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Halfway through 2011 and I've played every day. I've accomplished more "playing" than ever before allowing myself to enjoy sight reading as never before. I'm logging my hours on a couple of pieces are learning what it takes to really fine tune a performance piece. What a joy! Only a few days have been "you MUST play today" days.

Just wanted to pop in and say I'm still in still playing everyday, though lately my minimum playing time went from around an hour to about 20 minutes. So many things in the day to do, I hardly have time to play as much. I just have one question, is it true that sometimes you have to take a break, as in maybe a day, away from practice to keep it fresh or is it just breaks in between practicing?

Wisebuff, I know what you mean. I rarely have those "must play" days. The rest is just pure pleasure.
I don't log my hours, I tried it for a bit but it didn't really do anything for me. Maybe at some point in the future I'll find it useful.

Banon07 - Schedules change - some days we just don't have that full hour to play. In fact I rarely sit and play for an hour, I take a lot of breaks - short breaks but I take them. I generally don't play more than half an hour without pausing for a bit.

As for theories on taking days off or breaks in practicing. I think that there is no harm in taking a few days off, if you've been working hard - (well, seriously, for most of us it doesn't matter if we've been working hard or not, a few days off isn't going to do any damage). I think what some people have to watch out for is that the day, or couple of days doesn't extend and become a longer stretch.

There are times when I consider taking a week off, but then I know I'd miss it too much.

I think once I'm at a higher level I might back off a bit...but then again, maybe not.

My piano teacher is a brilliant musician and a wonderful friend. This year she turns 80 years old or should I say young because she is vibrant, beautiful and sharp as ever. Music is her joy and she shares that with young students and with a group of adult students. We all consider her family. Because her home is small she asked me to host her party and party we did. Over 60 people came from all over the country to celebrate. With the decorating, food preparation, guest management etc I was busy from early morning to late night all weekend. I did play on Saturday but on Sunday (party day) the piano belonged to Marian and we enjoyed every moment of her. A day devoted to piano but not one on which I played.

Wisebuff, that's one of the best reasons I can think of for missing a day - you're "back on the wagon" with laurels and honours.

Thanks Casinitaly
The warm support is very much appreciated. Forums are a different kind of communication. Sometimes you can feel like a non-person if no one responds. You're very good at making us feel noticed.

Aw, thanks Wisebuff.

I try. I usually do the MOYD updates first thing in the morning, so I don't always have time to make comments before I head out for work, but I try.
I know that sensation of "um, is anyone listening to me?"...and it isn't fun.

This is one of those rare days when MOYD is the only reason I'm going to play.

It's 11:30 at night and 91 degrees with 65% humidity in the house. I was supposed to have my piano tuned this evening, but it was so hot, I told my tech we could reschedule if he wanted. He was quite happy to cancel. And I'm hot and sweaty and cranky. *blah*

I have to go on the excused list from yesterday 7/23 till next Saturday. We're on vacation for the week and my wild dreams of finding a piano in our rental that they had forgotten to mention haven't come true!

Have a safe trip, Andy!

I would like to join this if possible! I'm a beginners piano player, in its literal meaning. I bought a digital piano recently (Yamaha P155) about a month ago and I've been playing non-stop. I'm watching instructional videos and progressing from there (I will soon get a tutor, the instructional videos are more for Theory as opposed to finger work). I've played a little bit of the piano accordion when I was young with lessons so I'm a bit familiar technique and fingering.

Tell you how devoted I am, I'm currently fighting a cold or flu and I just practiced for 3 hours today =).

My goal: play classical music (Rachmaninoff prelude C minor sharp). Get RCM grade 10 (obviously not by the end of year) in the years to come.

I may sound like all those beginners who end up giving up and not even reach in level 8, but let me prove you wrong =).

Andy - have a good time (well, as good as possible, without a piano )

Deviatorz - Welcome! It is always a pleasure to have a new person join with such great enthusiasm!

I'll give it a go. Just started playing, thought it'd be a good combo with years of choral singing. Everyday practice ought to get me up to speed soon.

Yikes! Just made it today. I taught all morning then had to write end of term reports, then had to dash out to more lessons. I was going to play the piano at the school but my students showed up early and it didn't seem appropriate.

We went out for a pizza after the lesson and I didn't get home til after 11 pm. Thank goodness for the Silent feature!
I really did not want to fall off the wagon!

Glad to hear you made it!

DAG;
I am off the wagon...missed playing on my birthday!
Oh well, will still stay consistent the rest of the year!
-audrey

Going through one of those "no audible progress" periods, but still playing every day, even if it's only 10 minutes of scales -- MYOD is a great motivator.

Before I get too caught up in preparations and forget, I wanted to let you know that I have to go on the excused list from September 8 to October 4 inclusive. I'll be travelling and not have access to a piano.

I'm back in the land of the living ... or, to be more accurate, back with my piano. I had a great vacation but I couldn't wait to play my piano again. Just had my first practice and it was great!

Welcome back. Your piano missed you, too.