Make Drum Work . Com Skill through struggle and sacrifice

How To Practise Every Day - 13 Useful Tips

Photo credit: Frank Campbell

I had no idea that practising every day was so powerful. My drum teacher always told me but I never listened. One day I just sat at my kit and tried it out.

The result? I practised every day for a month and I couldn't believe the progress I made. I was hooked.

Here are the 13 things that I have stuck to over the years that have kept me practising every day. These are all practical tips that I've actually seen work. Not just with me but with my students too.

If I've missed anything out that has worked for you, let me know by leaving a comment.

1. Practise at the same time every day

Practising every day is all about getting into a habit. If you do it at the same time every day then it's easier to stick to the habit. But when is the best time? For me, it's definitely to...

2. Practise 1st thing in the morning

Right after breakfast. My progress as a drummer is one of the most important things in my life so it takes priority over all the other things I have to do. I do 1 hour in the morning and then more later in the day. But if something comes up later in the day and I can't practise then I've still done that 1 hour in the morning. Don't have enough time in the morning? Read about how to get up early enough to practise

3. Make visual reminders

Stick Post-It notes around your home, office or on school folders etc... These will remind you to practise and also how important it is to you. Stick things anywhere that you will see them every day. My personal favourites are the fridge (the first place I go when I wake up) and a 3x5 inch card that I keep in my wallet.

4. Keep your practice space tidy

This is a big one. Don't leave clutter on or around your kit. These things will become a physical and psychological block and will make it harder for you to begin your practise session. Leave your kit clear and your gear (sticks, practice pad, metronome etc...) in a place where you can get to them easily. Read more about why you should keep your practice space tidy.

5. Write a practice schedule

Having something written out that you want to practise vastly increases the likelihood that you'll actually do it.

6. Write your own exercises

Similar to the last point, writing out exercises that you've designed yourself also increases the likelihood that you'll do them. After all, who knows better than you about where you want your drumming to go?

7. Keep a practice diary

It doesn't have to be detailed. Just write down briefly what you did in your practice session and any metronome settings you used. When you look back at this after a year or even just a month you'll be blown away by how much you've covered.

8. Immerse yourself in inspiration

Listen to some music you like with some killer drumming in it. Watch videos of your heros playing. Anything that will keep you hungry for making improvements in your druming. But you've got to...

9. Be disciplined

Spending a lot of time watching videos online won't do much for your drumming. Neither will watching a lot of TV or (my own personal vice) playing video games. So make sure you...

10. Put things in perspective

While you're reading this blog article, someone else is practising. If you need to get some serious perspective on your life and your drumming, read about why you should practise your ass off.

11.Switch your phone off

Your practice session is your time. This is the time of day that you use to achieve your goals and dreams. Don't let anyone distract you from it.

12. Write down creative ideas as they come to you

You will find that you are at your most creative when you are practising the most. Why? During the time you practise, you are 100% thinking, doing and being the drums. This really opens up your mind to all the different possibilities. If you write down ideas as they come to you, you will see how much more creative you are when you practise every day. And when you realise that creativity is your reward for the effort you put in, you'll never go back to practising less.

13. Just do it and see what happens

This is what I did. Just try practising every day. You'll be amazed at the difference it will make. And do you know what? You've got nothing to lose! If you find that you don't like it then you can always go back to what you were doing before.

What do you think? Do you have anything tips that have worked for you? Have you noticed a difference in your drumming as a result of practising more?

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