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TitlePub. DateDuration
Fewer Repetitions….But More Rapid Progress?09 Nov 202500:07:56

Whether we’re baking a cake, driving to a new restaurant, or putting together a puzzle, we can usually get to the goal more efficiently and effectively if we have a clear idea what the destination looks like.

I think we all know that the same is true for learning a new piece of music too - but often, this is not actually what our practice looks like. While we might have a pretty good idea what we don’t want something to sound like, our approach to practicing suggests that we are typically much less clear about what exactly we do want.

A 2023 study illustrates how taking a moment to be clearer about our musical intentions (with a 4-step process) could lead to more effective practice!

Get all the nerdy details here:

Fewer Repetitions….But More Rapid Progress?

References

Williams, S. G., van Ketel, J. E., & Schaefer, R. S. (2023). Practicing Musical Intention: The Effects of External Focus of Attention on Musicians’ Skill Acquisition. Music & Science, 6. https://doi.org/10.1177/20592043231151416

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Ida Kavafian: Habits That Separate Good Musicians from Great Ones02 Nov 202500:57:59

This episode with violinist Ida Kavafian is packed with key points about effective practice, plus fascinating nerdy details about bowing and fingering principles, references to specific passages in the Sibelius concerto, Schubert Fantasy, Beethoven’s Kreutzer sonata, a clever hack for playing fifths in tune, and so much more.

And if you’re not a string player, don’t worry - many of the principles are equally applicable to other instruments too.

Get all the nerdy details and learn how to level up your practice in this month’s interview:

Ida Kavafian: Habits That Separate Good Musicians from Great Ones

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Does Aiming for Perfection Actually Hurt Performance?31 Aug 202500:09:17

Ever worry that excellent performance might not be “good enough?” And maybe you've assumed that aiming for perfection is a safer bet? You’re not alone, for what it's worth! 

But it's always interesting to get some actual data on this sort of thing, so a team of researchers conducted a series of studies to see if striving for perfection had benefits beyond aiming for excellence. The results might surprise you.

Get all the nerdy details:

Does Aiming for Perfection Actually Hurt Performance?

Additional resources

References

Gaudreau, P., Schellenberg, B. J. I., Gareau, A., Kljajic, K., & Manoni-Millar, S. (2022). Because excellencism is more than good enough: On the need to distinguish the pursuit of excellence from the pursuit of perfection. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 122(6), 1117–1145. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000411

Gaudreau, P. (2019). On the distinction between personal standards perfec- tionism and excellencism: A theory elaboration and research agenda. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 14(2), 197–215. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691618797940

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A Mindset Shift That Can Help You Respond to Setbacks With Even Better Performances03 Dec 202300:10:32

When you put a lot of time and energy into preparing for something that’s important to you, and things don’t go the way you hoped, it’s pretty natural to feel deflated or discouraged afterwards. And you might even have difficulty getting back into the flow of things, or finding the confidence to try again.

Heck, we can experience some version of this even a spectator. Believe it or not, researchers have found that we eat more unhealthily (e.g. 10% more calories and 16% more saturated fat than normal) the day after our favorite team has a tough loss, and we eat more healthily on days after a big win (5% fewer calories and 9% less saturated fat than normal).

But while some athletes respond to a subpar performances with more subpar performances, others bounce back and perform even better.

How do they do this?

A 2003 study provides some important clues. Get all the nerdy details here:

A Mindset Shift That Can Help You Respond to Setbacks With Even Better Performances

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Reduce Burnout With a Simple Three-Step Exercise26 Nov 202300:09:11

The winter holidays are just around the corner, which means family, festivities, food, and lots of good things. But it also means end-of-semester projects and grading, holiday recitals and gigs and performances, shopping, travel, cooking, hosting, and many other things that can leave us feeling drained and emotionally exhausted.

And if you're already feeling kind of drained post-Thanksgiving, it can be exhausting just thinking about getting through the next month.

The good news is that there's a simple, quick, 3-step exercise, that in a week or two, could reduce that feeling of emotional exhaustion and even increase your happiness. And better yet, these positive changes could last for up to a year - even after you've stopped doing the exercise!

It's been tested successfully in stressful healthcare settings with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers, so there's a good chance it'll be helpful in whatever stressful circumstances you find yourself in as well.

Get all the nerdy details here: Reduce Burnout With a Simple Three-Step Exercise

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The Best Way to Breathe for Reducing Stress?19 Nov 202300:07:59

In last week's episode, we looked at a study which tested a particular sound for its ability to decrease our anxiety. (Which you can revisit here if you missed it.)

I figured we might as well stay on that theme, so this week I have a study which compared several different types of breathing, to see if there was a particular way of breathing that might reduce our stress more than others.

Turns out not all breathing techniques have the same effect! So whether you’re looking for a way to regulate your stress before a performance or keep your cool amidst family drama during the Thanksgiving holidays, I think you’ll find this week’s breathing technique to be a very handy addition to your emotional regulation toolkit. 😅

Get all the nerdy details here: The Best Way to Breathe for Reducing Stress?

