Are you practicing out of order?
I think we are all guilty of getting into the habit of learning a new piece by playing the music from the beginning, chronologically. While this may feel like the most automatic way to approach something, it is NOT the most effective way to learn thoroughly because you will inevitably have much more repetitions on the front end of a piece. You may find yourself always going back to the beginning upon a mistake because it has become your “safe space” where you feel successful.
INSTEAD TRY THIS:
#1: Identify the most challenging spots and begin learning these first, out of context. This is not the time for run-throughs!
#2 Learn one phrase at a time very under tempo so that you can program your brain and your body without major errors. You want to make a right first impression on your brain!
#3 Again, not the time for run-throughs. You can build larger sections after each individual phrase has been prepared.
Play larger sections in different orders. Chronologically, back to front, or varied!
After completing the first three steps, NOW you can begin to run this piece as traditionally written! You will be amazed at how balanced and thoroughly prepared you feel. For more tips like this you can download my free practice guide!
