Five Easy Pieces + The Fab 4 = Resolution #9

As someone who has been playing Guitar Hero World Tour (GHWT) on the Wii for a year or so now, and as a musician,I do wonder whether I am making good use of my time when I play the Wii game. Like many folks I bet, as I got good on the game, I wondered if my playing of the real guitar was better, as I hadn't picked it up in a while. I can say that GHWT does nothing for developing calluses and the grip stregth for barre chords. Still, I did pull out the guitar this summer and thought, "Oh yeah, I can play this thing. Remember?" But I do think my musical skills help me at GHWT. Great.

I am also a bassoonist, but I don't need too much additional motivation/bribery to play that instrument as I have regular opportunities to perform throughout the year. The thing niggling at me, like a splinter in my mind, as Neo would say, is the piano. I am actually a fairly skilled if nervous pianist. I love to play. I almost never do. Since I have been playing the bassoon and singing in a choir for years now, my piano playing when I DO it, is better and better, and I finally know how to really practice. But I don't play enough. So, here's my deal.

I thought it would be fun to try the Beatles Rock Band game for the Wii when it comes out. Like I have all this free time as a school teacher besides. And I wanted to finish some piano pieces I have in various stages of completion and maybe pick up some new ones. Hence the Five Easy Pieces.

My pact: I have to practice the piano mindfully for 15 minutes (15 minutes of mindful > 30 minutes of goofing around on it, believe me.) Then I get to play the Wii game. I have not come up with a timeframe for the game yet. And no, it doesn't have to be daily, although I will have to schedule it somehow.

The next post will be about the Five Easy Pieces, what they are and what I mean by their being "Five Easy Pieces", but my Resolution 9 comes from the equation outlining the relationship between my piao goals and the Wii Beatles game. And it must be at least the 9th time I have resolved to play the piano more. And who doesn't like a pun. I know I do.