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The Best Thing to Listen to Backstage for Reducing Anxiety?12 Nov 202300:07:21

Managing pre-performance nerves on the day of a performance or audition can be a real challenge. And it can get even more difficult backstage as the moment draws nearer.

Should we study the score some more? Listen to music? Read a book? Try to meditate or  do some deep breathing? Color or doodle? Do some expressive writing? Visualize?

The best answer is that it's probably a combination of things that's most effective, but a recent pair of studies suggest that listening to one thing might really help to calm you down and put you in a better headspace.

Get all the nerdy details here:
The Best Thing to Listen to Backstage for Reducing Anxiety?

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Benjamin Kamins: On Self-Judgment, Slow Practice, and Reed-Making05 Nov 202300:52:31

In an ideal world, we’d be building confidence in the practice room from one day to the next, but sometimes that can be easier said than done. It’s easy for the voice in our head to get very judge-y and negative and make us feel like we’re playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Where every time we think we’ve solved a problem, a new one pops up to take its place.

Whether it’s getting through challenging passages that have become “a thing,” troubleshooting intonation in an ensemble without judgment, or making sure you’re not accidentally reinforcing bad habits when practicing slowly, bassoonist Benjamin Kamins has seen it or worked through it in his years as an orchestral musician, chamber musician, soloist, educator, and Alexander Technique teacher.

In this month’s interview, you’ll hear lots of anecdotes and tips for overcoming some of the common challenges we often encounter in the practice room and on stage.

Get all the nerdy details (and transcript) here:
Benjamin Kamins: On Self-Judgment, Slow Practice, and Reed-Making

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Why Lowering Standards Can Sometimes Promote Better Learning29 Oct 202300:06:07

In many areas of our life (surgery, aviation, and dealing with bedbugs are a few things that come to mind), I think it’s fair to say that having really high standards is a very good thing.

Intuitively, you’d think that the same would be true when it comes to learning and performing an instrument as well.

But as you’ll see in today’s study, that’s not always the case. As in, there are times when relaxing or lowering our standards can actually lead to better learning, and better performance too.

How can that be?! Yeah, I know. This all sounds wrong, right?

Get all the nerdy details here: Why Lowering Standards Can Sometimes Promote Better Learning

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“Brain Fatigue” and the Best Thing to Do on Practice Breaks22 Oct 202300:07:26

Other than putting our instruments down, what should we be doing during our practice breaks to mentally recharge our batteries and prepare ourselves best for the next chunk of practice?

Watch cute animal videos? Take a quick nap? Grab some coffee?

Is there such a thing as a "best" practice break activity? Maybe not, but there's some research in the creativity and stress-reduction domains which all point at one particular activity that could be worth experimenting with during your next practice break.

Get all the nerdy details here:
“Brain Fatigue” and the Best Thing to Do on Practice Breaks

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Why Reflection Should Be Part of Your Daily Practice Routine15 Oct 202300:06:10

3-time Olympic diving coach Jeff Huber once said that he would get really excited when one of his athletes would approach him and say "Hey coach, I've been thinking..."

He explained that this phrase was often a sign that they were about to take a significant leap forward in their development as a diver (you can listen to his podcast episode here if you missed it).

Of course, it's not the words themselves that are so important, but an important learning process implied by this phrase that makes all the difference.

Unfortunately, it's an aspect of practice that we often skip. Heck, you may not even think of it as an important part of practice. But including this in your daily routine could make a big difference in your growth and development.

Get all the nerdy details here:
Why Reflection Should Be Part of Your Daily Practice Routine

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How to Practice for More Consistent Performances08 Oct 202300:09:09

Have you ever wished audiences (or your teacher) could hear the awesome private version of yourself that you hear in the practice room, instead of the slightly less awesome public version of yourself that appears on stage?

Sure, nerves can play a role in this, but part of the problem is how we practice. There's a tendency to strive for too much consistency in the practice room - which sounds like the right thing to do, but can actually be counterproductive. I know that seems bonkers, but we'll explore a couple studies today that will illustrate why aiming for too many "perfect" repetitions in a row can paradoxically lead to less consistency and accuracy on stage. And you'll learn what we should be doing more of instead.

Get all the nerdy details and this week’s practice hack right here:

​How to Practice for More Consistent Performances

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Christine Carter & Ellen Hendriksen: On the Perils of “Perfect Practice”01 Oct 202300:47:25

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing that you have pretty high standards of performance in at least one area of your life. I mean, you probably wouldn’t be interested in a performance psychology podcast if you didn’t, no? 😅

I'm also guessing that you've been accused, or praised, for being a perfectionist at some point or another. Maybe even both - because I think society sends us a lot of mixed messages about perfectionism.

On one hand, I think we know that it doesn’t make us look great to humblebrag about our perfectionism, and claim it as our biggest weakness in job interviews.

But on the other hand, we often get a pat on the back for our perfectionistic tendencies, when people marvel at our “attention to detail,” or how “dedicated” or “diligent” or “committed” we are.

It’s easy to confuse perfectionism with having high standards, and assume that being a perfectionist is a good thing in the practice room. But it turns out that perfectionism could push us to practice in a way that not only makes practicing less fun, but inhibits our learning, and could even make us less effective and compelling musicians.

