I've been on this journey for a few months now and am a bit disheartened by my lack of progress. I have not attempted to practice the guitar or voice at all and did not do much with the violin. The only thing I've done on a regular basis is the piano and even those attempts have been spotty since I returned from my vacation.
I find myself making excuses as to why I can't make time to practice; and like all excuses - they are lame. I'm fighting an internal battle right now. This is something that's important to me, yet I can't - or won't - make time for it.
So, I am making a renewed promise to myself. I will make time to do at least one thing I love everyday! It is time to recapture my dreams and pursue them with passion!
Showing posts with label destination 1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label destination 1. Show all posts
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Vacation
You know what they say...hindsight is 20/20. I recently went on a much needed week-long vacation. It was wonderful and I had a great time, but now that I'm home I realize how many opportunities I missed to focus on my goals. Let me share with you what I did and did not do so you can learn from my mistakes!
I did not eat healthy and I could have. My excuse was "I'm on vacation and I am going to indulge myself." Now don't get me wrong, it is perfectly acceptable to indulge yourself on vacation, but don't let your common sense fly out the window...use good judgement! Moderation is key. Looking back on it, I am most ashamed of not eating better because it was so easy to make good food choices. Many menus had low calorie options that I just turned my nose at. Oh self, so young, so foolish. If you - like me - simply must have Chocolate Melting Cake every night for dessert, do it, but get one of the 390 calorie entrees!
I did not practice any instruments. I really don't feel guilty about this. Who takes their piano on vacation?! If I had a more portable talent - say writing or drawing - I could have done that by bringing a pad of paper and a pencil. So, if you can take your goal with you do it, but if you can't don't feel bad. After all....you're on vacation!
I did not work on any music theory. This is another goal that I feel bad about not doing, because I took my theory book with me! I just didn't open it. There were many hours spent in the car that I could have pulled this out and worked on it. I could have done much better here. If you do take your goals with you, make sure you do it!
However, I did do a lot of walking. I did not take advantage of the gym that was available, so again improvements to my vacationing self are needed, but I am happy with what I did accomplish.
Most importantly I spent a lot of time with my husband. This is the goal that I most want to excel in. Despite all my failings this past week I have succeeded overall, because I was able to be with him with no pressure to keep the house clean, dinner on the table and no work concerns stealing my focus from him. We had many conversations and talked to each other a lot. He also shared a podcast (Stuff You Should Know) that he really enjoys with me. I learned something new about him, and we both got to enjoy listening to several old podcasts he had on his Zune. Sharing something you enjoy or are passionate about with your spouse is a wonderful way to bond and grow together.
You do not need to accomplish everything everyday or even most things most days. If you only accomplish one thing a week you have succeeded.
What tips and tricks for success do you have while vacationing?
I did not eat healthy and I could have. My excuse was "I'm on vacation and I am going to indulge myself." Now don't get me wrong, it is perfectly acceptable to indulge yourself on vacation, but don't let your common sense fly out the window...use good judgement! Moderation is key. Looking back on it, I am most ashamed of not eating better because it was so easy to make good food choices. Many menus had low calorie options that I just turned my nose at. Oh self, so young, so foolish. If you - like me - simply must have Chocolate Melting Cake every night for dessert, do it, but get one of the 390 calorie entrees!
I did not practice any instruments. I really don't feel guilty about this. Who takes their piano on vacation?! If I had a more portable talent - say writing or drawing - I could have done that by bringing a pad of paper and a pencil. So, if you can take your goal with you do it, but if you can't don't feel bad. After all....you're on vacation!
I did not work on any music theory. This is another goal that I feel bad about not doing, because I took my theory book with me! I just didn't open it. There were many hours spent in the car that I could have pulled this out and worked on it. I could have done much better here. If you do take your goals with you, make sure you do it!
However, I did do a lot of walking. I did not take advantage of the gym that was available, so again improvements to my vacationing self are needed, but I am happy with what I did accomplish.
