woodshedding

Verb

woodshed (third-person singular simple present woodsheds, present participle woodshedding, simple past and past participle woodshedded)

1. (slang) To practice or rehearse using a musical instrument.
   • Recently, I have taken up the double bass again, but because time and neglect erode ability, calluses turn soft, and muscle memory fades, I need to woodshed (practice) to get back into shape and build up my chops.1999 June, Al Stevens, “Jukebox: Covering the Basses”, in Dr. Dobb's Journal, volume 24, number 6, San Francisco, Calif.: Miller Freeman, Inc., →ISSN, page 115
2. (slang) To practice or rehearse a script.
   • In previous chapters, I've covered many ways to woodshed a script and dozens of techniques for bringing the words to life. Now, I'm going to suggest something completely different: Try performing your script completely cold the first time through.2023, James R. Alburger, The Art of Voice Acting
3. To self-isolate in order to work on one's artistic development or to produce work without interruptions.
   • His latest novel sheds light on an émigré writer’s woodshedding period.2007 July 23, “A Free Life”, in Publishers Weekly

See all 5 meanings of woodshed