Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

I took up piano in my fifties; and, while my brain understands such things as chords, rhythm, and staccato, my hands must work hard to play the music. It’s like learning a second language as an adult, except that you speak it with your hands.

I’ve tried various techniques to make my practicing effective. Have split it into twenty minute segments throughout the day; have set the same hour aside every day; and have even tried a technique whereby one doesn’t even approach the piano for a few days while analyzing the music. All met with varying degrees of success, and all had drawbacks.

So I decided on my recent vacation on another new approach, one that requires I get up in the morning and head to the piano before my day becomes filled with other activities. Coffee in hand, I study my music while my brain is about as empty as it gets.

I’ve done this for only four days, but so far it’s working like a charm. I seem to remember more from practice to practice and am not mentally thinking about other things.  There is only one small drawback:  I am not a morning person, so getting out of bed is still a challenge, even when it’s to work on something I love.