Dave White - Weekly Practice Diary

Practice Journal from the last few weeks. 

Using AI to create a weekly practice plan.... While not following it to the letter, it certainly is nice to have a framework to work with that can act as a guide to keeping things fresh... 

Create a practice plan that will help me achieve 99% on my level 2 RCM Trumpet Exam, please.

ChatGPT said:

Memory updated

Here's a structured practice plan to help you achieve 99% on your Level 2 RCM Trumpet Exam. The plan includes warm-ups, technical exercises, repertoire practice, and musicianship skills.

Weekly Practice Schedule (1-2 hours per day, 6 days a week)

Daily Warm-Up (15-20 minutes)

• Long Tones: Start on low C and hold each note for 6-8 beats, gradually ascending and descending. Focus on tone quality and breath control.
• Lip Slurs: Simple flexibility exercises (C-G-C, G-C-G, etc.), gradually increasing range and speed.
• Scales & Arpeggios: Play all required major and minor scales with a metronome, focusing on even tone and accuracy.

Technical Studies (15-20 minutes)

• RCM Technical Requirements: Practice all listed scales, arpeggios, and articulation patterns (tongued, slurred, staccato).
• Clarke Studies (Book 1 - First Studies): Focus on finger dexterity and smooth transitions.
• Articulation Drills: Work on single, double, and triple tonguing exercises at a slow tempo before increasing speed.

Repertoire (30-40 minutes total)

Divide your pieces into three focus areas:

1. Note & Rhythm Accuracy (10-15 minutes)
   • Play slowly with a metronome, clapping tricky rhythms before playing.
2. Musicality & Expression (10-15 minutes)
   • Add dynamics, phrasing, and articulation.
   • Record yourself and critique your performance.
3. Performance Simulation (10 minutes)
   • Play through your pieces as if in the exam, without stopping.

Sight-Reading & Ear Training (15-20 minutes)

• Sight-Reading: Use RCM sight-reading books and SmartMusic/Metronome apps. Read a new piece daily, focusing on rhythm and articulation.
• Ear Training: Practice interval recognition, melody playback, and rhythmic dictation using apps like Tenuto or RCM Online Ear Training.

Mock Exam (Once per Week)

• Perform all required elements in exam order.
• Record and review your performance.
• Identify weak areas and adjust practice accordingly.

Would you like help with specific pieces or techniques?

You said:

Can you create a plan that will take 30 minutes a day?

ChatGPT said:

Here's a 30-minute daily practice plan designed to help you achieve 99% on your Level 2 RCM Trumpet Exam while maximizing efficiency.

Daily Practice Plan (30 Minutes)

1. Warm-Up & Fundamentals (5 Minutes)

• Long Tones (1 min): Hold notes for 6-8 beats, focusing on smooth airflow and tone.
• Lip Slurs (2 min): Simple slurs (C-G-C, G-C-G, etc.), gradually increasing speed.
• Scales & Arpeggios (2 min): Play one major and one minor scale per day (rotating) with clear articulation.

2. Technical Studies (5 Minutes)

• Work on one technical requirement per day (e.g., tongued scales, arpeggios, double tonguing, or flexibility exercises).
• Use a metronome to track progress and increase speed gradually.

3. Repertoire (15 Minutes)

Divide into three 5-minute sections:

• Notes & Rhythm Accuracy (5 min): Play slowly with a metronome, focusing on tricky sections.
• Musicality & Expression (5 min): Add dynamics, articulation, and phrasing.
• Performance Run (5 min): Play a full piece (or section) without stopping, simulating exam conditions.

4. Sight-Reading & Ear Training (5 Minutes)

• Sight-Reading (2-3 min): Play a short new passage daily.
• Ear Training (2-3 min): Practice intervals, rhythm clapping, or melody playback using an app or a piano.

Weekly Focus

• Rotate technical exercises and scales/arpeggios to ensure full coverage.
• Dedicate one day per week to a mock exam run-through (all elements in order, recorded for review).