A Soprano On Her Head: Chapter 7
Emily Cottam
Chapter Summary: When performing a familiar task, it’s easy to fall into the trap of becoming too cautious--this can slow our progression towards improvement. The author encourages her students and the reader to rely more on instinct instead of continual “stop-and-checks.” We need to trust ourselves and our senses more so we can be free to enjoy being in the moment rather than worrying about our next move--Don’t focus so much on the destination but the journey. The author proceeds to explain the applications that this has to those with problems sight reading music; much like looking ahead on a trail and intuitively knowing how to place your feet, looking ahead at the basic patterns and formations (rather than individual notes), the fingers are able to find the correct harmonies. She also elaborates on how putting music on its side is so much easier for beginner students because the aesthetics of chords on their sides resemble the layout of the keyboard.
Key Concepts: Recognizing the bigger picture rather than individual facets of the whole facilitates faster learning and overall subject comprehension. It’s better to be in the moment rather than constantly looking worrying about the future or looking back.
Key Terms: Peripheral application, pattern recognition.
Making Connections: I can use this when I’m sight reading music--I don’t have perceptual problems, but the idea of taking in a line of music based off of pattern seems very helpful in not only learning the music faster, but in helping to recognize the shape or general feel of the music. I often get caught up on sections of the music when I’m practicing, particularly in parts that I struggle with, and I forget to incorporate it into the music as a whole to make it flow smoother.
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