The Art of Practice: Reduce Variables

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Do you struggle developing coordination?

 

You are likely trying to do more than one new move at a time.

 

If your fretting hand chord changes are not comfortable, learning a new strum at the same time will be a risk. 

  • Do muted strums only(no chord), so you can develop your rhythm consistently without worrying about coordinating the fretting hand. 

If you cannot get the kick drum correctly placed 

  • remove your hand that hits the cymbals, hi hats, etc. and play only the kick and snare(backbeat).
  • After that is comfortable and consistent, stop hitting the snare and do the kick and cymbal parts only. Then go back to back beat only. Repeat until effortless, then combine.

On piano, make sure the left hand isn’t struggling before you assume the right hand is your problem. 

  • ***Take 2 minutes to isolate each.****** Then repeat for more time if needed.

This is about isolating problem areas, developing control, and getting out of the mindset of HOPING the part will work on the next repeat.

 

 

It will definitely help to do some basic counting exercises if you have never done that. 

  • Verbally counting to 3 or 4 repeatedly is where you start (quarter notes.)
  • then eighth notes. “1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & “
  • then ⅛ triplets. “1&a2&a3&a4&a”

If you cannot do this,  you may struggle to control precisely WHEN a note is placed in time.

Isolate small note groupings when digesting new passages. This creates consistency, flow, tone, and ability to breathe. 

 

Variables are elements that are inconsistent or likely to change. Isolating limbs and individual movements [or reducing variables] focuses your approach and you develop stability much quicker. When the muscle memory of your right hand is consistent and effortless, you have a much higher margin of error for the left hand. And vice versa.

 

Check out “What is Natural Talent?” where I discuss developing patience in your practice.

Feel free to call, email, or come by our facility here in Frisco to get a free 15 min lesson! We are open Mon-Thur 3:00p -8:00p. All ages welcome!

We offer voice, guitar, group guitar, bass, piano, drum, ukulele, synth, guided band rehearsal, studio & live audio engineering, & art lessons. 

-Cody