Sarah Brenay TC ch. 4

Sarah Brenay TC ch. 4
Summary:
This chapter focuses on HOW we can attain deep practice. Coyle distills the process into 3 main rules. Rule 1: chunk it up. Our brain interprets information by organizing it into recognizable patterns; the speed at which the brain interprets patterns is determined by practice. The process of training the brain to respond to patters is by, first, absorbing the task in one big chunk, second, breaking it down into the smallest possible chunks, and third, speeding up or slowing down the task. Rule 2: repeat it. Daily practice is essential to maintain the myelin on particular circuits. But this requires deep practice, not just practice. Rule 3: learn to feel it. The immediate detection and correction of mistakes should be instinctive - a feeling. Those who attain this ability look within for solutions, like the musicians at Meadowmount. You can only learn by struggling.
Key Terms:
chunking - taking a task apart and examining it in every smaller pieces to figure out how it's done, and do it correctly
Key Concepts: There is no way to attain skill except through practice, and no way to become masterful at it except by deep practice. No cheet sheets, only sweat and struggle. Don't be afraid of being bad! The struggle is what teaches you.
Making Connections: Taking in one big chunk = listening to masterful singers, particularly their productions of the song you are singing. Breaking down into small chunks = learning only measure at a time, or even one or two notes at a time. Slow it down = Slow it down. Dedicated practice daily. Learn to pay attention and sense mistakes.