Well, for those of us that are guitar nuts then we have to find not only balance between work and life, but also find time for good quality guitar practice and playing. Yes, this I call work-life-guitar balance!guitar_photo2.jpg
And believe you me I know all about this! For those of you less familiar with me and/or this blog it may come as a surprise that I have a day job outside of the wonders of the guitar world (strictly speaking you could say I have to find work-life-guitar-blog balance!). Yes as well as guitar-related activities, I have been studying, running my own business and most recently joining a large organisation.
I’ve been a busy bee as they say! So when I talk about this work-life-guitar balance and share with you my thoughts and advice on getting the most out of your practice it very much comes from first hand experience and having been there myself! I know EXACTLY what it feels like folks!! I’m right there with you!
My top five tips for work-life-guitar balance
So here are my top five tips for maintaining that work-life-guitar balance whilst really making progress and pushing forward with your development on the guitar.
1. Build the practice habit with a little bit and often – consistent, regular practice is key to making progress. Even if it’s 10 minutes every day or sat half an hour most days of the week. I can pretty much guarantee you’ll progress much faster that way than finding a two hour slot on a Sunday afternoon and practicing just one or maybe twice a week. You’ll be surprised where you can find 10 – 30 minutes each day in your schedule if you really want to.
2. Work out a schedule of practice – sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming to know you should be practicing scales, technical exercises, studies and two, three or more pieces (especially if you’re gearing up for a grade exam). I recommend breaking things down over the week – understand what you need to spend time on the most but also schedule in some other time in the week for other things.  You’ll be surprised at what you can fit in across 5 or 6 days.
3. Practice critically but not judgmentally – to really make the most of your practice time with the guitar you really need to switch the brain cells to full work mode. Really think about what it is you’re doing, why, how, the sound you’re making, what might need tweaking and how you might go about that and so on and so forth. Ask yourself questions like “is this how I want this section or phrase to sound?” or “What do I need to do with my left or right hand here to make this transition smoother?” Ask yourself questions like this in a non-judgmental way though – don’t beat up on yourself for not being able to quite pull off that slur yet! That’s really not going to help!
4. Accept that life happens – sometimes you might have to work late, or the kids/ dog/ partner/ your folks are sick, or you might have to go away for work. Worry not! Relax and roll with it. The guitar will still be there when life gets back on a more even keel again and the rest from it may even have done you some good.
5. Enjoy it – we play this instrument because we love it so. Yes, there will be times when we might get frustrated with our practice or things are not happening as fast as we like, but overall we should be enjoying ourselves practicing and playing guitar. And don’t let it become a chore or a grind or something that’s getting in the way of life. Technical exercise after technical exercise makes Jack a dull guitarist – cut loose every now and then enjoy it!!