We all grew up learning the scientific method. You take a hypothesis. Run an experiment to test that hypothesis. And then, confirm whether your hypothesis was correct or not.
Maybe it's just me. But when I was in school, that was the end of the scientific-method experience.
If the hypothesis was correct, great. If the hypothesis was incorrect, that's fine too.
But I wish I learned the purpose of the scientific method. That would have made the process so much cooler.
In particular, how the scientific method is used to solve problems and discover new solutions. Learning along the way through trial and error.
The scientific method can be used to take an engineering approach to practicing.
Isolating the variables of your "practice machine" to find out what's working, and what needs fixing.
It's not that hard to do. Let's break it down.
To succeed at the piano, you need to practice. Practice requires time. If you don't spend time practicing, then by definition you can't get better at the piano.
So, if you think you're not putting the time in, or could spend more time, then run an experiment.
If I set time blocks in my calendar to practice every day this week, then I will follow the plan and put the time in.
Hypothesis. Experiment. Result.
If time blocking in your calendar didn't work because you needed to watch Netflix instead, that's okay. It means you need to move on to another experiment for this variable.
If I set a reminder on my phone and give my family permission to ban me from Netflix during my practice blocks, then I will spend the time with the piano.
See how you can have fun with this?
And then if you're putting in the time but not making the progress you want, you can test more variables. Things related to:
- Time management
- Attention
- Focus
- Following the teacher's practice instructions
- Practice strategies
- Goal setting
- More!
When in doubt, break it down and experiment on every variable.
Over time, you'll find that your practice machine only becomes more and more efficient.