So why exactly is “perfect practice” a problem? And what’s the more effective alternative?

Get all the nerdy details, and links to studies and practice strategies referenced in the episode right here:

​On the Perils of “Perfect Practice”: Christine Carter & Ellen Hendriksen

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Could Performance Anxiety Be Causing Students to Quit?24 Aug 202500:09:11

There are a lot of reasons why someone might decide to quit music at some point along the way. But could performance anxiety be one of them?

Indeed, performance anxiety can feel pretty uncomfortable! And it’s one thing if we still sound pretty good on stage regardless, and have a positive experience of performing overall. But when we get nervous and sound like just a shell of ourselves in performance, it could make us wonder why we keep putting ourselves up there...

So I was intrigued by a 2025 study which looked to see if deliberate practice might play a role in this equation between performance anxiety and performance success and thoughts about quitting. Check out the episode to see what they discovered!

Additional links

Deliberate practice

Self-regulated learning

Practice That Sticks (self-paced course)

References

Hash, P. M. (2021). Student Retention in School Bands and Orchestras: A Literature Review. Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, 40(3), 11-19. https://doi.org/10.1177/87551233211042585

Hatfield, J. L., & Williamon, A. (2025). Competitiveness and performance anxiety as predictors of performance success and intent to quit playing: deliberate practice as mediator and moderator. Music Education Research, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/14613808.2025.2543376

Hernández, S. O., Zarza-Alzugaray, F. J., & Casanova, O. (2018). Music performance anxiety. Substance use and career abandonment in Spanish music students. International Journal of Music Education, 36(3), 460–472. https://doi.org/10.1177/0255761418763903

Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview. Theory Into Practice, 41(2), 64–70. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip4102_2


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Are Today’s Musicians More “Clone-Like?"24 Sep 202300:07:36

A few weeks ago, violinist Nigel Kennedy was quoted as saying that today's young musicians are more "clone-like," noting that while so many have phenomenal technical fluency, this may have come at the expense of musical communication.

This was in the context of a larger (and intriguing) conversation about how funding in music is distributed, and how this might be part of the issue, but regardless, I was curious to see if there might be any studies on this particular issue.

Though I didn't find any data on this in the realm of classical music, I did find a 2012 study that explored this in the context of popular music. Which had some pretty interesting findings that I suspect could be related to classical music as well.

Click below for all the nerdy details, and how this could be related to your daily practice: Are Today’s Musicians More “Clone-Like?"

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Why Practicing Too Much Could Actually Increase Errors17 Sep 202300:08:11

I often get questions about specific topics or issues that haven't already been covered in  a podcast episode. Today's episode is devoted to a question that has come up a fair bit.

Specifically, it's about staying focused in the practice room. And in particular, for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD.

The study compares a group of college students who practice for 80 repetitions with a group that practices for 160. The main question being - how much additional benefit does practicing twice as much have when it comes to speed and accuracy?

And does this apply equally to students who have been diagnosed with ADHD and those who are non-ADHD?

Turns out the findings apply to both ADHD and non-ADHD populations. Click below for all the nerdy details:
Why Practicing Too Much Could Actually Increase Errors

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How Consistent Do Pre-Performance Routines Need to Be?10 Sep 202300:08:47

If you've watched any sports - especially golf, basketball, and tennis - you've probably noticed that many athletes have a pre-shot, pre-free throw, or pre-serve ritual that they go through before performing that skill.

Many musicians have rituals too, even if it's as simple as wiping your hands on your pants or hearing the opening of a piece to get the tempo in mind before you begin playing.

Athletes' routines tend to be very consistent, and don't change from game to game or shot to shot. But how important is it to keep your routine consistent? Does it matter how long the routine takes, or whether the ingredients of your routine remain the same from one performance to the next?

Get all the nerdy details here:
How Consistent Do Pre-Performance Routines Need to Be?

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The Surprising Truth about Learning Styles03 Sep 202300:08:55

At some point or another, you've probably come across learning styles theory. Which suggests that some of us are visual learners, others are auditory learners, or kinesthetic learners, etc., and that we learn best if we are taught in a way that aligns with our learning style.

This makes a lot of sense, and feels pretty true as well - but what does the research say?

A 2009 review of the literature gives us some answers. And, spoiler alert, basically there's no evidence to support this theory. In other words, learning styles theory seems to be a myth. 😳 Wait...what?!

For all the nerdy details and links to strategies that do work, check out the full article:
The Surprising Truth about Learning Styles


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Difficulty Staying Focused While Practicing? Why “Airplane Mode” May Not Be Enough20 Aug 202300:08:23

You know those moments when you're practicing, and suddenly wonder what time the 49ers game is tonight? Or if so-and-so returned your email? Or if it's going to rain tomorrow? Or what you should eat for lunch?

Staying focused for extended periods of time can be a real challenge. And our phones dinging and buzzing every other minute certainly doesn't make this any easier. But airplane mode should solve that problem, right?

