I have been reading these. It seems to me that something that is forgotten, and I mention it so guests reading these posts don't say, "That is way more time than I have to devote to learning my instrument," and just toss it.

I think how much time spent depends on a lot of factors and there is no one shoe fits all. Does it matter how much time some professional practices? I don't really think so. What matters is, your goals, the time you have so as not to take away from something else, thereby, lessening the enjoyment of it because there is something else you should do or enjoy doing that no longer is able to be done, enjoying it, etc.

Everyone has different goals. Maybe they just want to learn to be able to play it to their own enjoyment, absolutely nothing wrong with that. Maybe, they do not have 3-4 or more hours everyday. Nothing wrong with that. Do it whenever you feel you can and can do it while enjoying it.

I think that comparing your schedule to others is not, necessarily, conducive to the instrumentalist enjoying their instrument. It all depends on their own goals, their available time, and personal preference.

So, I would not be overly concerned with these sessions that take up too much of a person's day. In the grand scheme of things, if you are doing this for enjoyment and not planning to do it professionally, enjoy the practice and playing time with a schedule, or even not a rigid schedule, that suits you, and gets you to where you want to be.

I have nothing against the rigid schedules above, but I do think that readers need to realize that they are lofty goals by few people, in the grand scheme of things. Terrific if you can do it and enjoy it, but I think individual needs and life situations need to be taken into consideration. Trying to make other people's goals, routines, etc, not really suited for most everyone else, your goals, routines, etc, in my opinion, will only put up a road block of "not being able to do that", in many people's mindset who are not out to be professionals. Many can learn to play very well for their own enjoyment and satisfaction without 3-4 or more hours, putting the rest of your life aside.

Just a thought. I think we should live up to our own expectations and goals. I am not saying that if you enjoy the push, etc, that you are wrong. Like I said, one shoe does not fit all, and this is just another shoe size. Also, knowing others' routines can help you build your own, if you base it on a routine of like goals, and, if possible, like circumstances. So, just another look for those looking for self enjoyment and not professional.

I hope I said this right. Still fighting the pain. I was trying to hold back with any posting because of maybe not thinking clearly at the moment, but I wanted to present a thought for the learner with non-professional aspirations. I just kept thinking this as I read the posts, and finally decided to reply. If I stepped on a toe, was seriously unintentional. Was not meant to debate the rigorous routines, just to show other alternatives for a lighter routines can be used, if applicable to you.