practice logs

[BoliverAllmon]

do you keep one and what do you right in them?

[marialice]

I don't keep one. But maybe I should... I think they can be very useful, but I'm not disciplined enough to keep one.

[BoliverAllmon]

I am told that they are invaluable, but i haven't decided that yet.

boliver

[thracozaag]

I am told that they are invaluable, but i haven't decided that yet.

boliver

  Kapell was fanatically meticulous in his logs; I'm afraid I've never had the discipline to do it for more than a month at a time.

koji (STSD)

[BoliverAllmon]

  Kapell was fanatically meticulous in his logs; I'm afraid I've never had the discipline to do it for more than a month at a time.

koji (STSD)

sounds like a guy I know. He has a whole closet full of practice logs from as far back as 30 years ago.

boliver

[steinwayguy]

What do you mean by "practice logs"?

I have a schedule planned out one or two weeks in advance, outlining what I need to get done by when, and how much work I have to do to reach those goals.

[m1469]

I have the discipline, I just don't know where to stop writing and I would end up spending hours, maybe, everyday trying to articulate what happens in each practice session, for each piece.  So I just start wondering if it is worth it ?

m1469

[allthumbs]

Greetings

do you keep one and what do you right in them?

In a previous post, I described what I use.


https://www.pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,7633.msg83894.html#msg83894


Cheers

[SDL]

I like the idea of being this organised.  Ive tried but I my problem is this:

I dont want to write in my practice time as I require all my concentration and I want to stay in the "zone", and when do I write it all down - this takes time and I have very little of it as it is.

I have an extremely good memory and usually know what my problems were in the last practice and what I need to do, or to start for the next session.  Not sure this has a bearing but Im an advanced pianist.

The things/problem solving tips I wrote down I never looked at again because Id moved on to the next thing. I prefer to write shorthand on the music itself if any.  I very rarely do this unless its fingering because I don't want to program my thoughts, dynamics, concepts for every performance unless its a necessity.  And even then I do something completely unexpected on the day.

When I organise sessions I very rarely stick to it because I like to work on the fly - I have a problem I try to solve it there and then before moving on.

Does anyone else have this problem?  Im disciplined in practice but never feel the need to write things down.

However, I do have respect those who can keep a diary/log.

[pianobabe56]

This sounds...interesting. What exactly is a practice log, and how could it be "invaluable?"

[BoliverAllmon]

This sounds...interesting. What exactly is a practice log, and how could it be "invaluable?"

a practice log is a notebook full of details of your practice sessions.

[pianobabe56]

and you would keep these details...because...?

[Alde]

When I was in university, I averaged about 5 to 6 hours of practicing everyday.  There was so much work to do, and not enough time during the day.  A practice log was a great way to be accountable for every activity on the piano.  You have to learn how to be very efficient.
I like to look back at my practice logs and make improvements on how I practice.  I find that now when I practice, it is very concentrated.  A two hour practice today, would probably have taken me 4 hours during my university life.
However, a practice log is not for everybody.  I needed it.