Taking Occasional Breaks from Practice

[TinyTubist97]

In your opinion is it a beneficial thing to take a day long break from really concentrated practicing and just fool around on the tuba and just have fun? When I say fool around I mean stuff like pep-band music and dancing with the Sousaphone. I like breaks because sometimes all the music I'm playing starts blending together and it feels like a bunch of random notes and the practice isn't productive.

So what are your views?

[Trevor Bjorklund]

The most important thing you can do is be mindful when you practice. That means that when you can't devote 100% of your mental and physical attention, you may as well not practice. Dedicate your time carefully - of course you have to practice certain things to build chops and learn the repertoire. But don't be afraid to take a break for a day or even two sometimes. The muscles AND your sanity need time to recover and, more importantly, practice that isn't productive is a waste of time.

When I was in the conservatory I practiced and/or rehearsed/performed (trombone) up to 8 hours a day sometimes. But I'm almost positive I could have done half that if I'd been really, really concentrating every minute instead of daydreaming during lip slurs and long tones. Good luck and remember that it is supposed to be something you enjoy!

[TinyTubist97]

I love practicing and would do it more if I was allowed.