I am going to need plenty, and it has never been my strong point. So I need a plan, above all one I can stick to. I have seen enough, and paid enough attention in my day job writing software, to know that the only way to attack a huge task is to break it down into smaller chunks. So, initially, I will only look at the first 6 of the 12 studies. And see how it goes.
How much will I be able to practise? It would be silly to commit myself to too much, until I know it’s working. I know, I was taught, I’ve read, and I’ve worked out for myself, that the key to progress on a musical instrument is not the raw amount of practice you do, but the intelligence you apply to the activity of practising; good musicians are musicians who are good at practising, but that’s not the same as practising a lot. That is a relief – I’m no masochist.
So, my first aim is to work out the smart way to practise. If every time I practise I improve, then it’s only a matter of time.