Chapter 2 Learn and Practice
Practicing Without Your Instrument
"I figured that while I was standing in line at the DMV or sitting in a doctor’s office, why can’t I rehearse improvising over “Giant Steps” in my mind? Well, now I’ve had forty-five minutes of practicing instead of standing in line wishing I was somewhere else."
— Johnny B. Clark, guitar player, music teacher, and retired businessman
— Johnny B. Clark, guitar player, music teacher, and retired businessman
Practice away from your instrument and use visualization. Research shows, surprisingly, that you gain almost as much from imagining yourself playing as from going through the physical motions.[i]
I often practice playing virtual bass in the car (my upright doesn’t fit in the driver’s seat). My playing improves on a song after I’ve done this—and if I can’t play a section in my head, then I realize I haven’t really learned it yet.
You can use your imagination in all sorts of ways: reviewing scales, practicing fingerings, working on rhythm, or reviewing song lyrics.
“Sometimes in mid performance, I can close my eyes, ‘see’ the fretboard, and see my hands go to certain chords/scales/shapes. This has come after about 5-6 years of practice,” says guitar coach and UK blues player Vlad. “The idea of ‘seeing and hearing’ your instrument in your mind is the first step in truly mastering the skill of improvisation and mastery of the instrument.”[ii]
Another advantage to practicing without your instrument is that you can imagine hearing perfect sounds as you play. This can put you into a more positive frame of mind. In Effortless Mastery, Kenny Werner recommends that sometimes you should mimic the movements of your instrument without actually holding it: “A horn player should imagine that the horn is in the hands and just freely play it. Don’t be concerned with what you’re playing.”[iii] This exercise helps you mentally feel freedom of movement without being distracted by actual sound. You’ll learn that “this is what it feels like to play fast with a free spirit,” Werner says. That can be liberating.
Visualization is an effective tool to extend your practice time too. Are your muscles too sore or your calluses too weak? Are you laid up in bed from illness, feeling frustrated or bored? Is your instrument in the shop? Are you on a long trip? Imagine going through a song and successfully playing a troublesome section.
You’ll improve your playing, but you’ll also be reminded of the power of your own mind. You’re not stuck in bed—you’re on stage playing “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Your mental life can be a joy that takes you away from the inevitable challenges that vex us all.
Next
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[i]Coffman, Don D., "Effects of Mental Practice, Physical Practice, and Knowledge of Results on Piano Performance," Journal of Research in Music Education 38, no. 3 (1990): 187. doi:10.2307/3345182.
[ii]Vlad, "Is Visualization a Useful Method of Practice?" Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange. Oct. 12, 2011. https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/387/is-visualization-a-useful-method-of-practice
[iii]Werner, Kenny, Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician within (New Albany, IN: Jamey Aebersold Jazz Books, 1996), 150.
I often practice playing virtual bass in the car (my upright doesn’t fit in the driver’s seat). My playing improves on a song after I’ve done this—and if I can’t play a section in my head, then I realize I haven’t really learned it yet.
You can use your imagination in all sorts of ways: reviewing scales, practicing fingerings, working on rhythm, or reviewing song lyrics.
“Sometimes in mid performance, I can close my eyes, ‘see’ the fretboard, and see my hands go to certain chords/scales/shapes. This has come after about 5-6 years of practice,” says guitar coach and UK blues player Vlad. “The idea of ‘seeing and hearing’ your instrument in your mind is the first step in truly mastering the skill of improvisation and mastery of the instrument.”[ii]
Another advantage to practicing without your instrument is that you can imagine hearing perfect sounds as you play. This can put you into a more positive frame of mind. In Effortless Mastery, Kenny Werner recommends that sometimes you should mimic the movements of your instrument without actually holding it: “A horn player should imagine that the horn is in the hands and just freely play it. Don’t be concerned with what you’re playing.”[iii] This exercise helps you mentally feel freedom of movement without being distracted by actual sound. You’ll learn that “this is what it feels like to play fast with a free spirit,” Werner says. That can be liberating.
Visualization is an effective tool to extend your practice time too. Are your muscles too sore or your calluses too weak? Are you laid up in bed from illness, feeling frustrated or bored? Is your instrument in the shop? Are you on a long trip? Imagine going through a song and successfully playing a troublesome section.
You’ll improve your playing, but you’ll also be reminded of the power of your own mind. You’re not stuck in bed—you’re on stage playing “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Your mental life can be a joy that takes you away from the inevitable challenges that vex us all.
Next
********************************************************************************************************************
[i]Coffman, Don D., "Effects of Mental Practice, Physical Practice, and Knowledge of Results on Piano Performance," Journal of Research in Music Education 38, no. 3 (1990): 187. doi:10.2307/3345182.
[ii]Vlad, "Is Visualization a Useful Method of Practice?" Music: Practice & Theory Stack Exchange. Oct. 12, 2011. https://music.stackexchange.com/questions/387/is-visualization-a-useful-method-of-practice
[iii]Werner, Kenny, Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician within (New Albany, IN: Jamey Aebersold Jazz Books, 1996), 150.