Daily Practice - what does it look like?

[DJC12309]

Hi Jeff & Talk Bass folks,

I'm still a relatively new bassist - been playing for a little over a year. I'm pretty disciplined in the sense that I practice every day, but I always have this nagging feeling that I'm not using my practice time as best as I could. Given that I can spend about an hour (often times more) a day on practice, do you have any suggestions as to what a good week of practice would look like?

Currently, I bounce between the Hal Leonard Bass Method (almost done w/book 1), online lessons (Jim Stinnett's are great), playing songs, and other not-as-focused stuff.

I would love a little more guidance in my practice, and appreciate anything anyone can offer!

 

[CaseyVancouver]

A good week, or day, of practise is really personal to what your goals are. A good week for me may not relate to you at all. I have a structure for practise that works and is fun for me. Not every topic should be covered everyday, there is too much to be covered ..and I do not have a day job!

There is a study that shows people learn best for only 20 minutes on a topic. I'll practise 20 minutes of fretless intonation, upright bowing, melody reading, treble clef reading on bass etc. I mark on a calendar every day the stuff done I consider important (currently bowing technique). This keeps me honest.

If you have been playing for one year there is a huge world of interesting bass playing ahead.

You play every day for an hour you should be improving. Are you?
You could add these to your daily routine:
Ear training
Sight reading
Singing and sight singing
Music theory
Technique exercises in the style of music you like

A teacher is an awesome motivator if you feel stagnant. So is a new group of people to play with.
New gear is too, but the new gear honeymoon always goes away.

 

[Rhythmman535]

Decide on what you're going to work on before you sit down to practice. Give yourself a fixed amount of time that you spend on each topic and keep a daily log.