Thoughts from a recovering perfectionist: self-recording
perfectionism, practice, music, recording Shannon Lewis perfectionism, practice, music, recording Shannon Lewis

Thoughts from a recovering perfectionist: self-recording

Recording my own playing…just the thought gave me the heebie jeebies for a long time. Everyone says we should do it for a whole host of reasons, but sometimes the thought of it gives the eugh.

Well…I hate to say it, but they’re right.

“But I don’t like the way I sound on a recording, the minute I hit record all my skill goes out the window, it makes me nervous, what if someone else hears it, what if someone else hears it and gives unsolicited advice, but I know it’s for practice and improving but I just can’t stop doing takes until it’s perfect.”

Does that sound familiar? I see you (unless you don’t wish to be perceived, I totally get it.)

I too was once very put off by recording my own playing and listening back. Sometimes I still am…but I feel the eugh an do it anyway.

Here’s why…

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Memorization tips for musicians
Shannon Lewis Shannon Lewis

Memorization tips for musicians

My memorization tricks!

These are three tools for memorization that I use that can help with reinforcing memory-work in music, and starting the challenge of memorizing music.

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Practice journal reflection ideas for musicians - part 2
Shannon Lewis Shannon Lewis

Practice journal reflection ideas for musicians - part 2

More practice reflection prompts to consider before or during your practice to remind you of your motivation, your presence, notice any stress or tension, and bringing joy or at least neutrality and calmness into your practice session with your instrument.

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How to build a new habit: make it fun
Shannon Lewis Shannon Lewis

How to build a new habit: make it fun

Next habit building step coming in 🎶🦐🎶

Now that we’ve agreed we’re starting small, and attaching the new habit on top of something that’s already routine, we’re going to make our small task enjoyable.

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How to build a new habit: habit stacking
Shannon Lewis Shannon Lewis

How to build a new habit: habit stacking

Last week, we started small - this week I’m going to talk about another one of my favourite techniques for (re)building a habit or music-related habit like practicing.

Habit stacking.

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