I used to practice piano maybe one hour per day. It wasn’t much. At the beginning had a very dingy little keyboard that was maybe 61 keys. I was doing the songs from the booklet that came with it. The tunes were dreadful and the way I played them even worse. But it was glorious, you see. Because I was starting a journey that has been going for 23 years now. And, as I write this, I can tell you that I’ve gone from one hour daily to 3 hours. And I still practice my drums too.
All day I am swimming in music. I cater to both my instruments, of course, but I also compose some music for my students. These days I write challenging pieces, or so they are called. If you’re curious to know what they are, don’t hesitate to contact me. I also listen to some music. I revisit the old French singer of my youth as well as explore the playing of the new piano star: Daniil Trifonov. His interpretation of the 2nd concerto for piano from Chopin is really interesting, same for the second one of Rachmaninoff. I love his clear touch, the power and the finesse he displays as well as his understanding of the piece which resonate with mine.
Anyway, I digress. I used to practice every day, at least in theory. In reality, I would skip here and there. I would bargain with myself. “Oh, come on! This is Saturday! You just taught for 6 hours, can’t you take a break?” And a break I would take. Just like that.
Now, I’m serious. No more negotiations. I do my 3 hours. I plop myself in front of them keys and off I go. Scales, arpeggio, different techniques, pieces of the repertoire, jazz impro. I go through the whole routine. Sometimes I get up to drink some water. That’s when I wince. It hurt. because, as I was working I forgot my body and, as soon as I get up, the poor thing is protesting. So, and it’s part of it, I lay on the floor and do some stretching for my old meat. I strain, it’s hard, I look like a fool, yes, maybe but I can assure you that I’m having the time of my life.
I do that every day now.
I’m very proud of it.