January 2nd. - the second day of my latest practice diary.

 I practised both double bass and violin yesterday and I was very specific about what I practised - I wrote it down.

That's not me. I'm
left handed.

I have been keeping a record of my practice hours for many, many years - well over thirty.

Does it help?

Well, it does for me. In 2024 I decided to stop this practice. I lasted until August. You can't lie about how much practice you've done when you keep an accurate record. 

However, the important thing is what you do in your practice time. Are you just watching the clock?

It is important to have a goal for each practice session. Yesterday I started with the double bass.

I thought about what was the most important thing, after tone and intonation, to practise on the double bass. Robert said something to the effect that the double bass wasn't really a melodic instrument. I decided that I would take my book of bass melodies that I had written over many years and practise some of them with a metronome. I didn't just play the melodies, I actually spent more time on the chord progressions. I played pizzicato and decided that I should do this every day. Then I picked up my bow and worked on a movement from one of the Bach cello suites - playing in the range that it was written for the cello. 

Later in the day, I picked up my violin.

I thought about tone production before I began, and I ran through my major scales. Then I practised chords in different keys. To finish off, I played some major scales in thirds and sixths. Then I worked on my solo version of The Orange Blossom Special. 

That was a thoughtful day's practice. Now my job is to do it again today.

I bet that the boys (Peter and Robert) are enjoying reading this.

"I'd rather bite my lip than read this."

"I'd rather distribute rainbow flags
than sit through a double bass
attempt at a melody."

Ungrateful buggers!

Well, practice won't do itself. I think I'll start my double bass practice with a tune of mine called 'Autumn Left'. That name is a pun on 'Autumn Leaves' and the tune uses the same chords. I'll also continue working on the Bach. I think The Orange Blossom Special could use a bit more practice today, but I'll try to also get in some time on Sally Goodin'.

Ciao tutti.