Most importantly I spent a lot of time with my husband. This is the goal that I most want to excel in. Despite all my failings this past week I have succeeded overall, because I was able to be with him with no pressure to keep the house clean, dinner on the table and no work concerns stealing my focus from him. We had many conversations and talked to each other a lot. He also shared a podcast (Stuff You Should Know) that he really enjoys with me. I learned something new about him, and we both got to enjoy listening to several old podcasts he had on his Zune. Sharing something you enjoy or are passionate about with your spouse is a wonderful way to bond and grow together.
You do not need to accomplish everything everyday or even most things most days. If you only accomplish one thing a week you have succeeded.
What tips and tricks for success do you have while vacationing?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Music Theory
I recently finished my 1st theory book Fundamentals of Piano Theory - Level 1 by Keith Snell and Martha Ashleigh.
I reviewed:
My piano teacher tried to get me to learn these things years ago, but I was not interested. Now that I'm old enough to appreciate the lessons she tried to teach me, I am much more confident that I will accomplish my goal of becoming a better musician. I am also grateful for her initial attempts, as much of the lessons did sink in. So, a heart-felt "Thank you" to Suzi! (Also, thank you mom for assisting me with the ear training portion!)
What lessons surprised you when you discovered you didn't know them?
I reviewed:
- Note names
- Time signatures and rythms
- Accidentals
- Intervals
- Whole and Half Steps
- Key signatures
- Form
- Ear training
- Sight reading
- 5 finger patterns and triads
- Tetra chords
- Primary triads
- Inversions
- Accompanying with I and V Tetra chords
- Transposing
- A bit about the 4 periods of music history
My piano teacher tried to get me to learn these things years ago, but I was not interested. Now that I'm old enough to appreciate the lessons she tried to teach me, I am much more confident that I will accomplish my goal of becoming a better musician. I am also grateful for her initial attempts, as much of the lessons did sink in. So, a heart-felt "Thank you" to Suzi! (Also, thank you mom for assisting me with the ear training portion!)
What lessons surprised you when you discovered you didn't know them?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Too Much of a Good Thing
During one of my recent self-induced piano lessons I decided that I had given myself too much to practice in a 30 minute time frame. Actually, I realized this during my practice sessions, but during my lesson I made the decision to decrease the amount of things I practice during the week. I also decided that I needed to re-do a few of the pieces that I didn't get to practice as much during the week.
There's something to be learned here. Don't bite off more than you can chew. You'll only frustrate yourself if you try to accomplish too much in a single day. You'll also find that you won't make as much progress if you try to do too much than if you break down your efforts in to manageable chunks.
I feel that if I work on practicing well (taking things slow, correcting mistakes instead of playing through them, etc) I will get better faster and I've seen evidens in this pretty quickly. My sight reading has improved quite a bit and I make fewer mistakes, even on new pieces.
Hearing yourself improve is a great boost! If possible, record yourself so you can hear your progression over time. Recording yourself and listening back on it will also help you correct your mistakes.
If you find yourself not making the kind of progress you hoped for, take a deep breath and step back. Have you tried to accomplish too much too quickly? Pare down your project into smaller tasks and focus on one thing at a time. Really hone in on improving one skill at a time. It may seem small and tedious at first, but as you get better, you'll get faster and when you move on, preforming that skill well by rote will save you huundreds of hours later.
There's something to be learned here. Don't bite off more than you can chew. You'll only frustrate yourself if you try to accomplish too much in a single day. You'll also find that you won't make as much progress if you try to do too much than if you break down your efforts in to manageable chunks.
I feel that if I work on practicing well (taking things slow, correcting mistakes instead of playing through them, etc) I will get better faster and I've seen evidens in this pretty quickly. My sight reading has improved quite a bit and I make fewer mistakes, even on new pieces.
Hearing yourself improve is a great boost! If possible, record yourself so you can hear your progression over time. Recording yourself and listening back on it will also help you correct your mistakes.
