Learn to play by not playing

I suppose you think that you learn to play by playing! Well, do you learn to say the right things by talking all the time? Let's take a look at the art of not playing on your instrument...

How can you learn to play an instrument by not playing? Is it really possible to develop as a musician without touching the instrument?

In weight training it is an established fact that muscle growth takes place during rest, for example when you sleep. It doesn’t mean that you will become a famous muscle builder by sleeping. Sleeping is just a part of the overall picture called muscle growth.

A good instrumentalist is also a good musician. A good musician can convey his musical emotions to somebody else and this ability takes more than just practicing moving the fingers on your instrument.

What can you do then to become a better player and musician? Here are a few suggestions:

1. If you play classical music, get into the habit of often reading sheet music without your instrument. This practice gives you training in the art of hearing the sheet music in your head and also gives you a better chance to really learn notational symbols in the music and rhythmic subtleties.
2. Take a week off from your playing every now and then and use all your musical energy listening to good music. Learn to spot musical and artistic heights in the music. Listen to all types of instrumentalists. With concentration. If you feel and enjoy musical and artistic expressions in the music they will probably be implemented in your own playing sooner or later.
3. Be a good musical friend by helping somebody else to play. It will help you become more unselfish and like people more. Well, maybe you already like people sufficiently but to learn to like people is part of our development as musicians as we convey of ourselves to others when we play.
4. Prepare your body and mind for playing guitar by learning the art of relaxation and stretching your muscles. You can of course find articles on these subjects on the net. Performing in a relaxed manner will help you enjoy your own music and these feeling will help your public to relax and enjoy your music too.
5. Take time to ponder about what playing music means to you. Is there something that you would like to develop in your playing that will give you more joy and happiness. Set a realistic goal and write down what you can do every week to accomplish that goal.
   

I believe in practicing of course and I hope that this pieces of advice will increase your love for your instrument and the art of playing and giving musical joy to others!