The Art of the Day Off

One of the very first posts on the CG Blog was about The Six Day Week: taking one day off from practicing each week for rest and recuperation.

What we do when practicing and performing is intense. It’s easy to get burnt out. So here’s three things you can do on your days off to keep them musical.

1. Listen

Part of being a good musician is listening. We have to be aware of all genres and periods of art music, so it makes sense that we should listen to as much as we can.

But let me make a more specific suggestion: don’t listen to guitar music.

Check out some opera or art song. Listen to a symphony or a string quartet. Maybe even tune into a sonata for trumpet and piano. Step outside the box. Listen critically and read the liner notes.

Want more music for listening, but don’t have the budget? Check out the local library.

2. Read

Read about a music subject that interests you. If you’re into music theory, read about it! Or cruise Wikipedia for some articles about guitar composers. I personally read a lot about business and, right now, choice. I find it relates very well to music. More importantly, it makes me think. And the thinking often leads to posts on here.

If you want an overview of music history, check out a book about Great Composers.

3. Play

Just because you’re taking a day off from practicing doesn’t mean you can’t play guitar.

You can just play on your day off. Read through new works, or play old favorites. Improvise or compose something of your own. Play for the pure enjoyment of playing guitar; forget all those little trouble spots and let loose.

Just don’t fall into practicing on accident!