Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: how to have fun making music, practice strategies, short term memory musical performance
“The relationship between short-term memory and working memory is described differently by various theories, but it is generally acknowledged that the two concepts are distinct. Working memory is a theoretical framework that refers to structures and processes used for temporarily storing and manipulating information. As such, working memory might also be referred to as working attention. Short-term memory generally refers, in a theory-neutral manner, to the short-term storage of information, and it does not entail the manipulation or organization of material held in memory.” Wikipedia.
This phenomenon is helpful to understand how we learn music. Since there is NO possibility of self-reflective, or critical thought during the short term and since performance occurs in the moment, there is no benefit to the anxiety during performance.
In other words, spending your time criticizing yourself during play acts directly in opposition to our biological make up. Since our brain only processes the critical longer term, it is to our benefit to PLAY and ENJOY the playing as we perform, whether in the practice room, at a lesson or before an audience.
While performing, we collect the experience in long term memory. After performance is then the time to criticize, to reflect, to decide what to do to improve.
The experience you have when you play and worry is the struggle the brain has coping with your instructions to criticize your short term experience. You are asking yourself to do something you are not designed to do. So, it feels uncomfortable.
Instead, relax as you play, enjoy the experience and after you are done, review and make decisions then what to do to improve your performance. You will feel less pressure, less tension, less anxiety and have more fun. You will progress faster in the long run this way, too.
Leave a Comment so far
Leave a comment
