Links That Make Me Think - Practicing Edition
Andrew Hitz
Before the summer I was posting a large collection of links each month. I've decided to post less links more frequently now. Here are a few from around the internet that I find interesting. And please send anything along that you'd like to share!
1. "5 Incredibly Effective Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder"
This article has absolutely nothing to do with music or practicing and is a must read for any musician, performer or educator.
"Measure your results, not your time. The whole idea of working smarter rather than harder stems from the fact that many of us put in more and more hours only to find we don't get more done. That's why we want to find methods to be more productive in less time.
One way to do this is to adjust the way you measure productivity. If you evaluate yourself by what you actually get done rather than the time it takes to get something done, you'll start to notice a difference in how you work."
The rest of Jeff Haden's points are great as well.
2. "12(+) Ways to Practice a Technical Passage"
Bret Pimentel hits the nail on the head with this blog post on how to approach the practicing of a technical passage. Really well done.
"What is crucial is that you are keeping your brain engaged by varying the material."
Amen.
3. "The Power of a Practice Schedule"
As usual, Gerald Klickstein of The Musician's Way is right on the money with this short and to the point post:
"Consistent, deep practice is the rocket fuel of musical development. When we live by regular practice schedules we reap countless benefits."
He then lists six benefits of a regular practice schedule which are all fantastic.
4. Get a Free Copy of Lance LaDuke's "Music Practice Coach" for a limited time!
As I explain in that post, this is the best book on practicing I've ever read and all of my students are required to own it. Grab it before he changes his mind!
