Saturday, March 09, 2013

Practice Makes Perfect

It's been said that "Practice Makes Perfect." I'm not sure perfection is within the grasp of mortals, but when I look at great works of art, watch a movie that resonates with me, or hear a song that's hung with me like a scar, I sometimes wonder if the artist(s) didn't approach perfection.
Jilda and I made up our minds at New Years, to refocus on our music. We're studying songwriting, we've practiced guitar and done vocal exercises practically ever day since January 1st.
Sometimes practice is a drudge - I'd rather have a jaw tooth extracted with needle-nose pliers by a drunken sailor with bad breath (not sure where this disquieting description came from but I fear I may dream about it tonight), than pick up a guitar and strum one chord. But we've done it. Even on treatments days when Jilda was as weak as a kitten, she insisted we practice. 
Anyone who plays an instrument will probably tell you that you can practice for EVER and you never feel like you're getting any better. Then one day it's like a switch is flipped, and you're playing (and singing) notes you were never able to play smoothly before.
No one can play better without the repetitions....without practice. I think the same holds true whether you're cooking, sewing, driving, golfing, or writing.
I know I'm preaching to the choir because many of the people who read and follow my blog write/practice every day. All of our goals are different I'm sure, but anyone who writes wants to communicate effectively and you do that by practicing. You gauge what works and you adjust.
What got me headed down this path tonight is that when we played last night, we played for a room of people we didn't know. It's easy playing for friends, they love you whether you suck or not. But playing for people you don't know is a different story together.
After our set last night, most of the audience came up to us afterwards and told us personally how much they enjoyed our show. I was humbled and gratified. I knew deep inside that all those hours of practice were finally paying off.

16 comments:

  1. That's awesome Rick... learning anything takes time... everything comes with practice... I agree that perfection does not exist... :-)

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    1. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know :)

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  2. Yep-Just like your parents said- Practice makes perfect. I am so glad that you and Jilda share that wonderful bond of music. It is a gift that you can share with others. I am sure you make beautiful music together.
    We have a musical family-partially. My oldest daughter plays piano and sings and so do her three little girls. My 2nd daughter plays guitar and sings and writes music. She got a full voice scholarship when she graduated high school...but didn't take it (still sad about that). My youngest son had a music store and traveled with a band before he got married. He plays guitar, piano and sings. To me, music is one of the greatest blessings in life. Hubby and oldest son are both UN-musical...lol
    Hope you have a great night- don't forget to set your clocks ahead- xo Diana

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    1. Wow! Y'all should go out on the road.

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  3. You are so right- the drudge practice time must be invested before reaping the reward. Good for the two of you!

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    1. She would have lashed off my head years ago if I hadn't been the guitar player :) Now she plays too, so I have to mind my p's and q's :)

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  4. " I'd rather have a jaw tooth extracted with needle-nose pliers by a drunken sailor with bad breath " lmho - THAT is going to stay with me like a scar Rick lol
    How rewarding it must be for you to have people come up and personally let you know how much pleasure your gift has brought them..........
    Keep up the good work,
    Hugs,
    Suzan

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  5. What a wonderful reminder...with humour...that practice is necessary to improve any skill, and how lovely that you and your wife share this gift and passion. Good on you both!

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  6. That's wonderful to hear.
    It is hard to play in front of trangers.
    You have to learn to feel the crowd.

    I hope Jilda feels better soon.
    Not easy to go through all this. She is lucky to have such a loving man to think and care about her.

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    1. Our set changes based on the audience. That's why we practice all our songs, just in case.

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  7. Hi Rick, I think that enjoying the practice is as important as the goal your going for. Personally I love the way to work to that goal more than to reach the goal itself. Being in the moment is happiness. Most people try to reach perfection but do not see the the road that leads to it.
    And doing what you love leads most time to quicker recovery ;-)

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    1. Sometimes we get a little testy with each other during practice, but most of the time it's just a lot of fun, especially when you can see improvement.

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  8. I am impressed by all the talents and gifts that you and Jilda share. I also agree with Nadia. I enjoy the journey and I am happy within the moment without worrying about the outcome.

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    1. Thank you Julia. We do "enjoy the ride."

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  9. I've played Guitar Hero! You definitely need to practice at that to be good! I think it is great you practice. My mom says the greatest musicians still have to practice every day.

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    1. I think guitar hero is harder than playing an actual guitar. I've tried it and I struggled :)

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