Ive never been the type of person who is able to work for hours upon hours straight. When I went to University it took me some time to figure out how to study. And it was difficult seeing how some of my peers were able to lock themselves in the library for a day and be productive. Especially when it came to booking practice time. I would see some of the other percussionists booking 3 to 4 hour blocks. I love percussion, but I would become so distracted and unproductive after an hour.
It took me a while but I was able to figure out that I learn way better in short bursts. This discovery has helped me study, practice, work and teach. I now take my tasks and break them into small chunks with breaks in between. I dont have a 9 to 5 work schedule, but rather a “get this done at some point today” schedule, and it works for me!
When I talk to my students about practicing its important to make sure that their practice methods work for them. For some students it is completely manageable to practice for a half hour every day. For some I just want them to pick up their sticks three times a week.
I do believe that our personality can reflect our work ethic. But for someone like me who always thought I was lazy or not very hard working, I just had to figure out what worked for me. And that is something that I try to work on with my students as well.
Hilary