Today’s tool
The musical goal pyramid
Assignment: Create a musical goal pyramid. Write down one 30-day goal, four weekly mini-goals, and today’s specific practice target.
Start with your 30-day challenge goal at the top of your pyramid (perhaps “perform a piece confidently from memory”). Then work backwards: what do you need to accomplish each week to reach that goal? Break those weekly goals into daily tasks. For example, week 1 might be “learn the first page,” which breaks into daily goals like “master measures 1–8 perfectly.” This reverse-engineering approach ensures that every practice session has a clear purpose and that your daily work actually contributes to your long term goal. Write your pyramid down and post it where you’ll see it every day.
Learn more:
The Practice Goal Pyramid, with Jaymee Haefner
Learn about the importance of bite-size goals in this lessons from Harp Column Academy master teacher Jaymee Haefner.
Music ideas:
Eira Lynn Jones Pick and Mix series is chock full of warm-up exercises for all levels.
Pick and Mix 1—Warm-Up Exercises for All Harpists, by Eira Lynn Jones
Eira Lynn Jones’ Pick & and Mix 1 ~ Warm-Up Exercises for All Harpists is for the advanced beginner lever or pedal harpist. This book guides harpists through warm-up exercises from finger exercises, to modes, rhythms, and more! Beginners will strengthen their fingers and develop a rich tone, while advanced harpists can use this book as a way to reinforce technique!
Pick and Mix 2—Technical Exercises for Harpists, by Eira Lynn Jones
This book guides harpists through exercises for finger patterns, warming up, scales, arpeggios and rolled chords. Also included are useful French terms, practice thoughts, and more!