January 20, 2010

Do you seek quality or quantity?


Since it was Marting Luther King's birthday this week, its seems opportune to pinch one of his quotes and twist it to our purposes!  If he was a harp player he might have said something to the effect that:

the quality, not the longevity, of one's practice is what is important*

Often, if we "make" the time to practice, we think it sufficient simply to sit to the harp.  And sometimes, we are lucky just to do that much.  But it is important that we infuse our practice time with Quality not just a quantity of minutes. 

But, if we are to improve and become more accomplished, it is essential that we add not just time at the harp, but that we add QUALITY time at the harp. 

This means we have to have a plan, a "schedule" if you will, for what we'll be doing while we're there.  And we have to know and understand what that plan will bring to our improvement.  We don't just rip through music to check the box and say we're done. 


What is your plan for practicing?  How do you intend to get better and how do you structure your practice to do so?  How does your plan move you toward the goals you set or your resolutions?  Drop me a comment, let me know.

* I believe the original quote from Dr. King was, "The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important."  That too bears reflection.

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