Sam ER Chapter 9 Summary

Sam
Chapter 9 Summary-Our bodies are incredibly capable at responding to the impulses that our mind gives to it. When we have a clear image in our mind of a desired behavior our bodies can recreate that action with stunning accuracy. For that reason it is important to employ visualization and "feeling sense" into our practice. When we just simply try something without visualizing it first we often overstretch and include unnecessary movements in an attempt to fix mistakes. When we visualize the desired movement our muscles receive impulses even if we don't actually do any moving. That way when we actually attempt to perform we can do so without all those unnecessary muscle movements that just end up making us tired. So, when we practice it is helpful to first visualize what we want to happen, try to make it happen, and then visualize again using the added information that we gained as a result of our performance.
Key Concept- Visualizing the our target behavior before we attempt to perform a certain passage in practice can be an effective way of practicing because it weeds out muscle movements that are actually superfluous.
Key Terms- Instant Preplay, Muscle Memory in Reverse, Feeling Sense
Making Connections- When I practice I can do more to visualize the desired behavior. I need to realize that all of the physical capabilities required to sing my repertoire are probably already present. I just need to connect all those skills mentally so that I can make them happen physically.