practice in chunks

[greyrune]

i tend to practice like an 1-2 hours a few times a day.  This means i usually get around 3-5 hours a day practice, i was wondering if it's ok to do it like this, or if it's better to sit down and practice straight for like four hours (i don't even know if i could, i've managed 3 once but that was hard enough).  How do you guys do it.  I realise most of you probably don't have the opportunity to practice like this, but i'm a student so i have lots of free time.

[xvimbi]

i tend to practice like an 1-2 hours a few times a day.  This means i usually get around 3-5 hours a day practice, i was wondering if it's ok to do it like this, or if it's better to sit down and practice straight for like four hours (i don't even know if i could, i've managed 3 once but that was hard enough).  How do you guys do it.  I realise most of you probably don't have the opportunity to practice like this, but i'm a student so i have lots of free time.

You may find that going to smaller chunks is even better. I mean anywhere from 15 - 30 minutes. The idea is to have chunks small enough to ensure you keep your full attention and concentration for the entire time. Any longer gives you a diminishing return and is essentially a waste of time. You need to find that chunk size for yourself. Take short breaks (5 minutes, or so) between chunks. Do chores, check email, stretch your neck, etc. Of course, you would still have the occasional extended chunk, and also the occasional very short chunk.

[greyrune]

that's really handy to know, i have sometimes forced myself to stay at the piano even without really doing much, from now on i'll just go do something else when i start to kind of phase out.