Practice 5

(part 1 of 8 from the article How to Practice) 

Why should we practice?

Practice is not meant to be an exercise in tedium, or mindless repetition, or a way to kill time.  The reason daily practice is so important is because ongoing repetition is what trains the mind and the muscles to cooperate quickly and smoothly enough to produce the beautiful musical results we are hoping for.  A mental understanding of the concept is only part of the process—making the concept flawless, beautiful, and easy to produce is the rest of it!  Children learn how to run at age 2 or 3, but athletes continually practice so their bodies stay healthy and can respond effectively to the commands their minds give.  Musicians need to stay in shape too, and practice is what makes that happen!