Common new player mistakes

[saabfender]

Good thing I've already got a music degree under my belt and have the basic theory down. Now just have to work on playing technique.

Cool, so you have all the paperwork in order. That means you get to focus on the good part.

 

[Deleted member 268085]

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When practicing, practice PERFECTLY, meaning play the piece exactly as it should be played as slowly as required to do it correctly. This builds correct "muscle memory". A metronome can really help out here as does counting. If you cant play the item correctly, slow it down to a speed you can play it right. The Perfect Practice Method will save you hours in the long run.
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Reminds me of an old NFL ad:

Amateurs practice until they get it right. Pros practice until they can't get it wrong.

 

[BassChuck]

Not understanding time.
Not just rhythm, but time. Time is everything. Without it, there isn't one thing that will save you. If you don't understand time, you can't understand style, composition, or emotion.
Nothing else matters more.