Sometimes we try to ‘fit ourselves into’ the space that’s already here instead of really creating a space where we can practice.  But truly creating a space that’s conducive to your practice is a huge investment in yourself and your work.

On this page, you’ll find the things I, personally, need in order to work efficiently.  If you find you’re fussing with the space, or constantly having to shift some piece of furniture or equipment around in order to practice, then stop and fix that situation.

Do what you need to do to make that work-space work for you instead of you trying to work around it.

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This is the list of things I need set up in order to practice efficiently:

FURNITURE-TYPE

• Harp
• Bench
• Stand – I want a stand that’s sturdy and makes it easy to write on my music
• Table – I like to have a table or shelf near my work-space so I can put things like water, timer, metronome and glasses on it.

MUSIC ACCESSORIES

• Tuning Key
• Tuner (& cord if needed)
• Metronome (yes, the metronome is your friend!)

AMBIANCE

• Lighting – I like to be able to look out a window during the day, but to close the curtains at night and have nice lighting

THINKING-ACCESSORIES

• Notebook – with music & place for ideas & questions
• Pencil – if possible, attached to the stand in a way that it can easily be removed
• (Glasses)
• Timer – usually on a table
• 10 Coins – I like to have 10 coins on a surface nearby so that when I am practicing something- a specific section or an exercise- I can move one coin over to the other end of the table each time I complete the section. That way I don’t have to worry about counting the number of times I do it, and I’m free to focus on playing. Once all 10 coins are on the other side, I can move on. (A friend of mine uses M&Ms instead of coins, and eats them after each repetition!)

PHYSICAL COMFORT

• Water – separated from equipment – but I get thirsty when I practice & focus (and having water next to you both helps you hydrate and also eliminates the excuse of stopping your practice to get a drink!) (Sometimes I have coffee, too)

ELECTRONICS

• iPod (yes, I often listen to books on tape or podcasts when I do my warmups because otherwise I get so bored I –literally – can’t sit still)
• Computer
• Videocamera (tripod, AC Cable, memory-card for camera)
• Amp (and Cord)

EMOTIONAL

• A talisman – this is something, anything, that makes ME feel like there’s meaning in what I’m doing.  It can be a picture of someone important.  It can be a certain kind of lighting.  It’s a way of romancing myself – of reminding myself of why I love doing this and how I want to see myself in it.

Preparations:

• Fill water-glass and put it near practice station
• Pencil – make sure I have a pencil with a good eraser on it
• Notebook – doublecheck to make sure my notebook is on the table
• Feed cats so they don’t pester me
• Put on makeup and dress semi-nice in case I video-tape something I want to post