interesting timing....i just finished giving a mandolin lesson and we were discussing practice routines.
one of the points i was trying to make was that playing your instrument, though valuable and fun.... isn't "practicing". as i see it "practicing" is working on things that need to be worked on.
talent is obviously an important part of any equation, but what i've seen after 35 yrs of teaching is that those who have figured out HOW to practice efficiently.... and how to use their prct time wisely are the ones who make the biggest and quickest gains. and usually they're also the ones who most enjoy practicing! YMMV
Welcome to Bandmix, James.
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