Students
from "The Art Of Practicing"
Debby Cox
(guitarist/composer/
California Jazz Conservatory student)
Thank you for this powerful class. The two biggest issues I came into it with — getting started and staying focused — were addressed head on. Both the quantity and the quality of my practicing improved so much from this workshop, especially how to take apart small troublesome sections and practice them very slowly. The combination of lectures, breakout rooms, having a practice buddy between sessions and Master Classes really worked for me. And I especially loved your Master Class, demonstrating how a pro musician applies the principles we were given.
Amber Lee
(touring performer/recording artist/
composer/teacher)
Your workshop really kicked my practicing into gear! I now have a method for designing and accounting for my practice sessions, and feel braver about taking on styles and pieces that have been missing in my repertoire.
James Feng
(pianist/composer)
This workshop completely changed my perspective on what goes into skill acquisition in music, and life in general. You've made me realize that practicing is not only an art, but a science as well. The concepts you introduced — drip irrigation vs. flood management, The 3 Cs, The 3 Ss, different kinds of practice logs, among others — have already changed the way that I practice.
The Master Classes really opened my eyes to the notion that even though people of different skill levels practice different things, efficient and creative practicing is truly universal. I’ve never seen this demonstrated anywhere else . . .
Niko Eng
(keyboardist/vocalist/composer)
This workshop helped me see practicing as an evolving art and helped take my music to the next level. I saw the common struggles that musicians of all different levels face in their practicing and learned about the tendencies of the subconscious mind (e.g. "End Gaming") that can hinder efficient practice.
Jimena C.
(pianist/violinist/composer)
This workshop made me aware of how important scheduling my practicing was and how to create an effective practice routine. The sheer variety of practice logs that were presented was great because it addressed so many different peoples’ interests. I also loved our ZOOM Breakout Rooms! They really helped the material sink in, and opened me up to alternative perspectives on the material that I had not considered.
Because teachers typically assume students already know how to practice efficiently, it tends to be a topic most students are in the dark about. That is why it was really nice to have a safe space to talk about practicing challenges — the struggles, how to deal with procrastination, etc.
Andrei Secor
(pianist)
This workshop really helped me with my biggest issue regarding practicing, which is getting started. I can't pinpoint what exactly changed, but I find myself able to practice more since the workshop. Michael's Master Classes highlighted different ways to practice more efficiently, so I now have an easier time breaking down technical difficulties. Another thing that stuck with me is the idea of Artistic Relationship Containers: it helps explain and analyze some of my otherwise strange habits around practicing. I definitely feel more self-aware about what is going through my mind both before and while I practice now, which helps me to create a simpler practicing environment.
Sterling Johnson
(award-wining bubble artist)
I am a bubble performer, and in a room of mostly musicians, almost everything Michael said applied to me as much as to musicians. Michael asks probing questions; he listens; and he speaks clear wisdom. He offers simple (but not necessarily easy) ways to approach the common problems we all have in perfecting our art. What a gift this class is!
Janet Riley
(vocalist/violinist)
Thank you! Thank you! My practice is re-energized. I've shifted my practice time to the morning, and it's a much different experience. It's a rush to complete something important for myself before even leaving the house. Makes me happy all day.
William Wright, MA
(Director, The Creative Union)
The Art of Practicing workshop gave me powerful tools to enhance my artistic process. In a short amount of time, Michael was able to take me through a very concrete process which brought about measurable changes in my feelings, perceptions, and behaviors for my art. His workshop helped me to clarify my artistic values and gave me many techniques to improve my self-discipline and my productivity. And he did it all efficiently, and, with great humor.
Ron W.
(pianist)
Alternating between the theoretical/psychological and nuts ‘n bolts practical tools really worked for me. Looking at our own personal practice issues in the group allowed me to see how universal they were.
Kathy D.
(pianist/writer)
The discussion on practice distractions and the concept of 'completion' versus 'finishing' was invaluable . . .
Tami Brooke
(vocalist/songwriter)
So Thank You, for bringing your style, your silliness, and your expertise to this world. It has touched me deeply and makes me joyful to have experienced your class.
Andrew Watt
(published poet/teacher)
Michael Smolens brings together creativity and productivity in his workshop, the Art of Practicing. First separating our negative connotations of 'practice' from the artist's mental process, he encourages the creation of a new mythology around practice — one rooted in reverence for the creative life, honor for the artist's work, and the inherent dignity of play. He captured the essence of what I feel about my writing, and I returned to my writing desk with renewed vigor as a result of my work with him.