| Patrick,
There is an important concept from the Kenny Werner book (Effortless Mastery) called The Learning Diamond. Draw a diamond and label each of the points with the following: 1) Play Effortlessly, 2) Play Fast, 3) Play Perfectly, and 4) Play the Entire Example.
His whole book is about effortless mastery (the state where learning can most easily take place) so he says you must practice everything from this effortless "space". With that in mind you can play two other aspects of The Learning Diamond at one time, but not all three. So you must choose how you want to practice.
If you want to play the example perfectly, this would mean that to play the whole example you cannot play it fast. That’s the advice that is most common and really makes the most sense. But you can explore other parts of The Learning Diamond too.
Play effortlessly, Play Fast, and Play Perfectly. To do this you can’t play the entire example, but the small pieces that you do play will be great.
Play effortlessly, Play Fast, and Play the Entire Example. You must accept mistakes if you choose this approach. This essentially throws some abandon into your playing and pushes the limits. Good to go here occasionally, but most of your practice should be spent in the other areas of the diamond.
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Derek Reaban
Tempe, Arizona |