Well...according to a 2017 study, maybe not! But that's ok - there are some simple things we can do to make sure we can devote as much of our brainpower as possible to practicing, with as little cognitive "leakage" as possible.

Get all the nerdy details here:
Difficulty Staying Focused While Practicing? Why “Airplane Mode” May Not Be Enough

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A Hack to Boost Your Practice Efficiency13 Aug 202300:09:08

You know how some practice sessions can feel really good? Where it seems like you're making lots of improvement? But then the next day, things don't sound much better?

And then sometimes, you have what feels like a crappy day in the practice room, where nothing seems to be improving...but then the next day, you sound so much better?

A 2009 study provides some clues on why this is, what's happening, and how you can tweak your practice for more lasting improvement from one day to the next.

Get all the nerdy details here:
A Hack to Boost Your Practice Efficiency

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On Building an Audience in 2023: Ken Kubota & Morgan Davison06 Aug 202301:06:04

About a month ago, we heard from violinist Sumina Studer and violist Drew Forde (click here if you missed it), who shared tips and insights on how they built their social media following (about half a million followers combined).

Today, in Part 2 of this two-part miniseries, we’ll hear from cellist Ken Kubota (160k+) and bassoonist Morgan Davison (35k+), who highlight some of the more meaningful, but less-obvious benefits of becoming a social media content creator. Benefits like improved practice motivation and efficiency, as well as more confidence in performance.

You’ll also hear about some early mistakes that were made (plus solutions), dealing with imposter syndrome, and more.

If you’re wondering if it’s worth dipping your toes into the social media waters, or whether it’s worth continuing your efforts, I think you’ll enjoy this episode.

Get all the nerdy details here:
On Building an Audience in 2023: Ken Kubota & Morgan Davison

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When Is the Best Time to Start Memorizing a New Piece?30 Jul 202300:07:18

Like many other young kids, I never really thought twice about memorizing music. In the course of working on a piece, it usually just happened.

Of course, at some point, memorizing music becomes more difficult for everyone. The repertoire gets more challenging, you start having lots of repertoire to learn at the same time, and performance deadlines don't leave you with as much time as you'd like.

And this is when you probably began memorizing music on purpose. Intentionally. Using specific memorization strategies (a few linked below).

But this leads to a related question that I don't think we often ask. Which is, when should we start the process of memorizing a new piece? Once it's mostly in your fingers? When you can play it at tempo? A month before the performance? Two?

A 2002 study of singers provides some clues.

Get all the nerdy details here:
When Is the Best Time to Start Memorizing a New Piece?

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The "Lazy" Person’s Guide to Mastering Self-Control23 Jul 202300:08:16

Whether it's sticking to a regular practice routine, studying a little bit every day instead of cramming the night before an exam, or eating more healthily, I think it's pretty universal to wish that we had a little more self-discipline.

Because that's the key to doing these things consistently, right?

Well...what if there were an easier way to avoid temptations and distractions? One that didn't require as much willpower? And made it easier to practice, or go to the gym, or steer clear of TikTok when doing homework?

A 2016 study provides some insights on how to work towards your goals more easily. With less willpower required.

Get all the nerdy details here:
The Lazy Person’s Guide to Mastering Self-Control

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Two Things Experts Do Differently When Practicing16 Jul 202300:06:49

Whether it's changing your diet, investing your money, or practicing, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if you're doing it "right" because meaningful change usually happens gradually over time.

I guess in an ideal world, we'd be able to pick a strategy, hop into a time machine, and see how it pans out in the future. And then go back to the present, pick another strategy, peek at the future again, and see which worked better.

But for now, there's a 2001 study that basically does the time travel thing for us. Where it compares the practice behaviors of the best free throw shooters and that of the worst free throw shooters to see if they do anything different. 

Spoiler alert, there is a difference. Two important differences that we can apply to music practice.

It's actually one of the specific things we're going to work on in the live practice "bootcamp" that starts this week (details ​here​). 

But whether you plan to join in or not, do give this week's practice hack a try and see what you think. This is one of the most fundamental aspects of effective practice, and an approach to practicing that can completely transform how you feel about practicing - especially if you've always had a sort of tolerate/hate relationship with practicing. 😅

Get all the nerdy details and this week’s practice hack right here:

​Two Things Experts Do Differently When Practicing

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Worried About a Performance? 4 Reasons Why (And How to Stop)17 Aug 202500:09:06

Worrying is never much fun, but it’s especially not fun in the leadup to a performance or audition. And even more so when we get stuck in a “worry loop” and can’t seem to get ourselves out of it.

It’s a little like the time my family visited Paris when I was a kid, and my dad got stuck in the roundabout around the Arc de Triomphe. I don’t know how long we drove around and around, but I do know that I fell asleep at some point, and when I woke up, we were still looping around. 🤣🥲

So what causes these worry loops? And is there a way to stay in a better headspace in the leadup to performances?

