
Learn Faster, Perform Better
Molly Gebrian
Practicing is an essential part of every musician's life, but we are rarely taught how to practice in the most effective and efficient way. Many of us find ourselves frustrated when we sound good in the practice room only to embarrass ourselves on stage or in front of our teachers. We feel overwhelmed by the amount of music we have to learn, unsure how to balance everything. Playing from memory can feel terrifying and an insurmountable challenge, and overcoming bad habits can seem impossible at times.
Molly Gebrian applies the science of learning and memory to practicing and performing, giving musicians the tools to learn music more effectively and experience greater confidence on stage. Researchers working in the fields of cognitive psychology and neuroscience have discovered many important principles about how the brain learns new information, retains this information both short- and long-term, and how to make this learning reliable in high-pressure situations like performances. Musicians often choose practice strategies that don't align well with the optimal ways in which the brain learns, leading to frustration while practicing and inconsistency in performance. The author offers a practical guide, using accessible language for non-scientists and non-academics, to help musicians get more out of their practicing by applying this research. Gebrian starts with general principles of learning and how the brain works, and then progresses through increasingly specific topics. Throughout the book, the science behind the various topics is explained in layman's terms, accompanied by practical, actionable advice that can be implemented immediately, to give musicians of all levels better tools while practicing and greater confidence on stage.
Duration - 7h 50m.
Author - Molly Gebrian.
Narrator - Melanie Carey.
Published Date - Friday, 24 January 2025.
Location:
United States
Description:
Practicing is an essential part of every musician's life, but we are rarely taught how to practice in the most effective and efficient way. Many of us find ourselves frustrated when we sound good in the practice room only to embarrass ourselves on stage or in front of our teachers. We feel overwhelmed by the amount of music we have to learn, unsure how to balance everything. Playing from memory can feel terrifying and an insurmountable challenge, and overcoming bad habits can seem impossible at times. Molly Gebrian applies the science of learning and memory to practicing and performing, giving musicians the tools to learn music more effectively and experience greater confidence on stage. Researchers working in the fields of cognitive psychology and neuroscience have discovered many important principles about how the brain learns new information, retains this information both short- and long-term, and how to make this learning reliable in high-pressure situations like performances. Musicians often choose practice strategies that don't align well with the optimal ways in which the brain learns, leading to frustration while practicing and inconsistency in performance. The author offers a practical guide, using accessible language for non-scientists and non-academics, to help musicians get more out of their practicing by applying this research. Gebrian starts with general principles of learning and how the brain works, and then progresses through increasingly specific topics. Throughout the book, the science behind the various topics is explained in layman's terms, accompanied by practical, actionable advice that can be implemented immediately, to give musicians of all levels better tools while practicing and greater confidence on stage. Duration - 7h 50m. Author - Molly Gebrian. Narrator - Melanie Carey. Published Date - Friday, 24 January 2025.
Language:
English
Opening Credits
Duration:00:00:32
Dedication
Duration:00:00:13
Foreword by Dr. Noa Kageyama
Duration:00:06:51
Acknowledgments
Duration:00:04:15
Introduction: My Musical Journey
Duration:00:13:17
Section I: Brain Basics: 1. Good Practicing and How It Changes the Brain
Duration:00:38:28
Section I: Brain Basics: 2. Practice Like a Pro
Duration:00:28:08
Section I: Brain Basics: 3. Use Errors to Your Advantage
Duration:00:20:59
Section II: Using Your Time Well: 4. The Fastest Way to Learn Music: Take More Breaks
Duration:00:27:32
Section II: Using Your Time Well: 5. Can You Learn Music in Your Sleep?
Duration:00:24:02
Section II: Using Your Time Well: 6. What's the Perfect Schedule of Breaks?
Duration:00:16:23
Section II: Using Your Time Well: 7. Be More Consistent in Performance
Duration:00:35:54
Section II: Using Your Time Well: 8. Why Exact Repetitions May Not Be the Best Goal
Duration:00:21:26
Section III: The Power Of The Mind: 9. The Power of Mental Practice
Duration:00:27:52
Section III: The Power Of The Mind: 10. Mental Practice and the Brain
Duration:00:23:55
Section III: The Power Of The Mind: 11. How to Focus to Play Your Best
Duration:00:24:40
Section III: The Power Of The Mind: 12. The Most Effective Ways to Memorize Music
Duration:00:35:54
Section III: The Power Of The Mind: 13. Boost Confidence in Memorized Performance
Duration:00:27:59
Section IV: Challenges Specific To Music: 14. Improving Rhythm and Tempo
Duration:00:20:47
Section IV: Challenges Specific To Music: 15. Improving Pitch and Intonation
Duration:00:21:41
Section IV: Challenges Specific To Music: 16. How to Play Faster
Duration:00:21:21
Conclusion: Bringing It All Together
Duration:00:27:24
Ending Credits
Duration:00:00:32