Practice

Practicing is an activity that accounts for the highest levels of musical expertise, but one that many musicians do not typically—or at least consistently—carry out. Most people have done some kind of independent practicing (or academic studying or athletic training) in their lives and have likely heard platitudes such as “Practice makes perfect.” Such folk knowledge tends to suggest that quantity of practice is the most important factor. Unfortunately, popular handling of psychological research has largely reinforced this misconception. More careful consideration of the research, however, shows that although developing musicians certainly must make time for practice, the efficiency and deliberateness of time spent are also crucial. This chapter begins by defining “deliberate practice” as the type of practicing that optimally contributes to musical skill acquisition. Through consistent practice over time, skills that began as highly conscious and effortful progress to ultimately becoming fluently and automatically performed. Rather than striving to simply amass hours of practice time, musicians are encouraged to be more productive and efficient by strategically planning, executing, and reflecting on their practice.