In my marimba exercises post, I highlighted the importance of getting feedback on ideas early in the development process and as quickly as possible. This holds true for our work in the practice room as well: our music learning is directly tied to how much feedback we get, and how we respond to it. That’s why we record ourselves, take lessons, play for friends, etc, before we think we’re ready. Early and fast feedback not only speeds our learning, it makes us more impervious to performance anxiety, by making us more acclimated to the kind of rapid changes and tinkering that most reflect the differences between performance environments and practice environments.
Speaking of testing ideas and checking in:
#TwoGoalsThisSummer
I’ve been working with composer and arts advocate George Lam on a new project. We’re exploring ideas about mentorship for music students that complements their existing studies and is focused on breaks in school.
We're learning about what kinds of goals young professional musicians set for themselves during summer break, and we're inviting people to set two goals—whether musical, professional, or otherwise—and check in with us about their progress.
Curious? As readers of this newsletter, you're the perfect audience to help us test this initiative. I'd love it if you'd try our beta version. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Happy Practicing! And Happy Goal-Setting!