Focusing on Continuous Progress​
​Learning an instrument while wearing a cast or recovering from an injury may feel daunting, but there are several ways to maintain and even enhance your musical skills during a healthy healing process. With a touch of determination and a willingness to explore new ideas and techniques, nothing can stop your musical journey!​

​Some skills your student can work on without playing an instrument: 

• Rhythm and Note Reading - Develop your sense of rhythm by practicing challenging examples, or get faster identifying notes, intervals, and chords.

• Ear Training -  Identify different pitches and intervals to help tuning, recognize common chords and their qualities (major, minor, diminished), transcribe simple melodies by ear, or practice sight singing. Learning to hear music without seeing it is a critical part of being a musician! 

• Music Theory - Learn the basics of music theory, including scales, chords, and key signatures, or explore more advanced concepts like harmony, counterpoint, and modulation.

• Music Composition - Put your music theory knowledge to work and challenge yourself to write an original song! All professional musicians practice music composition, whether for their next album or for a classical cadenza. 
• Critical Listening - Listen to recordings, paying close attention to the nuances of different performers. Analyze the interpretations, dynamics, and phrasing to gain a deeper understanding of musical expression.

• Music Expression - Evaluate the music you are working on to practice adding appropriate dynamics, phrasing, ornamentation, and other expressive elements to take your playing to the next level. 

Ways to continue practicing with your instrument: 

Piano / Keyboard

• ​​​​Explore music that is written for a single hand. Many composers have created pieces specifically for the left or right hand alone.
• Build improvisation skills, playing one-handed motifs.
• Focus on developing your pedal technique, which is an essential skill for pianists.
• Learn about keyboard harmony and chord progressions. You can play chords and harmonies with one hand, creating a full sound.
• Practice one-handed scales and arpeggios, and build confidence in every key signature.

Guitar

• ​Develop one-handed techniques: tapping, hammer-ons, pull-offs, etc.
• Practice simple melodies or single-note lines that can be played with one hand.
• Focus on finger-style playing, emphasizing the use of your right hand to pluck or strum the strings.
• ​Explore open tunings, where the guitar is tuned to a chord, making it easier to play without intricate fretting. Common open tunings include Open G or Open D.
• Focus on learning different strum patterns or picking accuracy without needed to fret chords.

Violin / Viola / Cello

• If your bowing hand is limited, you can still work on left-hand technique, finger placement, and intonation. Use this time to strengthen your left hand and improve your finger dexterity.​
• Practice fingering scales and arpeggios, and learn new notes on the strings. 
• Improve your tone with a series of down bows and up bows, working on control. 
• Take advantage of open strings and play arrangements without the need for finger placement.

Woodwinds / Brass

• Focus on exercises that involve only the mouthpiece. This can help you maintain embouchure strength and control even if you can't play the full instrument.
• Use breathing exercises to build strength and increase efficiency when playing. Certain instruments can incorporate extended techniques, such as circular breathing or flutter-tonguing. 
• Invest in an instrument support, which can alleviate the weight of the instrument and make playing more comfortable. 

Drums / Percussion

• ​Play single-handed drum patterns, concentrating on rudiments and stick control exercises.
• Experiment with playing drums using mallets or brushes instead of traditional drumsticks. This can offer a different sound and be gentler on your hands.
• Utilize your feet to compensate for the lack of hand mobility. You can use a bass drum pedal, hi-hat pedal, and other foot-operated percussion instruments.
• Explore a new percussive instrument, such as marimba, congas, or tambourine. 

Remember to consult with your healthcare professional to ensure a healthy healing process. Adapting to playing may take time and patience, so be open to the learning process and enjoy the musical journey in a different way during this period. Our dedicated instructors are committed to supporting your progress, and they can provide additional insights to help you make the most out of this time. Ask your teacher for more personalized strategies to advance in your lessons and enhance your practice at home.​

​See you at your next lesson!