Additional Links

David Juncos & Elvire de Paiva e Pona: On ACT and a New Approach to Overcoming Performance Anxiety

A Simple Strategy for Reducing Worries and Practicing With More Focus

References

Davey, G. C., Eldridge, F., Drost, J., & MacDonald, B. A. (2006). What ends a worry bout? An analysis of changes in mood and stop rule use across the catastrophising interview task. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 45(6), 1231–1243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2006.08.024

Davey, G. C., & Meeten, F. (2016). The perseverative worry bout: A review of cognitive, affective and motivational factors that contribute to worry perseveration. Biological Psychology, 121, 233–243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2016.04.003

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On Building an Audience in 2023: Sumina Studer & Drew Forde09 Jul 202301:14:07

So…everyone (and their dog 😅) seems to have a social media presence nowadays - whether on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, etc. But how important is it for musicians today to embrace social media, really?

Can growing an online audience have tangible benefits to one’s career? Or is the reality different from how it appears from the outside?

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a sizable online following, and whether it’s worth taking the leap, I think you’ll enjoy today’s episode with violinist Sumina Studer (340k followers) and violist Drew Forde (160k followers).

Spoiler alert: it turns out that the experience can be a nuanced mix of positives and negatives, and be different for each person too.

Get all the nerdy details here:
On Building an Audience in 2023: Sumina Studer & Drew Forde

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How to Make Practicing Feel Less Like a Chore02 Jul 202300:06:22

Effective practice isn't always easy or fun.

But a 2010 study reveals a psychological hack that could make longer and more challenging practice sessions, rehearsals, or lessons feel easier and more appealing than shorter and less effortful practice sessions. Which sounds totally backwards, but could come in handy if you have students who have a difficult time getting themselves to practice. Or if you have difficulty getting yourself to practice for that matter! 😅

Get all the nerdy details here:
How to Make Practicing Feel Less Like a Chore

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Self-Compassion: Does It Help or Hurt Performance?25 Jun 202300:07:59

Ever notice how critical the voice in your head can be? That voice can make us feel pretty crummy at times - but is it also responsible for pushing us to strive for better?

If we had been less self-abusive and more self-compassionate along the way, would we be where we are today? Or is it possible that we would have advanced even further, if we had been a little kinder to ourselves?

There has been increased research attention in the area of self-compassion in recent years. A recurring question amongst high-performers is whether it's "safe" to be more self-compassionate, or if greater self-compassion could lead to a drop in one's competitive edge.

I have a study for you today (Breines & Chen, 2012) that provides some clues to this question. And if you're curious how self-compassionate you are, there's also a short test you can take that will provide an answer!

Get all the nerdy details here:
Self-Compassion: Does It Help or Hurt Performance?

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Why Singing Could Enhance Your Daily Practice18 Jun 202300:05:53

Have you ever studied with a teacher who encouraged you to sing during your practice?

There are lots of reasons for this, but aside from doing it in a lesson when my teacher made me sing in front of them, I never integrated any singing into my daily practice. It just felt silly, and I wasn't sold on the benefits.

Looking back, of course, I would have given it more of a chance. And if you need a little help convincing yourself, a 2017 study and 2021 study provide a bit of evidence suggesting this may be a worthwhile addition to your daily routine.

Get all the nerdy details here: Why Singing Could Enhance Your Daily Practice

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For More Effective Practice, Try…Longer…Pauses11 Jun 202300:07:19

When you to students practicing, there's one thing that is often conspicuously absent.

Silence.

You'll typically hear a good bit of repetition - but not a lot of quiet time or space between repetitions.

And why does this matter? Well, studies have found that too little space between repetitions - or too short an "inter-trial interval" can actually inhibit learning.

So...is there an optimal length of time to inject between repetitions?

Get all the nerdy details here:
For More Effective Practice, Try…Longer…Pauses

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George Waddell: On the Hidden Consequences of Music Competitions04 Jun 202300:58:57

We’ve all probably (at least secretly) enjoyed watching shows like American Idol or The Voice at one point or another.

But what has your experience (or that of your students) been as a participant in competitions? Whether it be small local competitions, or a regional, national or international competitions, have your experiences been largely positive? Or not so positive?

You might have some strong feelings about competitions, and whether your students should enter competitions or not. And so in this month’s conversation, I chat with both a researcher and a musician who can speak to different aspects of this question, and help you better prepare yourself, your students, and their parents for the music competition experience.

Get all the nerdy details in the full episode below (there’s also a transcript with timestamps if you’d like to jump right to a few key points of interest):

George Waddell: On the Hidden Consequences of Music Competitions

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How to Make Mental Practice Even More Effective28 May 202300:08:19

Whether it's running through a piece in your head to see if it's memorized, or imagining different fingering options while taking a practice break, you've probably used mental imagery to supplement your physical practice at one point or another.

Research in this area suggests that mental practice can indeed enhance learning and performance beyond physical practice alone, but how do we know if we're doing it right?

A 2015 study (Debarnot et al.) identified two things that boosted the effectiveness of participants' mental practice pretty substantially. And it wasn't anything crazy that would require much time or effort. Just a couple simple tweaks that you could use to level up your mental practice this week.

Get all the nerdy details here: How to Make Mental Practice Even More Effective

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The Superiority of Intentionally Imperfect Practice?21 May 202300:08:06

Whether it's manipulating our air, making embouchure adjustments, or learning to use the weight of our arm to produce a beautiful sound, we spend a lot of time working really hard to get things just right.

