Klarinet Archive - Posting 001248.txt from 1999/01

From: Kate Alexander <blanerne@-----.au>
Subj: Re: [kl] HELP!
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1999 23:56:57 -0500

Sara;
Having discused this memorising problem with mum some more she has some
additional information for you and the list.

Memorising and practising and playing your instrument use different
parts of the brain depending on whether you are using your conscious
(cerebrum) or the automatic system (cerebellum). (This is very
simplfied).

To put something into the automatic system you have to practise,
practise, practise until it is coming out your ears. This puts it into
the cerebellum which means that given the right beginning, you will be
able to do it WITHOUT thinking (HA). Once you start thinking about it,
it moves it into the cerebrum and there, you might have problems. It is
like walking without thinking and then trying to walk when you are
thinking about walking - this is harder! Or like hitting a tennis ball
- kids smash them automatically - once they are taught "the right way",
they find they are missing balls because they are thinking "Are my feet
in the right position? etc." So with music - it is keep practising -
perhaps little bits at a time, then putting it together, until you can
start off and see how far your fingers will take you! Go a bit further
each day.

The trick is not to think about how you are playing during the audition
- but to concentrate on the starting note and letting your automatic
system flow. Maybe you can trigger your memory by wearing a certain
perfume each time you practice these pieces and then your body will
respond automatically with the memory.

But this will only work if you have prepared well first.

Hope this helps.
Vivace and her mum. (the psychologist)

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