Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.
Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Esther (class of 2025) and features a book about effective music practice. Thanks, Esther!
If you’ve tried improving or mastering any type of skill, whether it be academic, athletic, or musical, you’ve probably heard the phrase “practice makes perfect.” However, this quote may eventually lead one to discouragement. How could you possibly become better if you aren’t practicing as much as you want to?
Elizabeth A.H. Green delves into the structure and logic behind intentional, productive practicing through her book Practicing Successfully: A Masterclass in the Musical Art.
Practicing Successfully: A Masterclass in the Musical Art by Elizabeth A. H. Green.
Professor Green was a highly esteemed teacher who taught with a focus on violin and stringed instruments. In the Practicing Successfully, she writes,” Ultimate success depends upon one immutable, inescapable, and well-publicized fact: the musician has to practice successfully or not.” When you see famous athletes or musicians, the one thing they mention is the continual efforts they’ve put in to reach the point they’re at. So, what makes them different from the others? One section of the book Professor Green points to is the physiological principle of practice and how we can adjust so that we can maximize the productivity of the session.
I have this book checked out personally to myself right now, but I recommend all musicians to take a look at it! Even if you are not a musician, these principles of practice can be applied to other aspects of life.