We ask for feedback and suggestions from our teachers, we watch YouTube videos of our favorite musicians, and get tips from instructional videos on the correct way to perform a skill. All of which are invaluable parts of the learning process.

But there's another approach, that we rarely (if ever) utilize, which may be even more effective than the traditional approach. And what strategy is that?

Intentionally getting things wrong.

Like, producing a thin, weak sound instead of a clear, full, resonant sound. Or a harsh, gritty attack, instead of a smooth, velvety start.

Turns out, practicing the wrong way may lead to better learning and enhanced performance than only practicing the right way.

Get all the nerdy details here: The Superiority of Intentionally Imperfect Practice?

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Menahem Pressler: On Following Your Heart14 May 202300:27:23

Have you ever watched your favorite musician perform, and wondered what goes through their head on stage?

Like, what are they thinking about? Do they ever worry? What do they worry about? Is playing as easy as it looks? Or do they have bad days too? Does it ever get easier? How do they deal with criticism or bad reviews or even the critic in their own head? How similar is their experience in performance to ours?

As you may have heard, renowned pianist Menahem Pressler passed away last weekend at the age of 99. A founding member of the Beaux Arts Trio, his performing career spanned over seven decades, and he taught generations of pianists who have gone on to hold teaching positions around the world and win prizes in all of the major competitions.

I got to know Mr. Pressler a tiny bit during my time at Indiana University, as he was my wife's teacher, and kindly included me in studio parties and events. He was also curious and encouraging of my interests in psychology at a time when I had no idea how things would pan out, which I always appreciated.

So in the summer of 2012, I reached out to see if I might ask him some questions about practicing and performing. He was very open about his mental experience on stage, his own doubts and fears at various points in his life, and what success and failure meant to him, as well as the more practical aspects of how he prepares for performance.

I hope you find it as insightful and inspiring a conversation as I did.

Note: This episode was recorded over the telephone/Skype, and I’ve done my best to clean up the audio, but if you would like a transcript, you can download one at:
https://bulletproofmusician.com/menahem-pressler-on-following-your-heart/

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How to Find the Perfect Strings for You and Your Instrument07 May 202300:54:26

If you play a string instrument, you know that the strings you use can make a big difference in how your instrument sounds and feels. But how can you find the combination of strings that makes your instrument sound its best?

Which type of core material produces the type of sound you're going for, as well as the best response? What are the benefits of the different kinds of wraps? What gauge or tension makes your instrument speak best? What mix of string brands will result in the most balanced sound across all the strings?

It can be a time-consuming and expensive process to try each string that's out there. So I thought I'd ask a couple experts what they recommend.

In today's episode you'll hear from a string manufacturer (Markus Lawrenson from D'Addario) and a luthier (Jesse Maschmeyer), who will share time and money-saving tips and insights on how to find the right strings for your level, your playing style, the demands of the kind of playing/performing you do, and of course, your instrument.

If you've been wanting to get a little more out of your instrument, this episode will give you a few new ideas to try!

Get all the nerdy details here: How to Find the Perfect Strings for You and Your Instrument

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Double Your Practice Gains With a Nap?10 Aug 202500:07:12

Are you a regular napper? Or maybe not such a fan?

Either way, given that today is National Lazy Day, I thought it would be the perfect time to look at a couple studies which suggest that naps could play a significant role in accelerating the learning of physical skills.

Check out the episode for all the nerdy details about how long of a nap might be best and who perhaps should not try this.

References

Milner, C. E., Fogel, S. M., & Cote, K. A. (2006). Habitual napping moderates motor performance improvements following a short daytime nap. Biological Psychology, 73(2), 141–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.01.015

Morita, Y., Ogawa, K., & Uchida, S. (2016). Napping after complex motor learning enhances juggling performance. Sleep Science, 9(2), 112–116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.slsci.2016.04.002

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How to Learn Better From Failures (And Successes Too)30 Apr 202300:08:42

It's often said that failure is the best teacher. Or at least, that failure is a better teacher than success.

But how exactly are we supposed to learn from failure without getting discouraged?

And why does success get such a bad rap as a teacher, anyhow? What if the problem is that we haven't been reflecting on our successes in the right way?

A 2014 study provides some clues on how to engage in a systematic post-performance review process that will help you learn better from both successful and unsuccessful performances or auditions.

Get all the nerdy details here: How Exactly to Learn From Failures (And Successes Too)

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“Productive Failure”: Why Early Floundering Leads to Better Learning23 Apr 202300:10:23

Intuitively, I think we approach teaching with the goal of helping students avoid failure. So it's natural to step in if we see students floundering about and approaching a problem the wrong way.

But what if we are hindering students' learning by stepping in too soon? Like stepping in too soon to help with spotting someone at the gym, or helping them too much on that last repetition.

We certainly don't want anyone to get hurt or discouraged, of course! But a 2011 study suggests that too much guidance and instruction in the learning process can lead to the illusion of better performance at first - but significantly "shallower" learning and worse performance in the long run.

