Some Statistics on My Current Progress

Summary: This page was brought to light after various people asked me how much I actually practice. I did not know at the time. Since I would like to have a clearer understanding myself about the time spent on training and practice I recorded it.

Alfred Gockel: Rhythm II

Yes, this page — or more so the idea of a log book of some sort — was born after my tutor and various people asked me how much I actually practice. Considering there was neither much of a fixed rhythm in my practice nor a set schedule of practice, I could only guess, and actually didn't have a clue. Since I would like to have a clear (at least clearer) understanding myself about the time spent on training and practice, there was no other choice, but to record it. 

Said, done! I have started tracking my practice types and times on August 18th, 2007. I started lessons and practice on June 1st, 2007. Initially almost 50 days were missing. Based on the assumption that I have practiced (at least) some 45 minutes per day I have added this daily amount to the database retrospectively.
I have — since June 1st, 2007 — practiced some 1761 hours across all practice types, and thoroughly enjoyed it. 
I hit the 1,000-hour-mark on September 22nd, 2008.

The way I enjoy practicing the piano, makes me wanting not to miss a day. I simply love it! 
I have missed 25 days of practice between June 1st, 2007 and December 31st, 2009. Oh, dear… 

The following list shows the total hours per day — over the last fortnight captured in the database — spent on all practice types:

Practice Types

So far I am tracking the following practice types:

Piano Practice

This is the time I spent in front of the piano. This time is not limited to pure practice of the pieces to learn, but also includes technical work (scales, arpeggios, Hanon exercises, Burgmüller Études, inter alia).
When I started out practicing, most of the time was spent with practicing pieces rather than technical work. Seven months later, at the end of 2007, technical work took up some 75% of the time. A further three months into practicing and I realised — based on the various research done — that this is wrong. It should be 10% technical 90% musical. In June 2007, technical work has dropped to 60%.
Read more here: How not to practice the piano.

Keyboard Practice

Huh?! Keyboard Practice? Crikey! What's the keyboard practice doing here, you my ask.  Well, I did practice a fakebook piece recently called "Besame Mucho" as part of my piano studies. I thought the chords are easier verified when using the keyboard we've got: the Yamaha Tyros 2, because it displays the chord names being played.

The number of hours will increase, though slowly, as I will continue using the keyboard for chord practice, as well as just for fun, mucking around, going through the voices and accompaniments the Tyros 2 has got. 

Piano Tuition (Lessons)

This grouping relates to tutor-facilitated Piano lessons only.

Keyboard Tuition (Lessons)

This grouping relates to tutor-facilitated Keyboard lessons only.

Music Theory

My time spent on music theory; here some of the music theory publications I use.

Note Reading Practice

This is referring to note reading exercises via software. Here 28 random notes are presented on the computer screen on a grand staff, including accidentals. Initially, I used to type the note name on the (computer) keyboard. Later on (since Nov 16th, 2007) I use my digital piano as input device — which turned out to be a much better approach, also allowing me to grasp the keyboard geometry much better. I am running 42 × 28 notes or 1,176 notes in total per session, once per day.
After almost three quarters of a year doing this dedicated note-reading excercise, I ceased doing it on Aug 28th, 2008 — moving on to sight-reading.
This section will continue to exist though, by adding time spent on interval and chord reading to it.

Sight Reading

As I stated elsewhere: I agree with Martha Beth Lewis Ph.D., that: "musicians without sight-reading skills are hampered in all they do…"
I have not yet (July 2008) started to sight read (like it is usually understood; grab a piece and play it. Of course I learn a new piece that way too… but it is bit by bit), as I felt good note reading skills are a prerequisite for the former. Sight reading basically means: being able to read notes ahead and playing them at the same time. I would love to get my wife's proficiency; she takes any fake book and simply plays page after page spot on. (Today) I think this is "scary" 
I have started sight-reading in Sep 2008.

General Knowledge

I have spent many hours on this prior to September 1st, 2007, before I started tracking this time too. It includes:

• Research and information about music, musicians and related topics
• Watching Piano Performance videos / DVDs
• Reading about piano practice, teaching methods and related topics

Ear Training

Ear training develops the basic listening skills of the music student. The term ear training refers to teaching musicians to recognise information about notes and chords just by hearing them. I am currently using various tools, one from the "Idiot's Guide to Music Theory" (I hardly use) and another called "EarPower 3.0" (from Fast&Soft) I currently use daily for 5–10 minutes, though I'd like to extend the time I am spending with it to 15–20 minutes.

Somatic Therapy

Somatic Therapy pertains to the body as a whole. There is more to piano playing than hitting keys. Playing injury-free requires tutors who understand the importance proper body movements and a proper seating position, and included these in their teachings.

Why would I need Somatic Therapy? The reasons are manifold:

1. I am lifting my shoulders when playing — not anymore, after my 2nd Alexander session (Aug 2008), and once I was aware, I noticed this habit at all sorts of occasions, be it opening an egg, typing, etc.
2. I am also interested in the whole concept of neuro-muscular reprogramming; I'd like to move, walk, sit better, etc.
3. I seem to have a — what is referred to as — "mouse arm". Something I have started to address by making changes to my work / office environments— and hope to get rid of.

Two of the disciplines that belong the Somatic Therapy group — and I have or will try — are listed below.

Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais Method — like other methods of injury prevention — is recognised for its demonstrated ability to improve posture, flexibility, coordination, self-image and to alleviate muscular tension and pain.
I have — in June 2008 — joined a Feldenkrais group, and participated in the group sessions once per week (Saturdays) for an hour until the end of July 2008.

Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique can help prevent and alleviate conditions associated with stress, tension and poor posture, e.g. muscle, joint and back pains. The Technique can aid rehabilitation after illness, injury or surgery and it can provide coping skills for chronic conditions.
I have subscribed to six individual session (starting in August 2008), and plan to report on its effect.

Gymnastics

The gymnastic routines I have embarked on are based on Seymour Fink's book and DVD: "Mastering Piano Technique". Fink's work is a Guide for Students, Teachers, and Performers, demonstrating a holistic approach to the piano based on a sound understanding of the relationship between physical function, movement and musical purpose.

I have started the exercises in late June 2008, practicing these daily while walking my dog in the morning, before going to work. I believe this is not the optimal approach! — Doing the exercises while walking, as the walking takes brain power and therefore takes the focus away from the exercises. Nevertheless, considering the time required that goes into a holistic piano education, doing things in tandem is better than not doing them at all. 

Recent Musicianship Practice Types

I try to transfer my daily records into the database once per week. The following table show the last 30 practice types.

Hours Spent on Various Practice Types over the Years

Current Year Summary

My Progress in 2010 sums up to some 26 hours across all practice types.

Past Year's Summaries

I have moved the past year's progress statistics to dedicated pages.

My Progress in 2009 sums up to some 472 hours across all practice types.

My Progress in 2008 sums up to some 851 hours across all practice types.

My Progress in 2007 sums up to some 406 hours across all practice types.

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