If you find yourself not making the kind of progress you hoped for, take a deep breath and step back. Have you tried to accomplish too much too quickly? Pare down your project into smaller tasks and focus on one thing at a time. Really hone in on improving one skill at a time. It may seem small and tedious at first, but as you get better, you'll get faster and when you move on, preforming that skill well by rote will save you huundreds of hours later.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Feeling Productive
Today was a giant leap forward for me. I woke up earlier than normal and instead of rolling over and going back to sleep like I usually do, I stayed up. I ate a little bit of breakfast, got on the treadmill for 30 minutes (working towards Destination #2 - being healthy and active), took out all the trash in the house (working towards Destination #3 - being a better spouse), got ready for the day, and went to the music store to pick up a D string for my violin (working towards Destination #1 - gathering tools to become a better musician) before coming to work.
Accomplishing these things has really given me a boost today. I feel more productive overall, have been more productive at work, have been in a better mood and I know that all of these small steps are getting me closer to the person I want to be.
I hope that you have also been able to revel in your successes (whether they be big or small) today!
Accomplishing these things has really given me a boost today. I feel more productive overall, have been more productive at work, have been in a better mood and I know that all of these small steps are getting me closer to the person I want to be.
I hope that you have also been able to revel in your successes (whether they be big or small) today!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Piano
I have practiced the piano every day for a minimum of 30 minutes. I finally feel confident enough with the fingering on the C Major scale that I have progressed on to G Major. I am almost halfway through 3 beginner books and have learned a lot of theory. 1st and 2nd inversions are finally making sense to me!
Additionally I have played for my mother (she has been playing the piano since she was 4 - my mother is my piano expert), who tells me that my technique and posture are very good. So far I am not practicing any bad habits and my mom is quite proud of me. (Thanks Mom!) I am pround of me too. Lastly, I have memorized Prelude No. 1 in G minor by Catherin Rollin.
I have done all of this in less than two weeks. I am so pleased with the progress I have made thus far. I know that in the beginning I will move pretty quickly with the piano, and I am confident that these small successes in the beginning will propel me forward as things become more challenging.
What successes have you had thus far?
Additionally I have played for my mother (she has been playing the piano since she was 4 - my mother is my piano expert), who tells me that my technique and posture are very good. So far I am not practicing any bad habits and my mom is quite proud of me. (Thanks Mom!) I am pround of me too. Lastly, I have memorized Prelude No. 1 in G minor by Catherin Rollin.
I have done all of this in less than two weeks. I am so pleased with the progress I have made thus far. I know that in the beginning I will move pretty quickly with the piano, and I am confident that these small successes in the beginning will propel me forward as things become more challenging.
What successes have you had thus far?
Monday, April 12, 2010
Making A Plan
Now that I have my destination chosen and my paths laid out for me, I need to make a plan so I can continually move forward.
To become a better musician I will need to practice each instrument 30 minutes a day, learn music theory and find resources to help teach me. I will be teaching myself how to play these instruments in the beginning, so focusing on fundamentals, theory and technique will be important. There are people in my life that play each instrument, so I can go to them for help so long as I don't abuse their generosity.
To be healthy and active I need to devote a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week to exercise. Proper form and technique are very important so I do not injure myself. There are a plethora of resources on the internet that can be used to teach myself the right way to exercise.
In addition to exercise, if I want to be truly healthy, I need to eat well. Eating more fruits and vegetables is a great way to increase nutrition without adding a ton of calories. Also, I can make healthy substitutions to my daily meals. For example, I can replace ground beef with ground turkey. This is possible with almost any recipe, and I don't sacrifice flavor. (Please consult a physician before embarking on any exercise and/or dietary changes.)
Lastly, to be more giving of myself. I said before I don't know where I want to volunteer just yet. Step number 1 is to write a list of organizations that I would like to give my time to. Step number 2 is to research these organizations and find out what volunteer opportunities they have available. If their needs meet my needs and capabilities I can then get a schedule and start.
