Why Every Violinist Needs a Little Playtime
September 6th, 2023 by Katherine Moller
As much as I’m a fervent advocate for disciplined practice, well-structured routines, and sticking with it, let’s not forget about the most important thing – play!
You see, I’m constantly tinkering with my daily routine. My latest experiment involves adding play into my mornings. Typically, my day begins with the usual rituals – waking up, savouring breakfast, squeezing in a workout, and then diving headfirst into the workday, often starting with a plunge into my inbox. A routine, tried and true.
However, about a week ago, I decided to introduce a refreshing change to my mornings. Instead of immediately jumping into digital tasks on my computer, I now opt for a different path. I reach out for one of my instruments – it could be my violin, cello, or perhaps something entirely else – and I indulge myself in the sheer, unsullied pleasure of play.
No, this isn’t practice, and it’s definitely not about grinding through scales or tackling complex compositions. This is about letting loose, about immersing myself in the unstructured joy of music. It’s a chance to revisit the tunes from those old albums, to leaf through unfamiliar sheet music, and to simply see where the music takes me on that given morning.
Now, here’s the exciting part – there’s no fixed purpose to this daily musical adventure. It’s not about hitting specific goals or adhering to a rigid agenda. This is about letting the music flow freely, without constraints, expectations, or performance anxiety.
Looking ahead, I can’t help but dream about the infinite possibilities that this daily playtime might unveil. Perhaps it will evolve to experimenting with recording techniques or composing fresh new melodies. Who knows what musical opportunities lie in store?
So, my fellow musicians, consider carving out your own slice of playtime in your daily regimen. Grab your instrument, and let the music take you wherever it pleases, without the weight of judgement or objectives. It’s like musical freedom for the soul, a reminder of the pure, unadulterated joy that music brings to our lives. Give it a whirl; you won’t regret it!
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