How to practise effectively

[Elizabeth Volpé Bligh]

I just discovered another wonderful book on practice methods. I highly recommend “The Talent Code” by Daniel Coyle. It describes how our brains produce myelin, which wraps around a frequently-used circuit, protecting it and making the connection work smoothly. This works the same as when you wrap electrical tape around a connection. This explains why bad habits are so hard to get rid of, and why it is so important to practice small chunks mindfully and with perfect precision.

[andee-craig]

I’ve seen that book at the library–I may have even taken it out but obviously I haven’t read it thoroughly. I’ll have to take another look at it.

[Alison]

at least you can spell, have just received a book entitled the Art of Practicing. Think it’s quite old, the 90’s Yeheudi Menuhin wrote the foreword.

[Elizabeth Volpé Bligh]

Yes, it seems that usage is changing to allow the “c” even when it is being used as a verb. It still rankles.

[andee-craig]

Isn’t it just the difference between the British spelling ‘practise’ and the American ‘practice’? Neither is wrong. There are many differences like this. As an American living in England I encounter them every day.

[Elizabeth Volpé Bligh]

The spelling doesn’t matter as much as the actual practising. 🙂

[lyn-boundy]

Just ordered the Coyle book – thanks for the recommendation, Elizabeth.

[lyn-boundy]

Being one of those people who can’t resist books on my favourite subject, I ordered The Talent Code along with its sister book The Little Book of Talent by the same author. Basically ‘The Talent Code’ explains the science behind Coyle’s ideas, while ‘The Little Book of Talent’ lays out, clearly and simply, 52 tips for getting the most out of your practice – so simply, in fact, that it all looks a bit too basic at first. I started off reading ‘The Little Book’ and am already applying some of the tips to my own practice with noticeable results (after 2 days!) I’ve now passed the book on to my husband (who is learning the sax) and have ordered another copy for my uke-playing daughter. The Talent Code, meanwhile, is now filling me in on all the background of why and how the tips work. Very highly recommended for players of all levels, though I imagine the best results might with real beginners who can develop these methods right from the start without having to undo any bad habits already aquired.

[seika-dong]

 

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