Overcoming Plateaus in Practice

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the first post of Bench Thoughts, my new blog series where I share my thoughts and experiences from my practice sessions. Today, I want to talk about something every musician encounters at some point in their journey – the dreaded practice plateau.

Plateaus can be incredibly frustrating. You’re putting in the time, but it feels like you’re not making any progress. Trust me, I’ve been there too. Here’s a story from my own experience and some tips that helped me push through.

My Plateau Story

A few years ago, I was preparing for a major recital, working on a particularly challenging piece by Chopin. Initially, I made great strides, but after a few weeks, it felt like I hit a brick wall. My fingers weren't moving any faster, my interpretation wasn't improving, and I started to feel discouraged.

Tips to Overcome Plateaus

1. Change Your Routine: Sometimes, simply changing the way you practice can make a huge difference. I started incorporating more variety into my sessions – focusing on different sections of the piece, practicing at different tempos, and using different technical exercises.

2. Set Smaller Goals: Instead of aiming to perfect the entire piece, I set small, manageable goals. One day I focused solely on the left-hand runs, another day on dynamics in a specific section. This helped me see incremental progress and kept me motivated.

3. Take Breaks: It might sound counterintuitive, but taking a short break can be incredibly beneficial. I took a couple of days off from that particular piece and worked on something completely different. When I returned, I had a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

4. Record Yourself: Recording my practice sessions and listening back allowed me to hear things I missed while playing. It was a great way to objectively assess my progress and identify areas that needed more attention.

5. Seek Feedback: Sometimes, an outside perspective can provide insights you might not have considered. I played the piece for a fellow musician and received valuable feedback that helped me overcome specific challenges.

Final Thoughts

Remember, plateaus are a natural part of the learning process. They’re not a sign that you’re failing; they’re an opportunity to refine your techniques and discover new strategies. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the small victories along the way.

Thanks for joining me on this journey through Bench Thoughts. I hope you find these insights helpful in your own practice. If you have any questions or tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments below. Let’s support each other in overcoming these plateaus and reaching new heights in our practice, wherever you are!

Happy practicing,

Cecilia

Previous
Previous

Frédéric Chopin's Pedagogical Influence on Modern Pianists and Teachers