Note

Practice

Repetition should sharpen your hearing as well as strengthen your movements.

Visual noteThe cycle of attentive practice
  1. 01 Slow

    Reduce the tempo until you can hear the mistake.

  2. 02 Exact

    Find one cause instead of disguising the effect.

  3. 03 Free

    Return the movement to music rather than mechanics.

A slow attempt reveals the problem, listening defines it, and repetition establishes a new movement.

Speed conceals

If a difficult passage falls apart every time, playing it faster only rehearses the mistake. A slower tempo returns control to both sound and body.

One aim at a time

Rhythm, intonation, dynamics, and articulation require different kinds of attention. A short session with one clear purpose is more useful than an hour without direction.

Finish with music

After the exercise, play the whole phrase. Technique should return to the song and disappear from the foreground.