How to Practice Effectively

[jallenbass]

 

[BassAndReeds]

It's a good piece. Interesting concept. Begs to wonder if the Myelin production is a cause or a result of increased nerve function. After all, the insulated sheathe on a copper wire doesn't make electricity flow any faster. (I do understand it's just symbolism)

This piece focuses on how to hone a skill that is dictated to the performer. Musician = play a scale. Dancer = do a pirouette. However, most artists do much more than play scales. They learn the history of their music. They explore new ways of playing. They coordinate interactions with other musicians. They coordinate interactions with potential clients. They manage the financial business of their own music.

In short, this piece may be an oversimplification of what it takes to become an artist, as the actions described in this piece is not very well attainable in the real world. And while I don't use facebook, it can be a good tool to grow a fanbase and keep in contact with fans, other musicians, and potential clients. And since all these things need to get done, multitasking is the only way to really conquer the art of being an artist.

 

[Spin Doctor]

In short, this piece may be an oversimplification of what it takes to become an artist, as the actions described in this piece is not very well attainable in the real world.

Well... I think you're carrying this criticism a little far. The piece never claimed to lay out the steps to become an artist. It was only about ways of perfecting the mechanics of some particular thing. It's the sum total of all those multiple "particular things" and experiences that can make someone become an artist. That totality was never brought up.

Also the steps in the vid are very easily attainable. I use them all the time. It was mainly talking about focus, practicing with a clear intent and starting out correctly the first time. How is this not attainable in the real world? Maybe you are seeing something in the vid that I didn't but I didn't think it was mysterious.

 

[BassAndReeds]

Well... I think you're carrying this criticism a little far. The piece never claimed to lay out the steps to become an artist. It was only about ways of perfecting the mechanics of some particular thing. It's the sum total of all those multiple "particular things" and experiences that can make someone become an artist. That totality was never brought up.

Also the steps in the vid are very easily attainable. I use them all the time. It was mainly talking about focus, practicing with a clear intent and starting out correctly the first time. How is this not attainable in the real world? Maybe you are seeing something in the vid that I didn't but I didn't think it was mysterious.

I just don't believe in the whole mentality of, "Cut everything out, sit in a room by yourself, and only focus on music." I don't think that's productive at all, and has other negative consequences of the person becoming uninterested or the person in the extreme sense, not being very well socialized.

I practice very well in front of a TV. And if I get a text, I answer it. If I want to respond to a TB post, I do it. I can practice longer that way, and if I'm only practicing at 75% efficiency, then I'm still getting 3xs as much practice in front of a TV than not.

Yea, sometimes you need to get in a room by yourself and shed. Especially if you play acoustic instruments and have family. But as an electric player, I don't see the need. The examples in the video are artists, so the video to me is alluding on how to be successful as an artist and most importantly be a musician. I believe if you follow this method, you are decreasing your chances of becoming a successful gigging musician, considering the business of music isn't so much about being a great musician.

From the video: "Studies have shown that many top athletes, musicians, and dancers spend 50-60 hours per week on activities related to their craft. Many divide their time used to perfect practice into multiple daily practice sessions of limited duration." Right, but as a musician, practicing might not be the related activity. Again, a musician needs handle rehearsals, managers, promoters, taxes. There are only a lucky few artists that have these things done for them, and they run the severe risk of getting handled financially by the party attending to such matters.

I'm not saying the video completely wrong, and some points may work for a good number of people. It just doesn't work for me.

 

[Spin Doctor]

Right, but as a musician, practicing might not be the related activity. Again, a musician needs handle rehearsals, managers, promoters, taxes. There are only a lucky few artists that have these things done for them, and they run the severe risk of getting handled financially by the party attending to such matters.

I think you are reading way too much into this little video, but hey...

 

[Joe Nerve]

Can't help but wonder sometimes if people are just making this crap up . Who would know?

Couldn't watch more than a few minutes, though I can understand how some might find it fascinating.