Does Practice Make Perfect?

You've all heard the saying "practice makes perfect". The problem with this statement is that HOW you practice makes all the difference. So often I find out that my students are not practicing effectively, and therefore their practice is not leading towards perfection at all. In fact, poor practicing can actually have a negative effect by reinforcing incorrect notes and bad posture. I really think the saying should be revised: "Perfect practice makes perfect".

How do you achieve "perfect practice"?

Over the next few weeks I am going to offer a few rules that I have found lead to "perfect practice". This week we will begin with:

Perfect Practice Rule #1: Don't practice mistakes

Please don't misunderstand this rule. Mistakes are allowed and even expected. The trick is simply not to practice them. When you play the same mistake two, then three, then four times in a row, you are well on your way to becoming an EXPERT at your mistake. Keep it up and you can guarantee that you will make that same mistake every time.

When practicing, your goal should be 100% accuracy. If this isn't happening, break things into smaller chunks and slow down to the point that you can play it PERFECTLY, with comfort, ease and artistry. Then, continuing with 100% accuracy as your goal, do it again and again until your "perfection" becomes an unbreakable habit.

Perfect practice makes perfect.

Happy practicing!