The Fundamentals of Lute Playing, Episode 9: How to Practice

The episode covers some tips for how to organize your practicing.

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[laudonschuett]

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[susannekalejaiye]

Finally got here and again learned so much. I tend to live with a notepad at hand (the kind one physically writes with pen or pencil in). Today in practice I restarted a piece by Bach (BWV 359). It had defeated me when my harp teacher introduced it in 2013, today I used chaining and had ten beads to put in a "wishing well" as I worked through the first bar (which in the version of the score I have is identical in the second and fourth line). Things are improving and I've been smiling and laughing instead of grinding my teeth. With my guitar the fifth fret of the bass E is the lowest (closest to the head) I can get without twisting my arm and losing relaxation. Just allowing time to relax, allowing the arm to "be" without stressing about "the next finger to place" I think I'm almost ready to begin some music. Still very grateful to you for this lute course and how relevant everything is!

[FakersInc]

Though you mentioned this in your last video, the suggestion to use sticky sheets has worked out for me since my brain wants to keep moving forward, and blocking things off keeps me focused.

As for warming up in general, I've been sticking to the finger/thumb alteration because I find I am still tripping up my timing and coordination. Overall great advice all around.

[waylonwillie]

I'm returning to this lesson a second time--this is really helpful. I think there is something about removing your hands from the instrument to move your counter, and then returning to the instrument that is helpful here. Thanks for this!

[laudonschuett]

The episode covers some tips for how to organize your practicing.

[Crazy_lutenist]

Спасибо огромное!
Несколько советов я себе выписал в бумажный блокнотик, буду проверять на практике.
До каких-то вещей я и сам дошёл, но у Вас очень чётко и последовательно всё изложено. Можно пробовать.
И ещё завёл себе бумажный блокнотик, куда записал, что меня останавливает. И с другой стороны блокнотика - над чем конкретно я сейчас работаю.
Спасибо Вам!
И ещё. Спасибо, у Вас очень дружелюбная подача материала. Это здорово!
Спасибо.

[robertpurrenhage]

Laudon,
This was a thoroughly engrossing session. I love re-evaluating what I have been doing. Generally, I 'practice' for 45-60 minutes in the morning. That would start with rudimentary hand movements to just get the fingers moving. Then 20 - 30 minutes of various 'exercises' focussing on different finger movements and shifts. (I have worked on maintaining focus for this - it can be a mental work out). That followed by going over pieces I'm working on improving, or slowly working on new to me pieces.
You seem to suggest considering shifting this about - after minimal playing to get the mindset, the fingers moving, to get everything (comfy lute holding) in a ready state, then go directly to what is challenging. Focus on what needs to be improved in performance pieces.

An aside: Even (especially?) when focussing on some exercise, I consciously, deliberately am aware of 'distractions', so they are less likely to actually interrupt my playing. This has proven extremely useful when playing in public with much unavoidable ambient activity.

Aside over: Later in the early evening I have the opportunity to play lute duo with my wife (We perform together when the opportunity arises - otherwise we delight in playing together, and improving.) I find playing with others is a fantastic learning, maybe challenging and social experience/opportunity.

When I have digested this episode, I look forward to experimenting with your suggestions. Thank you.

[MirascuMusic]

I was wondering if you maybe had some tips for ensuring both strings of a course ''ring out''. Especially when using my index finger, I tend to only hit the bottom string. Is it just a matter of practice, or should I position my right hand differently? Thanks in advance!