The concept of "The Art of Laziness" by Janne Kontala challenges traditional ideas about productivity, suggesting that efficiency and effectiveness are often more valuable than mere hard work. At Wake and District Pipe Band, we’re always looking for ways to apply efficiency, so we decided to explore how the principles of "laziness" might actually help our musicians reach higher levels of skill, creativity, and, most importantly, enjoyment.
Embracing Efficiency Over Excess Effort
Just as in Kontala's book, the goal isn’t to do less for the sake of laziness but to be mindful of where we’re putting our effort. In pipe bands, musicians often fall into routines that involve endless practice hours without stopping to ask if there’s a better way. By focusing on intentional practice and targeted improvements, we can maximize our impact without burning out.
Tip 1: Practice with Purpose
The difference between effective practice and endless practice is intention. Rather than running through every tune in your set list multiple times, take a more "lazy" approach: identify specific spots where you stumble, where your fingers hesitate, or where a rhythm needs more polish. Focus just on these segments until they flow smoothly. Not only does this cut down on time, but it also makes practice more satisfying and less of a chore.
Tip 2: Use Tools That Do Some of the Work
There’s no shame in using a tuner, metronome, or recording device to help you fine-tune your performance. These tools allow you to rely on feedback rather than guesswork. Instead of spending hours trying to “feel” whether you’re in tune, a simple tuner check can tell you exactly where you need to adjust. This strategy of using tools to support your effort is exactly in line with Kontala’s message that a smart, “lazy” approach can yield better results.
Tip 3: Set Realistic Goals and Take Breaks
We’ve all seen that bandmate who seems to practice nonstop, rarely taking a break. While that dedication is admirable, it’s also a fast track to burnout. Breaks are vital for any musician. The mind consolidates information during rest, so those minutes away from the practice chanter or drum pad are just as important as the minutes spent with it. In other words, sometimes "doing less" actually means doing more in the long run.
Collaboration: Getting the Most Out of the Group
One of the best ways to streamline our efforts as a band is to lean into each other’s strengths. This "lazy" approach means we’re not duplicating efforts but instead focusing on what each of us does best. Are you particularly good at keeping time? Take a leadership role in rhythm sections. Are you great at fine-tuning pitch? Share your expertise with those around you. This distribution of responsibilities fosters a collaborative environment where everyone is giving their best, without anyone feeling like they’re carrying the whole weight.
Celebrating the Results: Quality Over Quantity
At Wake and District, we’ve learned that when we adopt a mindful, efficient approach, the quality of our music improves. Instead of cramming in practice hours, we’re perfecting our performance and preserving our passion for the art. It’s not about being lazy; it’s about working smarter, not harder. We challenge everyone to take a page out of "The Art of Laziness" and find their own ways to bring efficiency, focus, and enjoyment into the craft.
After all, the joy of piping and drumming isn’t just in the sound—it’s in the journey, too.
* the Piper pictured, Chris Stockton is not lazy at all. In fact, he bodies the complete opposite of laziness. Be like Chris!
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