On the Why and How of Practicing Music

There always seems to be a discussion happening about the benefits of music and the arts. Evidence seems to indicate that people who learn a musical instrument hone creative, collaborative, and technical abilities that are useful and desirable in all of life. These benefits are in addition to the most obvious reasons to participate in music or the arts...we enjoy it and find it beautiful!

I am providing two links to writers who each contribute some interesting thoughts to the ongoing conversation. In the first, Joanne Lipman writes for the New York Times to address the question of how much music training has contributed to the success of well-known people in our society. Among the qualities Joanne notes these people improved through music training are "collaboration, creativity, discipline and the capacity to reconcile conflicting ideas".

Is Music the Key to Success?

The second writer is concert pianist Stephen Hough. His blog provides us with an insight into how a professional musician approaches practicing and preparing for a performance. Parents of Suzuki students may find an idea or perhaps just a refreshed perspective about practicing in this blog.

The Practice of Practicing

Do you have any thoughts or tips about practicing to share? Please leave a comment below!