The

PRACTICE
JOURNAL
Your own little practice companion that will
make you a better, happier musician.

Created by
Eddy Chen and Brett Yang
 Copyright © 2016 Eddy Chen and Brett Yang To all the musicians and artists out there.
All rights reserved. Never give up on your dreams.

Published by Eddy Chen and Brett Yang

No part of this publication may be reproduced, or distributed,

or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or
by any means, including photographing, recording, or other
electronic or mechanical methods, without express written
permission of the publisher.

For information about permission to reproduce selections

from this book, e-mail
[email protected]

Visit our web site at www.thepracticejournal.com

DISCLAIMER

While the authors have used their best efforts in preparing

this book, there are no warranties, express or implied, about
the accuracy, suitability or completeness of the contents
of this book. The information in the book is meant to
supplement, not replace, proper musical tuition. The advice
and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your
situation. You should consult with a professional or teacher
where appropriate.
The Dreaded ‘P’
Word
Practice is essential for anyone who wishes to master
a musical instrument. Research has shown that on
average, 10,000 hours of QUALITY practice is required
to achieve mastery for any skill.1

The problem lies in the ‘quality practice’. Too often we

Without Music, Life would be

allow ourselves to be distracted. We don’t know what
to focus on, and get bored or overwhelmed easily. In

a Mistake.
the worst cases, we begin to dread practice, enduring it
only because our teachers told us to.

This journal was designed with two goals in mind: to - Freidrich Nietzsche
help optimise the quality of our practice, and to make
practice fun and enjoyable.

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5 Reasons to Use
4 Playing a musical instrument might not always
be easy, but it should always be fun! We’ve

this Journal Daily included a variety of motivational quotes in this journal,

including some of our own... Like always, we want
to remind you that it’s okay to have fun and not take

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yourself too seriously!
Legendary violinist Jascha Heifetz rarely practiced
over 3 hours a day on average.2 When it comes to
practice: quality beats quantity. This journal will help
prime your mind for focused, effective practice. This
5 This journal will serve as an autobiography of
your practice life. The slow nature of progress
can sometimes be discouraging. Most people
means more progress in less time!
overestimate what they can achieve in a month, but

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vastly underestimate what they can achieve in a year of
Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly
consistent action. By going over old journal entries, you
do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit”. In
can better appreciate how much you have improved.
order to reap the real benefits of using this journal, make
Likewise, you will be able to learn from your past by
a habit of writing in it every time you practice! We have
spotting patterns and breakthrough moments.
made this journal as easy to use as possible, so even if
you are not used to journalling, you will have no excuse
not to use it!

3 The questions in the journal are derived from

principles of behavioural psychology. Answering
them daily will empower you with confidence,
appreciation and motivation, even when the practice gets
tough.

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 DATE ____ /____ /________

Today’s practice goals

QUICK GUIDE
1. _______________________________________________
Use my Practice Journal! Today's Practice Goals
2. _______________________________________________
Focus on good tone projection Begin each day's practice by writing down three practice
goals. Doing so will help you articulate exactly what you
3. _______________________________________________
Memorise first page of Mozart Concerto
should be focusing on.

Notes Today’s practice goals

Practice 1 hour - including 15 minutes of scales
1. _______________________________________________
Mozart Bars 15-17 the string crossings are not Focus on good tone projection
2. _______________________________________________
clear. Metrenome Practice up to 75bpm
3. _______________________________________________

Tone projection improved when I made sure the Notes

contact point was consistent and closer to the When you practice, your mind forms an extraordinary
bridge than I’m used to. amount of observations, connections and questions. Write
these down so you do not forget them.
Right hand pinky is tight, makes it harder to
control sound.
Notes
Ask teacher about how to achieve an even
spiccato. Mozart Bars 15-17 the string crossings are not
clear.

Tone projection improved when I made sure the

What did I do well in today's practice? contact point was consistent and closer to the
_______________________________________________
I managed to maintain better projection today bridge than I’m used to.
_______________________________________________
Semiquaver passage was fluid and legato Right hand pinky is tight, makes it harder to
control sound.
What can I improve on tomorrow?
Ask teacher about how to achieve an even
_______________________________________________
Be aware of tension in my pinky and string crossings spiccato.
_______________________________________________
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 DATE ____ /____ /________
Reflection
At the end of each practice session, write down at least
one positive aspect of your practice. This is important for Today’s practice goals
maintaining motivation and passion during times when 1. _______________________________________________
progress seems tough or non-existent. 2. _______________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________
What did I do well in today's practice?
I managed to maintain better projection today
_______________________________________________ Notes
Semiquaver passage was fluid and legato
_______________________________________________
I trust the weakest pen more than the
After some positive reflection, it’s time to consider how strongest memory, and note taking
today’s practice session could have been improved. Make
sure to frame it in a positive and actionable way!
is—in my experience—one of the
most important skills for converting
What can I improve on tomorrow?
Be aware of tension in my pinky
_______________________________________________
excessive information into precise
and string crossings
_______________________________________________ action and follow-up.
- Tim Ferriss
What did I do well in today's practice?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

What can I improve on tomorrow?

_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
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 DATE ____ /____ /________ DATE ____ /____ /________

Today’s practice goals Today’s practice goals

1. _______________________________________________ 1. _______________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________

Notes Notes

What did I do well in today's practice? What did I do well in today's practice?
_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

What can I improve on tomorrow? What can I improve on tomorrow?

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
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 DATE ____ /____ /________ DATE ____ /____ /________

Today’s practice goals Today’s practice goals

1. _______________________________________________ 1. _______________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________

Notes Notes

What did I do well in today's practice? What did I do well in today's practice?
_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________

What can I improve on tomorrow? What can I improve on tomorrow?

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________
14 15
 DATE ____ /____ /________
In the Full
Today’s practice goals
1. _______________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________
Practice Journal
3. _______________________________________________
• A greatly expanded introduction which delves deeply
into the psychology of optimal practice and accelerated
Notes learning. The information is drawn from scientific
research, expert opinions and personal experiences.
• Exclusive chapter featuring quotes and thoughts on
practice from world-class soloists and pedagogues.
• Fun and inspirational quotes to motivate you and
give you refreshing perspectives on music, practice and
life.
• Linen bound hardcover
• 200 pages of combined material.

Order at
www.thepracticejournal.com

What did I do well in today's practice? For bulk orders of 10+ journals, click:
_______________________________________________ www.thepracticejournal.com/bulkorders
_______________________________________________
For additional questions, email:
[email protected]
What can I improve on tomorrow?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
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