“Sharpening the Saw” is one of Dr. Stephen Covey’s ‘habits’ in is 7 Steps for Highly Effective People.
It came to mind yesterday when I was practicing. I’m getting back into ’shape’ and practicing after traveling for the holidays - I’m also getting back into my gym routine as well. I noticed my mind and focus wandering a bit both in musical practice and in the gym.
I’ll be returning the prices to their previous levels soon….
To help celebrate the holidays (and crashing economy) I’ve lowered the price on the pdf and black & white version of “An Introduction to Double Bass Playing”. Click here to check it out!
Happy holidays from MostlyBass.com
Hi everyone - Mariner Software, the makers of my favorite software (MacJournal - which they also make for PC) are having a sale.
I don’t get anything from this little plug - I just wanted to pass it along…. With the coupon code CHEERS you get 40% off their catalog. Check it out here.
I really like their products and use them almost every day. Their support is great - it’s just a great company!
A while ago I blogged about using some iPhone apps - including Chronology - to aid in practicing.
The developer of Chronology has let me know about a new app called Routine Timer that will be coming out in the next few weeks. I see great potential in this app for keeping practicing routines and timelines on track. I’ll post a review when it’s released.
Here’s a tool I’ve recently developed to help my middle school students learn their solos for our upcoming solo festival. Check it out and let me know what you think!
There are many tools to help your private lesson students remember their assignments and complete their tasks. Shar Music offers a very useful Musician’s Practice Planner. I use it with some students as well as myself.
But sometimes something simpler is needed. So I’m offering a sheet I use with students as a free download.
I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday season. Posts will be sporadic due to the holidays.
Is your school setting up an instrumental program? Are you wondering where to start with purchase orders, curriculum, music, and assessment?
I can help! I have 13 years of experience teaching all levels and have saved everything throughout the years!! Reasonable fees. Contact me at tambroni AT hotmail DOT com.
Thanks!
A few weeks ago as I was driving to conduct my middle school orchestra rehearsal (at 7am) I was listening to National Public Radio (NPR). Since the election is finally over they have resumed interesting programming and this morning were talking about the world’s greatest orchestras, as published in Gramophone.
It listed Chicago as the top orchestra in the U.S. (which even though I live in Chicago I may disagree with) and Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in the top overall spot. It’s nice to see the Concertgebouw get the recognition they deserve - they are a phenomenal orchestra with lots of energy and a great ‘live presence’.
And on another positive note, the CSO is an orchestra that is actually in the black financially - now that’s good news!
Click here to read the entire article at NPR. Highly recommended and it’s a short article.
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Don’t forget that “An Introduction to Double Bass Playing” is now on sale. Thanks and happy holidays!
To help celebrate the holidays (and crashing economy) I’ve lowered the price on the pdf and black & white version of “An Introduction to Double Bass Playing”. Click here to check it out!
Happy holidays from MostlyBass.com
I’m a fairly disciplined guy - I get up early, I exercise daily, and practice almost every day. I eat healthy. I save 20% of my income. I also try to have a social life and hobbies. But all of this isn’t easy and didn’t happen overnight.
I read books like Getting Things Done by David Allen and Energy Addict by Jon Gordon. I’m a fan of Ben Franklin’s 13 virtues.
I also allow myself to do 5 or 10 minutes of a task - whether it’s doing the dishes, cleaning, or even bowing exercises. It all adds up like a savings account.
Anyway, I’ve found some great sites and tools recently on the net.
Joe’s Goals - a cool online program to track your on progress on anything - including practicing! Also check out Joe’s Logbook.
11 Ways to Cure Someday Syndrome at ZenHabits
Discipline is an Illusion by ZenHabits
I also use ToodleDo in conjunction with my iPhone.
"An Introduction to Double Bass Playing".