Get all the nerdy details here: “Productive Failure”: Why Early Floundering Leads to Better Learning

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Why Improvisation Should Be Part of Every Young Musician's Training16 Apr 202300:06:40

Improvisation has not traditionally been part of most young classical musicians' training. But should it be?

Research suggests that the answer may be yes, and that there are a number of benefits that improvisation could provide. Not just to our playing, but to our mental state on stage as well.

Read the full article for all the nerdy details:
Why Improvisation Should Be Part of Every Young Musician's Training

But...if you're new to improvising, where does one begin?

Well, whether you're a complete newbie, or an experienced improviser who's been frustrated by inconsistencies or feeling inhibited under pressure, have your instrument handy and block off 45-60 minutes on Wednesday, April 26th, from 2pm-3pm Eastern (calculate that in your timezone here).

Violinist (and childhood Suzuki buddy) Christian Howes will be teaching a live, free, play-along class where he'll share three approaches to improvisation that can work for you, and explain why other methods may not have worked before. You'll also learn (and experience) the difference between learning harmony and doing improvisation. And you'll get to do lots of playing the whole time (muted, of course)!

Sign up for the free improv session here: Free, live, play-along improvisation workshop with Christian Howes

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Two Ways to Simulate Performance Pressure (and Which Works Best)09 Apr 202300:10:01

We know it can be really helpful to do practice performances or mock auditions in advance of a high-pressure performance. However, it can be really difficult to simulate the nerves and pressure of a real performance or audition. Because for some, a mock audition feels pretty high-stress. While for others, the experience doesn't even come close.

However, there is some research in this area, and a couple studies provide insights on how to create more pressure in mocks and practice performances, and better prepare you for the live experience. Turns out some methods work better than others.

Get all the nerdy details and this week’s practice hack right here:

​Two Ways to Simulate Performance Pressure (and Which Works Best)

Also, if you've been looking for some new tools for enhancing the effectiveness of your practice or performance preparation, and would like to do more performance practice alongside a supportive cohort of other musicians, you may be interested in the live, 5-week Performance Psych Essentials class that begins next weekend. Get all the details here: Performance Psych Essentials

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​Aaron Williamon: On Becoming a Better, Happier, and Healthier Musician02 Apr 202300:51:16

If you’ve been a listener of this podcast for any period of time, you’ve probably already been influenced by today’s guest without realizing it - namely, performance science researcher Aaron Williamon.

Aaron's research has produced influential insights in many different facets of a musician's life, from effective practice and performance preparation, to managing nerves, optimizing focus, musician health, technology and recording, and even the importance of how we present ourselves visually on stage.

Whether you’re interested in practicing more effectively, looking for ways to tweak your preparation for an upcoming audition, or wondering how to help your students have a more positive and empowering experience on stage, I’ll bet my next box of Weetabix that you’ll take away some new details from today’s episode that will change some facet of your practice in the week ahead. The episode will also make you think more generally about the role (and value) of music in society, if you’ve had questions about that in recent years…

Get all the nerdy details and this week's practice hacks below (there’s also a transcript with timestamps if you’d like to jump right to a few key points of interest):

​Aaron Williamon: On Becoming a Better, Happier, and Healthier Musician

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How Intentional Errors Could Accelerate Learning26 Mar 202300:09:09

We spend a lot of time and energy avoiding mistakes in the practice room and on stage. And we work super hard to make sure our students avoid doing things the "wrong way" too.

But what if that's actually holding us back?

A 2008 study suggests that if you do things the "wrong way" the right way, you might actually be able to accelerate learning pretty dramatically. Wait, what?!

Get all the nerdy details here (and be sure to read the full study - or at least the Discussion section - for key details on how to get the most out of this counterintuitive strategy): How Intentional Errors Could Accelerate Learning

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How to Stay in a More Positive Headspace Before Performances19 Mar 202300:06:52

Ever notice how it's easy to be optimistic about an audition or performance a month or two out, but things feel much different when the big day is now just one or two weeks away? Let alone one or two days?

Willing ourselves to adopt a more positive, self-affirming, performance-enhancing headspace takes some effort. So it can be easier to just let our thoughts naturally turn to the dark side in the days, hours, or minutes before a performance.

But a 2017 study (Westgate et al., 2017) identified a simple strategy that can make it easier to stay in a better headspace when we need it most. And all you need is your phone or a 3x5 notecard.

Get all the nerdy details here:
How to Stay in a More Positive Headspace Before Performances

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Get Unstuck in the Practice Room With a “Creative Pause”11 Mar 202300:05:55

If you ever watched the show Friends, you might remember the episode where Phoebe stayed on hold for two days with her phone company, because every time she was about to hang up, the voice on the other end would tell her "you're the next caller" and she didn't want to give up right before she might finally get to speak to a live representative.

Have you ever had a similar sort of day in the practice room? Where you keep working on the same thing over and over again, without much to show for your efforts, but can't bring yourself to move on because of a hope that things might finally start to click if you just keep at it a tiny bit longer?

