The Good Musician

It’s the weekend, and I’m home at my parents’ place, away from my guitars, thus giving me plenty of time to pursue some good musician habits that I’ve developed over the past 10 years – you can have them in 2 minutes.

Of course, installing a new habit takes a while, but they’re more fun than chore-like, and you’ll reap a lot of benefits that will support your awareness of music as well as your playing.

1. Subscribe to a few music radio streams. Pick a variety of genres.
2. Watch the Sunday morning mass transmissions. Here in Switzerland, Sunday mornings hold a lot of classical concert shows on TV. Find something that’ll sooth your Sundays as well.
3. Do Yoga or work out: Mental fitness goes hand in hand with physical fitness. Keep fit, and your playing will be better. I know bassists who’re good just because they have massive forearms. Yoga keeps you flexible and prevents back pain while practicing.
4. Review your week: Self-reflection on the weeks musical progress is an important aspect. Journal your progress on pieces, technique or anything related to your musician life. Moleskine time!
5. Play another instrument: When at my parents, I get to brush up on my piano. For many of you, I’d suggest to develop your singing skills, either with classes or with a good instructional book. Building up a side musical hobby will let you gain perspective on your primary instrument and also teach you respect for other musicians.

Just a few things that make my musician weekends sweeter, when I take a break from melting my fretboard .

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