Can anyone recommend a physical practice journal? I spend all day on my computer and prefer to write on paper.
Really any journal should do the trick. I don’t think there are any specifically tailored for music practice. You will need to develop your own template(s), but that’s also nice
If you want it a bit more “fancy”, try the ReMarkable Paper Pro:
I don’t use a practice journal but I do like to take notes on paper. When I do, I use these, they’re 5X8 so nice and small and they’ve got a built in bookmark.
Personally, I prefer dot grid paper to all the other formats, but, as always, YMMV
I write the date on my bass buzz 3mo plan. It’s becoming a 6mo plan but at least I’m practicing almost every day even if the course has taken a little bit of a back seat.
I just love journals.
I use any and all for practice notes.
There are actually a good number of them, several purpose-built for bassists. Do a search for “bass practice journal” on Amazon and you’ll be treated to a plethora of options, one or more of which may work for you. I’ve never used one of these, but I have heard good things about the one from Dan Hawkins.
If you don’t like Amazon, a local music store that deals with school band instruments is likely to have journals for students to use, and that’d likely be another good option for you.
A third possibility is to adapt a workout journal. Gym visits and music practice have much in common, with a big one being consistency is the key to progress. Workout journals usually have spaces for what you did a particular day, what your goals are for the coming days / weeks / year, etc. It might look funny recording your scale practice under “sets and reps”, but in a way it kinda fits.
I truly love just good old Moleskines. Then again work usually buys them which is good because they are really expensive for a notebook.
I actually prefer graph paper though.
I love this thing.
I use it for everything.
Game changer.
Even have sheet music loaded up on it.
I bought my wife one last Xmas. She loves it. I prefer using my 13" ipad with a removable textured screen covering and Goodnotes.
This is my idea of a minimalist journal
A calendar. You press on the day and it lights up, everyday I practice I get a light. And I can see at a glance if I’m slacking.
I could not do a journal.
If you like Moleskine (I myself used them for years), check out Leuchtturm1917. Similar concept, better quality.
And they come in dot grid.
I’m so bad at journals, but I do recommend a good training routine, it has really helped me lately. I cannot imagine not doing this before I start working on songs:
Chromatic runs for 8 mins using 1 finger per fret, with metronome. Increase speed every 2-3 weeks.
Fretting hand speed exercises for 10 mins, also with metronome.
Circle of 4ths intervals in 3 positions.
Circle of 4ths starting on third note, playing it as triads. Last two exercises are for more fretboard knowledge.
This has really become a habit and only one day where I did not have time to practice properly, did I play without doing these exercises. It felt so wrong.
Getting a solid practice routine is so amazing. Get to it!
Ooh those look nice and are actually cheaper too.
I know it’s in German but I bought this:
If you want to design or DIY your own journal, this could be fun to look at. It has a playful vibe and I think I’ll gift it to my friend’s kids.
It says:
Weekday - total time
- What did you practice?
- What’s going particularly well?
- Are there questions or problems?
- How long have you practiced?
- Assess your progress:
Cheers,
Antonio
Dropping this link here for easy reference again in the future…thanks!
I just spent way too long on the Leuchtturm1917 page
Ooh, maybe we should make one that is like a kids advent calendar. Every time you practice you get a piece of chocolate…
Is this an app or an actual calendar?