Free Download: February Inspiration Calendar
Happy February! I am excited to share a new resource to boost your inspiration in the new month! If you're looking to have more breakthroughs by changing up your practice behaviors, this is for you. The Monthly Inspiration Calendar for Musicians disperses ideas or actions towards inspiration throughout the 28 days of February, and I have personally utilized these actions to great success any time I have needed help getting out of a rut. (Consider these the "Small Jolts" mentioned in the post on Replacing Guilt with Inspiration.)
How to Use It
- While this is not a practice calendar, there are several actions that are to be implemented directly into your practice session, such as the Practice Intention ideas.
- There's no need to do every action in the order specified. If you're one to print out calendars like this one, then stop using them after one day if you haven't done everything as listed perfectly, here's permission to use it however you'd like!
- Half the days are intentionally left blank, and you're encouraged to fill them in with actions that are very specific to your own personal sources of inspiration or goals.
- The first action involves reviewing your goals, and writing them specifically in the space at the top. See my example below!
Setting Your Monthly Goals
Take a moment to reflect and check-in on goals, experiences, and behaviors, ask: "Am I on track with my overall goals? Are my behaviors reflective of what I wish to accomplish in the short and long-term? What have I observed in myself that I wish to change?
Here are my own:
Observations
In the past month, I have had a positive experience with recording Altes etude #2. I am learning to stay focused, pacing myself while recording these etudes. I have thought about the balance between making an effort musically without falling apart before completing.
Many times, I felt quite closed or without flexibility. I realize that I have not been breathing fully and efficiently, and the video camera (and long etude ahead) have me closing in and overthinking my movements. I also notice that my articulations are not always as clear as I'd like when listening back.
Changes to Make
In recording etudes, I feel that I can play more musically through making greater preparations and outlining intentions for each and every moment, avoiding questions and doubts creeping in that take me out of the moment.
I have the resources to remember efficient breathing as I once did, and can spend more time moving and in constructive rest, noticing the involvement of the legs and balance in breathing.
Goals
- Prepare Etude of the Week etudes carefully, including every breath mark and specific notes on dynamics and mood.
- Implement a daily constructive rest habit to check in with the movements of breathing, translating them into my practice session.
- Practice Intention: Allow the ribs to move upon inhalation, and maintain buoyancy upon exhalation.
Calendar
Without further ado, here is your Inspiration Calendar! Click the image or click the button below to download your free PDF!
CORRESPONDING LINKS
- February 3rd: The Art of Freedom for Musicians: Foolproof Guide
- February 5th: Guided Constructive Rest Audio Listing
- February 9th: Musicians' Way Practice Assessment
- February 13th: The Treasures Hidden in Mistakes
I would love to see your calendars in action! Use the hashtag #practiceroomrevelations and tag @JoleneFlute so I can share in the excitement!
Happy Practicing!