So far, we have examined the concepts of repetition and reinforcement, which make learning possible by imprinting the knowledge and making it “stick.”
The third element of this triangle involves testing and experimenting with the things we have practiced. Learning the limits of our preparation is how we make our learning stronger and more useful. I call it Evaluation.
Reinforcement
Last time we discussed repetition, the act of playing the same passage over and over in a short time-span. In this article, we will discuss the second element in successful practice.
As we learned in part 1, repetition is effective for a limited time; after this short period, continuing to repeat can waste time as well as lead to daydreaming and joint pain. Furthermore, we can only learn so much in one session, no matter how long we do our drills. How can we imprint the skills we want to have so they are consistent and available to us? Through what I call reinforcement, or the process of forgetting and re-learning.
Practicing is a personal activity; no two people are the same, and this also goes for practice. However, there are some fundamental forces that are part of the learning experience for all of us. Learning to use and balance these processes will lead to successful and efficient use of our precious time. In this series, we will discuss the three elements of successful practice.
The First Element: Repetition
This may seem obvious; everybody knows you have to repeat things to learn. However, what we are discussing here is a very specifically structured activity, geared toward building muscle memory. Here are my suggestions on how to optimize the use of repetition.
When learning a new passage, it can be necessary to create a fingering. This can be for several reasons: the music doesn’t have any fingering, is an 0riginal composition, was transcribed from a recording, or has awkward fingerings written. Often the difference between effortless, smooth playing and awkward, inconsistent delivery is in the fingerings. There are many issues that can come up when deciding upon a fingering, and this passage addresses a few. I have added the fingerings I used in the video to this example. Hope this is helpful!
And don’t think about it either.
What we are thinking about when we do something (like play an instrument) makes all the difference in what happens. Think the wrong thing, and you can sound like you have never practiced a minute in your life. Think the right thing and you can achieve things you >thought< were impossible.
Can we control our thoughts? Yes and no. The usual trick at this point is to say: “Don’t think of a green apple” or something to that effect. Of course, the first thing appearing in your mind’s eye is the apple. So does that mean you can’t control your thoughts, that your mind is going to go wherever it wants, like wild horses? Not really, but there are misconceptions about this; first let’s look at the thought patterns that bind and cripple us, then some ways to change them.
“I can’t wait for a day off…”
Ever find yourself saying this? I know I do, and it seems like it’s going to be blissful. I will finally get to relax, renew, clear my mind and be rested up for the next busy phase of work and obligations. The longer the stretch of open time, the better.
Or, do you dream of a free week or even a month of time with no demands made on you so you can tackle something you have been putting off? I have done that, too. Some tasks are so big and important to me that I have dreamed of the “blank slate” that only this vast expanse of free time will provide. There are even stories to support this, of times when artists “disappeared” for a while, only to emerge transformed, like butterflies.
Movies and books focusing on the archetypical “coming of age” story will usually condense this life-changing transformation into a collage of images over a few minutes, such as Rocky’s workouts or Luke Skywalker’s exile with Yoda. We really love the idea of metamorphosis taking place out of sight, with a triumphant return of the hero.
Recently, I’ve come to realize that not only are these stories untrue for me, but that they are literally opposite of what I need to do to keep growing.
Preconception: an opinion about something that you form before you have a lot of information about it or experience of it
-Macmillan Dictionary
We spend a great amount of time believing, talking about, and even trying to convince others about ideas that we really haven’t explored for ourselves. One of the most important of these for musicians is our method of learning and practice. (That is, if we actually have one.) Operating with the wrong information can prevent progress and cause us to become discouraged.
The uses of positive feedback
Most of us sincerely want to grow and change for the better, but often find ourselves frustrated and stagnant in our habits. Let’s take a look at how the mechanism of positive feedback can benefit us, getting us moving in new and exciting directions. But remember: I am not a doctor. (though I do play one on TV)
