- The benefits of practicing and playing music
Learning to play a musical instrument is a demanding process requiring years of intense practice. Dramatic changes in brain connectivity, volume, and functionality have been shown in skilled musicians. link, link2, link3
- The importance of consistent practice
When you’re not consistent at something, putting only sporadic attention towards it, you may indeed see growth. But it’s growth that usually has to start from the beginning each time. If you’re lucky, muscle and mental memory kicks in and lets you start from where you left off. But that’s rare. Nothing in life is at a constant. Everything is always moving. Either you’re growing or shrinking. What is undeniably true (when doing something inconsistently) is that you DON’T benefit from the “leaps” seen in the exponential growth model above. When you’re consistent at something and totally engaged, one by-product is what psychologists call “incubation,” among many other things. link
Consistent progress requires:
- self discipline
- daily practice
- focused work
In return, the student is rewarded with progress, and the ability to create something beautiful that is then shared with family, friends, and the larger community.
Current Student Resources
Spring Listening
French Horn – Jan 1-20
Bassoon – Jan 21-Feb 3
Cello – Feb 4-17
Trombone – Feb 18-Mar 2
Clarinet – March 3-16
Bass – March 17-30
Harp – March 31-April 13