Turns out that taking a particular kind of break might be just what you need to spark new ideas and find more effective solutions to that passage. Learn why, and how to use a "creative pause" to get unstuck and solve that tricky passage that has you stumped.

Get Unstuck in the Practice Room With a “Creative Pause”

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Hans Jørgen Jensen: On Practicing With the Mind, Not Just the Fingers05 Mar 202300:54:20

A few weeks ago, my dog herniated a disk. He could barely sit, let alone walk and squat to do his business.

The vet gave him some drugs (apparently dogs take codeine?!), and told us that he needed to be kept in his crate, pretty much 24/7 for the next few weeks, to allow his spine to heal.

For the first week or so, it seemed like nothing was changing, and we began to worry - what do we do if this is how he is for the rest of his life?

But one day, suddenly, he had a smidge more pep in his step. The next day, things were better still. And he has continued to improve with each passing day.

Umm...and what does this have to do with music?

Well, have you ever had one of those days (or weeks), where nothing seems to be improving, and you start to wonder if the real problem is simply a lack of ability or talent?

It's easy for our mind to go there, but often, the issue is more a matter of having patience - and taking comfort in the knowledge that you're practicing the right way.

And how do you know if you're practicing the right way?

Whether it's learning how to play fast, be more in tune, nail those tricky shifts, or become a more expressive player, cellist Hans Jørgen Jensen shares insights on how to approach these issues in your daily practice.

Hans Jørgen Jensen: On Practicing With the Mind, Not Just the Fingers

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How to Give Students Critical Feedback Without Crushing Their Confidence26 Feb 202300:07:48

Praising a student is easy. Giving critical feedback can be much tougher.

I mean, how can we call their attention to the things that don't sound great, while still building up their confidence?

Are feedback sandwiches (praise-criticism-praise) the answer? Or do we just praise their efforts? Or compliment mediocre work anyway?

A 2014 study provides some clues, and highlights one specific ingredient that is important to include in whatever feedback we give students, that could make them feel more empowered and likely to not only accept our feedback but act on it too.

Get all the nerdy details: How to Give Students Critical Feedback Without Crushing Their Confidence

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Ignasi Cambra: On Learning, Memorizing, and Interpreting Music03 Aug 202500:45:12

I never got all that serious about playing the piano, but I did take lessons for a number of years and remember the many challenges I ran into as the number and density of black dots on the page increased.

Mostly I remember how dependent I was on my vision. On the violin, I didn’t look at my fingers or music much at all. But on the piano, I was constantly looking at either the music or my hands (I know, I know, I probably shouldn’t have let myself do that...).

But have you ever wondered what it might be like to learn and perform music if you couldn’t see? Or what sighted musicians might be able to learn from musicians who are blind?

In today’s episode I’ll be chatting with concert pianist Ignasi Cambra, who will share insights on learning and performing that we can all apply to our own practicing and performing, from the perspective of a blind musician.

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How to Minimize Intrusive Thoughts When You’re Practicing19 Feb 202300:07:56

Have you ever had one of those moments in the practice room, where you suddenly notice that physically, you've been going through the motions for the last couple minutes, but mentally, you've been spacing out or thinking about something else entirely?

It might mean that you could use a quick nap, practice break, or even a drink of water (yep, there's a study on that!) to clear your head. But it could also be that you've just got a lot of stuff on your to-do list competing for your time and attention.

Jotting down these tasks on a to-do list can help - but a 2011 study found that this may not be enough to stop them from randomly popping into your thoughts and being a distraction. Luckily, the researchers also found a simple technique that can help to increase your focus in the moment!

Get all the nerdy details and this week’s practice hack right here:

​How to Increase Your Focus in the Practice Room

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Boost Learning and Performance With Naps, Not Coffee!12 Feb 202300:06:04

I actually never got into coffee myself. Not for any health or philosophical reason, but because I'm not a fan of hot liquids in general (is that weird?).

I can certainly appreciate the appeal of having something to boost your energy and get you through those mid-afternoon slumps. But what if there was a better way to not only get through the day but also increase the effectiveness of your practice, while improving learning and performance?

A 2008 study suggests that napping may be a better way to go for maximal practice gains, as caffeine might actually impair learning. Eek! 😳

Get all the nerdy details right here:

​Boost Learning and Performance With Naps, Not Coffee!

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Robert Duke: On the Value of Errors, and How Learning Really Works05 Feb 202300:58:19

It's often said that "perfect practice makes perfect," but what does "perfect practice" actually look like?

Does it mean what it sounds like it means? And is the saying even true, anyhow?

Researcher Robert Duke has been studying learning for decades, and has conducted a number of studies specifically in the area of music learning and teaching. In today's episode, he shares many of the insights he's gained over the years, and dispels some common misunderstandings about learning, which have direct implications on how we practice and teach.

Whether it's the role of mistake-making in learning, whether advanced players make more or fewer mistakes than less-experienced players, what professionals and students do differently in the practice room, and the potential value of limiting the number of repetitions you allow yourself to do, I think you'll find at least one new thing in today's episode that will change how you approach practicing in the upcoming week.

Get all the nerdy details here:
Robert Duke: On the Value of Errors, and How Learning Really Works

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