Getting back in shape after the summer

September 6, 2024

Getting back in shape to practice after the summer

Welcome to your guide to getting back in shape after the summer! We all need a break from time to time. Getting back to practicing can be demoralizing in the beginning, hence we gathered some tips and tricks we have learned along the way.

Professional musicians haven’t exactly been bastions of longevity, due to the stress, anxiety, and the physical efforts they have to carry out. That is why it is very important to establish a daily, consistent routine that will give you stability and preparation for your upcoming endeavors.

Detailed schedule adapted to your level

No matter if you are coming back to playing after an injury or years of not playing. Try to set realistic but consistent daily goals.

Practice should be always built on something you can do, so you can divide your practice into shorter sections which you can spread out along the day–especially if you are coming back to it after an injury. Above all, do not force anything and make sure you are listening to your body.

The routine

Make sure you have a notebook for practicing so you can hold yourself accountable and follow your progress. Take some time to really figure out what is it that you really want to focus on and be personally invested in your own growth. The best way to stay motivated is to set up long term goals, but also short term steps that will bring you closer to your macrostructure.

How did the session feel like? What can be improved? What would you like to focus on in the next few practicing sessions? These are some questions you should ask yourself after each practicing session.

Organizing the practicing sessions

When getting back in shape after the summer, if you are struggling with the focus, you can try to divide your practice into short sessions of:

Sound exercises
Scales and arpeggios
Études and studies
Work on a specific part of a piece from your repertoire

Working on your scales and études will give you a technical foundation and help your body feel comfortable around your instrument. Try to focus on how you are actually doing the exercises, and avoid pure repetition.

When it comes to rhythm and working the muscles back to speed, a metronome is your best friend. As well as having a mirror on the wall while you play, which will make you more conscious of the movements you are making.

Make sure to add some free time to also play the tunes you love or just improvise.

Picking up the right repertoire

Try to choose pieces you would like to play, but mix them up with some pieces that you know will be good for you to go through in the long run. Coming up with a new, interesting repertoire will give you fresh material to work on and motivate you.

Depending on your objectives and what you are preparing for, you can come up with a theme and structure your repertoire pieces around it.

Courses and Festivals

Discipline and efficient practicing can vary throughout the year, taking part in a course or a festival might be very beneficial in that regard.

Foremost, having a goal to prepare for, learning from a different musician (either actively playing or passively listening to someone else’s class) and getting a fresh perspective on something you might have struggled in the past.