Exploration and experimentation is key!
Hi there, Zoe here today!
I’m the kind of person who sticks to routine. Every day I wake up, work out, practice, eat the same thing for breakfast, then work on the same things. I thrive on the structure of school, work, and strict schedules. Every Friday I make a standard Trader Joe’s run and buy pretty much the same things.
Having a routine is great because it helps us get a lot of things done without having to spend extra energy thinking about it. You can fit a lot more into your schedule if you add it to your routine.
But… I’ve come to the realization that my routine has sometimes gotten in the way of my growth. I’ve stuck to my routine at the expense of listening to my body, and that has prevented me from actually giving my body the rest and nourishment that it needs. I’ve stuck to the routine because it feels safe and I feel in control, and that’s prevented me from stepping outside my comfort zone. Doing the same technique, rep, and kind of skills has prevented me from growing my abilities. I’ve gotten so stuck in a rut that I haven’t tried out new ideas, strategies, etudes, or techniques. It’s also played into my life outside music, too — sticking to the tried and true is good when I want to feel safe but it’s stopped me from trying out new restaurants, activities, meeting new people, and growing as a person.
This summer, I’m challenging myself — and the rest of us who like staying in the comfort zone — to explore. I live super close by dozens of beaches, and I’ve only visited maybe five? I’ve made it my goal to explore all (or at least more of) the beaches in my area, hiking spots, vegan food places, cute coffee shops, and historic landmarks. Musically, I’m finding ways to experiment with new handframes, bow positions, tone colors, exercises, and practice strategies in my technique.
Looking for some ideas?
Here are ways you can experiment this summer…within your practice:
- Incorporate new exercises into your technique regiment
- Experiment with new hand positions or fingerings
- Vary musical phrases, dynamics, color, and character
- Reverse the order of your practice
- Implement a bite-sized amount of time on sight reading or improvisation
- Push yourself to perform in places outside what you’re used to
- Venture into new genres of music
and… outside your practice:
- Pick up a new hobby
- Create a new playlist
- Go to the library and read up on topics that interest you
- Browse a local farmer’s market, thrift store, or artisan shop
- Explore landmarks in your area you’ve never had the chance to see
- Hike in local preserve or state park
- Volunteer for a humanitarian organization you believe in
Perhaps the greatest benefit of all is that you get to HAVE FUN! Experimenting gets us out of the monotony of everyday life and leads us to new insights. This is where the thrill of music lives.
Try something crazy and see where it takes you!
