I am fascinated by how the brain learns. I recently read an article in Scientific American that explained a simple concept but one that I know works. They referenced how a pianist practices a piece of music. Then detailed that if you work on a passage for a short while and then rest your brain by doing something completely different, the brain will continue to work on the concepts.
This is an interesting way to view how you practice for both voice and piano. Long practice hours are not as efficient as short bursts of repetitive practice, resting the brain then returning.
After working on a piece for a short while and then going to put on a load of laundry, I find that I am silently singing the passages over and over in my brain. The studies they referenced show that the brain actually works on the passages 25 times faster than in actual practice.
Wow – the phrase “less is more” really comes into play here. The next time you practice, sing or play a few passages over and over working for accuracy of rhythms, notes, intonation, phrasing, dynamics, etc. Take a short amount of music at a time (chunking) the phrases.(See “The Art of Practicing” blog that I posted earlier. https://lauriebethfrick.com/?p=424 Then go do something else for a few minutes. Come back later and repeat. When you return for the next practice session, you should find that the music is easier and more accurate than during the previous session. Practice might “make perfect” but “taking a short break” in the middle of practice sessions increases and speeds up learning.
Reference article: Scientific American July 7, 2021
Laurie Beth Frick
Very interesting Laurie. Thanks for sharing!!