It’s not about how much you practise…

Over the last few years, I have been feeling bad because I don’t practise. Indeed, it’s a very rare thing for me to take some dedicated chunk of time and actually sit (or rather stand) and practise pieces (and this is mainly sparked by a gig in the calendar). I’ve been comparing myself with other people and always came to the conclusion that I wasn’t a proper singer. Surely, if you were a proper singer, you’d spend your whole day singing. You’d go through all your music all day and train your muscles in hours of practice. You’d have a dedicated space in which all this practice happens.

However, research has found, it’s not about how much you practice but how (Duke, Simmons and Cash 2009). Duke, Simmons and Cash (2009) studied piano students’ practice behaviours and came to the conclusion that

“the strategies employed during practice were more determinative of their retention test performances than was how much or how long they practiced” (p. 319).

This is really interesting as clearly practicing strategies help to make practice more efficient.

When I observe my strategies, here is how I practise:

1) I sing mindfully. I never let go of the observation of my technique. This means that whether I’m in a choir rehearsal or singing under the shower, I am looking for a good onset, good breathing, singer’s ring in the voice.

2) I use mental practice. I am thinking about music a lot. Here is an interesting podcast by Michael Mosely. Arguably this is not the best source, but it’s an entertaining and interesting contribution. If you want a more heavy-going source, try Bernardi et al (2013).

3) I practise when I teach or conduct choirs. My vocal fitness comes from constantly being surrounded by singing, even though it doesn’t feel like practice, it actually is.

4) I listen to repertoire and have different lists for different concerts on my phone. This helps me to be absolutely familiar with the music.

5) I am mindful of my breathing and my body wherever I am (well, more or less - but you know what I mean).

6) I sing small phrases here and there, this could be during the washing up or after brushing my teeth or to refresh from academic work (which can very much compromise the 5th point I’m making here).

How do you practise? Are you a ‘whole chunk of time’ kind of person? Or more like me? Maybe a combination of both?