PRACTICING WHEN YOU DON'T WANT TO

I had a very good practice today. Everything sounded generally good, fewer mistakes than normal and my wind was good. I played my Piobaireachd piece and some jigs without stopping. Then I took a break, reviewed some notes and did a set of my older tunes. Everything fell into place. This is not typical. I think most pipers live for their magical practices and performances, few and far between though they are.

My practices vary widely from "really good" to "absolutely horrible". I have had practices when I was tempted to throw my whole kit into the trash and pick up a new instrument, like a tambourine or one of those egg shakers or something. Just when I think I shall always languish in mediocrity, I have another good practice that energizes me again. Here is my tip for the day:

Practice even when you don't want to. Sometimes it is when you are feeling your worst, that you will play your best.