Active practicing: why you need it

You probably spend hours every week practicing. For all that commitment of time, you feel like you should get a huge return for your efforts. But sometimes, you may be frustrated by the results: after all that time spent, you still haven’t achieved mastery.  If so, you can benefit from a shift in perspective about what you are actually doing when you practice. Rather than clocking hours in the practice room and hoping that will do the trick, you should learn about Active Practicing.

Cellist Henry Myers has written an excellent essay about a different way to approach practicing. [Full disclosure: Henry Myers is my son.] As an undergraduate, Henry had an epiphany that completely changed his approach to practicing. Henry saw that

“…the term “practicing” is deceptive. It should instead be thought of as “learning”.This may seem like a tautology, but it really isn’t. The term “practicing” suggests repetition, while “learning” suggests the acquisition of knowledge…Furthermore, “practicing” is passive; learning is active.”

The Case for Active Practicing is a gem. Read the full essay here. It shows, in crystal clear language, how you too can thrive and achieve in the practice room.