On Practicing
08/10/13 20:53
While the goal of practicing is learning and growth, with a goal of constantly moving forward, the way to do it is, perhaps counter-intuitively, to do the same things repetitively. It’s all too easy to think, "OK, I know about using the metronome, playing long tones, or [insert practice routine here!]; I've checked that item off, so I don't need to do it any more." But that doesn't work—we don't just use a practice technique for a week and then move on, marking it as being "done".
On the contrary, we need to: a) figure out which exercises or practice regimens we need to maintain daily, and b) learn to retrieve practice techniques learned in the past to meet challenges in the present.
Liz Axtell (MWS Principal Horn) shared a couple of links, one of which focussed on one of those techniques we all know about but may take for granted: PRACTICING SLOWLY.
We all know we need to slow things down to the point that we can control them as part of the process of working out technically difficult passages. However, this link takes a closer look at practicing really slowly, revealing benefits that go far beyond merely learning difficult passages.
Liz also recommends this regarding how much we should practice , and this link for a whole lot of great thoughts on music-making in general (thanks, Liz!)
On the contrary, we need to: a) figure out which exercises or practice regimens we need to maintain daily, and b) learn to retrieve practice techniques learned in the past to meet challenges in the present.
Liz Axtell (MWS Principal Horn) shared a couple of links, one of which focussed on one of those techniques we all know about but may take for granted: PRACTICING SLOWLY.
We all know we need to slow things down to the point that we can control them as part of the process of working out technically difficult passages. However, this link takes a closer look at practicing really slowly, revealing benefits that go far beyond merely learning difficult passages.
Liz also recommends this regarding how much we should practice , and this link for a whole lot of great thoughts on music-making in general (thanks, Liz!)