As for being a better spouse, the first thing I think I should do is increase the frequency of housekeeping tasks when our schedules keep us apart so that when we are together we can focus on each other and not the dishes in the sink.
If you are in a situation where you are unable to finance lessons or tutors, etc to help you reach your goals, seek out your social network. Perhaps you know someone that is talented in the area you are working on that would be willing to help you, or that would be willing to trade their talents and expertise for yours. For example, if you are interested in writing perhaps you have a friend that is a writer or a teacher and could help edit and give pointers, in exchange for you helping them with a website, planting a garden or painting their fence.
Please share what plans and ideas you have in the comments. We can all learn from each other!
To become a better musician I will need to practice each instrument 30 minutes a day, learn music theory and find resources to help teach me. I will be teaching myself how to play these instruments in the beginning, so focusing on fundamentals, theory and technique will be important. There are people in my life that play each instrument, so I can go to them for help so long as I don't abuse their generosity.
To be healthy and active I need to devote a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week to exercise. Proper form and technique are very important so I do not injure myself. There are a plethora of resources on the internet that can be used to teach myself the right way to exercise.
In addition to exercise, if I want to be truly healthy, I need to eat well. Eating more fruits and vegetables is a great way to increase nutrition without adding a ton of calories. Also, I can make healthy substitutions to my daily meals. For example, I can replace ground beef with ground turkey. This is possible with almost any recipe, and I don't sacrifice flavor. (Please consult a physician before embarking on any exercise and/or dietary changes.)
Lastly, to be more giving of myself. I said before I don't know where I want to volunteer just yet. Step number 1 is to write a list of organizations that I would like to give my time to. Step number 2 is to research these organizations and find out what volunteer opportunities they have available. If their needs meet my needs and capabilities I can then get a schedule and start.
As for being a better spouse, the first thing I think I should do is increase the frequency of housekeeping tasks when our schedules keep us apart so that when we are together we can focus on each other and not the dishes in the sink.
If you are in a situation where you are unable to finance lessons or tutors, etc to help you reach your goals, seek out your social network. Perhaps you know someone that is talented in the area you are working on that would be willing to help you, or that would be willing to trade their talents and expertise for yours. For example, if you are interested in writing perhaps you have a friend that is a writer or a teacher and could help edit and give pointers, in exchange for you helping them with a website, planting a garden or painting their fence.
Please share what plans and ideas you have in the comments. We can all learn from each other!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Defining the Path: Destination 1
The definition of your goal depends entirely upon you. No one else. After all, we're here to live our own lives, so it is up to each of us to define what that means to us. Your spouse can't tell you, your parents can't tell you, your friends can't tell you, only you can say what the difference between living and existing is.
What does becoming a better musician mean to me? Here are the specific goals I have for this area.
Destination #1: Become A Better Musician
What does becoming a better musician mean to me? Here are the specific goals I have for this area.
Destination #1: Become A Better Musician
- I want to play the guitar reasonably well. I want to be able to pick up a guitar and play a variety of songs for my own amusement and to entertain others. The object here is not to be the next Carlos Santana, it's just for fun.
- I want to play the violin amazingly well. I played the violin for 6 years; however that was a long time ago. I was once extremely talented in this area, and I am hoping that all the talent I once had is not gone forever. I want to be good enough to play first chair in the orchestra/symphony of my choosing or to be a solo performer. (The goal is not to play first chair or be a professional soloist, but I want to be good enough that I could be.)
- I want to play the piano amazingly well. I played the piano for 6 years, and like the violin that was a long time ago. Unlike the violin I was never extremely talented in this area; however I wasn't a complete dunce at it. The end goal here is to be able to play at a concert pianist level.
- I want to sing amazingly well. Music is obviously something that I love, and like the other instruments, I have been singing for quite a long time. At this time I don't have the self confidence to say that I want to be a soloist, but I love singing in a choir and would love to be good enough to join an elite choral group.
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