Practice Tips #3: Don't Be Afraid to Play Outside Your Comfort Zone

Hey guys, Sulli here with the weekly Practice Tips. Before I continue though, I want to say that I'm sorry about the lack of posts over the past week or so. I've been having some major computer problems so expect a small delay on these and The Composer's Vlog. As always, don't forget to subscribe if you like what you've read and if you would like to enter our contest today on creating a name and/or logo then feel free to do so! There's going to be a special surprise for everyone Friday in order to make up for this!

Today's lesson is not be afraid of getting out of your comfort zone. As most people will know, that tends to be a very common problem with musicians, especially younger ones. The best thing to do is to not be afraid of what you're trying to do. Have the confidence to play what you think it sounds like, versus not playing anything at all. It is better to have learned from ones mistakes than never taking the risk and tried. Another thing to point out now is that some people may not realize they're stuck in a comfort zone "rut", but they may need that special push the get them out. In this case, you or your friend will need some motivation.

Some motivational ideas for younger students (this works on 20 year old college students as well... Trust me on that ;P) is holographic stickers. Give them stickers after going farther outside to learn something new as a reward. If stickers don't work then you can use anything that will get their attention from candy, to new music or simply praise. It's all up to you. For older students or adults who need that kick, then use whatever reward they prefer. The best for some would be going out with friends and having a good time or just spending a night to yourself. It is all up to you. I mean, if you really wanted to you could write a post about what you do and how it makes you feel! :D If you do then don't be afraid to leave a link in the comments! And as always click the links above to follow us on FB, Twitter, or Soundcloud!

How to Practice Episode 5: Play outside your box

Alfred 00-0483S Suzuki Cello School Cello Part- Volume 3 - Music Book

Hello and welcome back to his segment of How to Practice. This time I have a different (or at least less commonly thought about) technique for helping you practice; Practice outside your comfort zone. This means a few different things; like playing harder music or playing different music than what your use to. I say that you should do all of that and more!

Many people who don't like being outside the box are afraid of messing up and looking stupid when they do. Don't be afraid to make mistakes when you’re playing! Just believe in what you’re playing and if you mess up, then say "Ah well" and shake it off. That is easier said than done, I know but sometimes you have to get out of that block. As long as you’re not on stage giving a concert then it shouldn't matter whether you make a mistake or two. The point is as long as you’re learning something new and pushing your limits then you will be fine! Challenges come and go all the time and the courage is in trying to push your own limits because you are only limited to the extension of your imagination and technical know-how. If that means you are just starting out and know only how to produce a few "noises" or you are like what I did the other day at the SC Cello Choir and was the only 1st chair player in a couple of the rehearsals sight reading material and techniques I had never seen before. The point is you need to not be limited to what your mind knows what to do, but you should do what your mind thinks you can't do because that is the only way to learn anything but especially music.

As I stated before, I was the only cellist in Section I that didn't go to the advanced orchestra rehearsal because I felt like it would be better if I made the pieces I had sound the best I could get them to sound over being in both groups. That is the only exception to my rule: If you don't feel comfortable preforming something in the slightest, then don't add on. That only creates a train wreck. You should push yourself but at the same time know where your limits to your abilities are. You should aim a higher then you did before but not too high. If you’re reading Suzuki Book 4, then aim for the 5th or maybe the 6th, but not anything higher. For those who are learning through the Hal Leonard books, then go one page to about 2 or 3 ahead but no more than that. You don't want to try to push too much.

Now before I leave you I had a question for you. Is there enough regular viewers to start a contest on or what do you guys think I should do? You can email me, tweet me, use my hashtag, or facebook me. If you want to be heard, have a question, want to tell me how I'm doing or just want to make a suggestion on something to talk about or more review ideas. I'm here to talk to you about music! Also, if you want to create fan art I would love to see it! If not I will create a new logo soon enough!

Alfred 00-0481S Suzuki Cello School Cello Part- Volume 2 - Music Book