When we're learning new music, there is an assortment of practice tools we should be using. A handful of these are:
- practicing slowly.
- practicing in sections with lots of repetition.
- singing and tapping rhythms.
- theory work.
- incorporating creativity - making changes and seeing what they sound like.
When we're not using a practice tool, we're probably just messing around. "Poking a dead body with a stick" comes to mind.
Which is ok. Long as you know you're not really practicing. You're poking your piece with a stick.
So when you practice (piano, or anything else), ask that question: Which tool am I using?
If the answer is "I don't know," then you need to pick one.
You'll be amazed how much faster you progress.
