Practice Your “Why” with Strategic Practice

By Anne Sullivan 

Before you can do strategic practice, you need to answer this question: Why exactly are you practicing?

Because you have to, of course. Duh.

Yes, but the question is still, “Why?” The answer is important, because the practice you do must be tailored to get the results you want. Without knowing why you are practicing – the goal you want to achieve – your practice might be rather aimless and unfocused.

To put it another way, there is a reason you’re practicing. Maybe you’re trying to finish a piece or strengthen your technique. Maybe you have a lesson coming up or possibly even a performance. Whatever it is you’re trying to do, there is a strategic way to accomplish it. You just need to choose your “why.”

Why #1: Strategic Practice for Growth

What do you want to improve in your playing? 

This type of practice doesn’t focus around making one piece or one measure smoother. It’s all about the bigger picture. You practice your technique drills, for instance, to strengthen your technique overall. Sight reading practice or repertoire review is also part of growth practice. 

Why #2: Strategic Practice for Preparation

When does your music have to be ready?

You may have a performance in the offing, or possibly just a lesson. Whatever the engagement is, you have a date on the calendar and you need to prepare your music. Strategic practice for preparation includes everything from adding expression to testing your memorization to practicing your performance skills. 

Why #3: Strategic Practice for Fun

What do you love about playing the harp?

It’s good to remember that although we want to grow and we want the music we play for others to be thoroughly prepared, we want to play for ourselves too. Try some new music, have fun with music you already know or try writing some of your own. This is important practice too!
 

All three of these strategic practice directions will help you be the harpist you want to be. Some days one will be more important; at other times you may do all three in a single practice session. But before you dig into the music on your stand today, try answering this question: why are you practicing today?