The Art of Practice

All too often (and I include myself in this), musicians can waste hours practising simply because they are not doing it correctly. So often, teachers may tell students about different ways that they might practise a particular passage; however, it is much more than that. These methods of how to break down a passage or master a technique to help you learn it are only going to be helpful if the student is aware of the ultimate goal, what they are hearing and how they may correct themselves.

Therefore, a teacher must first demonstrate to make it clear where the student is heading and what they must be aiming for. They must then make sure that the student is listening, really listening. The 'inner ear' can become used to imperfections of intonation and articulation over time. The best way to 'wake it up' is to record the student and make them listen back. Hearing a recording of oneself can be tough, even for advanced students, yet the results are noticeable immediately.

Finally the key to saving many hours of practice time is to do with the physical aspect of playing an instrument. On the cello, for example, many hours of practising a shift may not provide the necessary security in a performance. This could be due to the need to raise the left elbow slightly or making sure the shoulders are relaxed or that the right hand stays engaged. Diagnosing why something is hard is the final piece of the puzzle. A passage may be perfected in less than half the time, by simply thinking your way round a problem, rather than trying to work doggedly through it. 

It is by taking this more analytical approach that students can progress much more quickly. These abilities are a very individual skill and honing them will take a long time. However, by being aware of these ideas the student can begin their own journey towards mastering the art of practice.