Eliesha Nelson

I've been asked by many non musicians how much I practice and how long it takes to prepare for concerts, recording sessions, etc. Many are amazed that I play my instrument several hours a day, and I rarely take long vacations (more than a day) away from playing. That is what makes being a musician a lifestyle - if we want to maintain or build our technique and musical ability, we must continue to practice, study, and perform in order to grow.

The length of practice depends on what I have to prepare. On the rare event when not much is going on, I spend a couple of hours on scales, intervals, Dounis shifting and finger strengthening exercises, bowing techniques like up and down bow staccato and thrown bow, and etudes. If I have a recital or recording session to prepare, it's usually around 4-6 hours of practice. This can get tricky to manage as I also have the Cleveland Orchestra rehearsal schedule to consider.

When I practice, I'm always listening for basic musicianship, which I consider to be intonation (playing in tune), good rhythm, phrasing, and a singing, beautiful sound quality. The point is to always listen, so I try to vary how I practice so I don't get bored. I am, however, methodical. In my warm up, I always practice shifting, intervals, and scales, and if I'm not to overrun with pieces, I practice a technical etude. The music I practice constantly changes, so there's no way to get bored there.

Having just had a child a couple of months ago, practicing has become rather erratic. However, it is getting more scheduled, like my son's sleep habits. I have my longer sessions when he is asleep or someone else is watching him, but sometimes he practices with me when I do my warm up. If he is up to it, he can tolerate up to an hour, which I find amazing for a 10 week old.

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and happy practicing!

Categories: Music Education • Viola Technique and Music

Tags: practice, viola technique