David Motto’s Practice Tip of the Week:
Recognize What You Do Well

Accomplishments vs. Problems

Do you recognize your accomplishments and feel good about them? Many musicians are guilty of focusing only on the problems in their playing.

It’s important to know what aspects of your playing need improvement. All musicians — beginners and virtuosos alike — want to be better in the future than they are today.

And, make sure you notice the progress you have made.

A Lot is Going Right!

Let yourself know that you’re working hard, that you’re getting better, and that you’re glad you’re going through the process of learning new music and more advanced techniques.

Don’t become one of those musicians who plays an amazing show but leaves the stage down on themselves. Thousands of notes that were perfect, yet they focus all their thoughts and energies on the three notes they missed.

That is not healthy!

A balanced approach is better. Congratulate yourself for what’s going well and acknowledge what needs fixing. Remember that music, like life itself, always has room for improvement—but needs to be enjoyed today.

3 Techniques for Achieving Balance

1. Praise over Frustration
When you’re first learning something and are able to get through it very slowly, don’t immediately get frustrated and say, “I can’t perform this up to speed.” Of course you can’t! You just learned it! Praise yourself for learning all those notes.

2. Balance Your Assessments
When you record yourself, listen back and notice what you’re doing right as well as what needs more work. List five things that went well before you focus on what can be better. This balance will silence your inner critic and make you more objective.

3. Use Positive, Direct Language
Use positive, direct language with yourself as you plan how to improve a specific area of the music you’re learning. It’s better to say, “I need to make sure those E flats are in tune” instead of “Oh, my intonation is terrible.” Vague, overblown statements are not only untrue, they’re unhelpful.

It’s Not About Perfection

Musicians aim for perfection. But, they need to realize that being perfect is not humanly possible.

Since there will always be room for improvement in your musical life, be sure to notice everything you’re already doing well. This will make your pursuit of perfection a happier, healthier journey.

To Your Musical Success!
David Motto