Summer

My sincere apologies friends.  Last week, coming back from my summer program, I was just so exhausted that I never managed to get anything written or posted.  Honestly, I probably should have expected that level of exhaustion, but…well, live and learn, I suppose?  Either way, I’m back this week.

What’s changed in the last couple of days?  Well, to begin with, it’s actually finally summer, at least where I live.  Summer.  90°, sun, and all that good stuff has finally arrived.  Of course, with that comes the bad parts about summer.  I know, I know, what could be bad about summer?  Olaf is somewhere with his heart melting faster than the rest of him because I said that.

In spite of Olaf’s warm heart melting extra fast because of pointing out that there are downsides to summer, there some.  It’s easily my favorite season, but it’s so easy to get distracted and lose motivation.  Honestly, it’s about as easy as it is in the miserable middle of winter.  The warmth and sun seduce you into going outside and spending every second you can enjoy that heat and “human-photosynthesizing”.  Unfortunately, as musicians, that’s not really something we can give into on a regular basis. 

One of the best tricks I have to combat the sun-siren is a practice plan.  It’s a notebook where I write down everything I want to accomplish in my practice sessions and as I accomplish it I also make notes about what I can improve tomorrow (or focus on tomorrow).  It helps enormously.  Personally, using a timer also helps me.  If I limit myself to 15-30 minute segments of practice, then I can focus on practicing and take breaks in between, which can be a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the weather.

Still, there are times that isn’t enough.  Which means, it helps to have a goal.  To start prepping a recital and schedule it somewhere, to find an audition or a gig to prepare for.  All these things help keep me on task and I know they help keep some of my peers in shape, as well.

Of course, the ideal is if you live in an area where you can just practice outside.  The best option is to always get the best of both worlds.  Practice and enjoy the weather.  Falling short of that, if you can make some time to get outside, especially in the summer, please do.  It’s important for everyone, perhaps most particularly musicians.

What do you do to prevent or “treat” summer fever that we don’t talk about?  Or do you hate summer and live for winter, cold, and snow?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!