The old adage, "practice makes perfect" sounds good, but is it true? Actually, only perfect practice makes perfect. In other words, if you do everything right in practice, your results will be good.
A more accurate wording for the adage is "practice makes permanent." Repetition will reinforce everything you are doing. If you practice a mistake, you risk making it a permanent mistake. I like to illustrate this by having students untie one shoe. Pretending that the way they've always tied it is wrong, I have them do opposites: if you cross the right lace over the left, switch it; if you make the loop in your left hand first, make it in your right hand instead. Try it yourself: you'll be amazed at how long it takes to undo what you've practiced for so long.
The same is true when learning to play an instrument. "Practiced mistakes" are much harder to correct than taking the time to read carefully and accurately the first time you play a new piece. Likewise, following instructions on elements like holding the instrument properly, breathing deeply through the mouth, tonguing and embouchure position is crucial to developing good playing habits. Taking the time to do it right will actually speed up the learning process, as less time will be devoted to fixing problems.
Now, go practice!
A more accurate wording for the adage is "practice makes permanent." Repetition will reinforce everything you are doing. If you practice a mistake, you risk making it a permanent mistake. I like to illustrate this by having students untie one shoe. Pretending that the way they've always tied it is wrong, I have them do opposites: if you cross the right lace over the left, switch it; if you make the loop in your left hand first, make it in your right hand instead. Try it yourself: you'll be amazed at how long it takes to undo what you've practiced for so long.
The same is true when learning to play an instrument. "Practiced mistakes" are much harder to correct than taking the time to read carefully and accurately the first time you play a new piece. Likewise, following instructions on elements like holding the instrument properly, breathing deeply through the mouth, tonguing and embouchure position is crucial to developing good playing habits. Taking the time to do it right will actually speed up the learning process, as less time will be devoted to fixing problems.
Now, go practice!
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