How to use the Pomodoro Technique in the Practice Room
If you’ve never heard of the Pomodoro Technique, it’s a time management skill used by people around the world. This technique utilizes specifically timed intervals (traditionally 25 minutes) called pomodoros, which is the Italian word for tomato. Why tomato? This is the design of the kitchen timer Pomodoro Technique creator Francesco Cirillo used while in university.
During each pomodoro, you focus your attention to work on one task. Once the time is up, you move on to another task. After completing a few pomodoros, you are allowed to take a break. There are many more specific rules which you can discover on the official Pomodoro Technique website.
The reason that this technique is so successful is that it aims to establish flow and focus and avoid external interruptions. Many highly successful people in a variety of fields use this technique and have high praise for the results.
So, how can the Pomodoro Technique help you in the practice room?
If you struggle with successfully structuring your practice routine or meandering aimlessly among various repertoire, the Pomodoro Technique can help you gain focus and provide an organized approach to practicing.
Here is an example of what this can look like in the practice room (each item listed is a pomodoro):
- stretching, long tones, and slow scales
- technique
- articulation
- repertoire #1
- repertoire #2
- (add additional sections as necessary)
Traditionally, each pomodoro is 25 minutes, but you are free to adjust the time to better suit your practicing needs. You can also decide whether or not you want to use this technique throughout the entirety of your practice routine or just to work on specific pieces or sections.
Although I have known about the Pomodoro Technique for quite some time, I have only recently started experimenting with using it during my practice sessions. I’ll keep you updated on how it works and what I learn! In the meantime, what do you think of using the Pomodoro Technique for practicing more effectively?