Your teacher gave a presentation on “The Art of Practice” at a music teachers’ meeting, speaking on many of the practice techniques we’ve discussed in lessons!
Here are some tidbits that you may recognize:
Practice = Brain Training (which “pathway” are you making in your brain?)
The 80/20 Rule and “Red Light” sections of your piece (start here first, not at the beginning!)
Give your brain “micro breaks”. For example, be able to play correctly 3x “in a row” + 15 second break + 3x!
Or try dividing your practice - play right before bed and right after you wake up, for better learning and retention.
Vary your practice - ie. do rhythms, hands alone, ghost one hand, sing one part, play without pedal, do all staccatos or accents, play very slowly with metronome, play in 3 different moods, play in the style of 3 different famous pianists (Seong-jin Cho, Lang Lang, Hiromi are three we’ve gone to see this year, with all very different styles!)
You can find more tips on your practice sheets!
“Never mistake mere activity for accomplishment” - John Wooden, a great quote! Practicing with intention will make you progress.
Such a fun and great topic!
