How Important is Listening to Recordings, Really?

10/30/22 • 8 min

You've probably had teachers who encouraged you to listen to recordings, and one of the Suzuki method's core elements is the importance of listening to recordings. But does this actually help learning? Or is it just one of those things that we do because it sounds like the right thing to do, and we've always done it that way? A 2012 study provides some answers - and additional insights on different types of listening: passive listening and distracted listening. How Important is Listening to Recordings, Really?

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undefined - The Practice Strategy That Could “Bulletproof” Your Memory Under PressureThe Practice Strategy That Could “Bulletproof” Your Memory Under Pressure

The Practice Strategy That Could “Bulletproof” Your Memory Under PressureThe Practice Strategy That Could “Bulletproof” Your Memory Under Pressure

Stress and nerves have a tendency to disrupt our memory, but a 2016 study suggests that this isn't inevitable. And that if we integrate a particular kind of practice into the learning and memorization process, we can make our memory more "bulletproof" under pressure.

The Practice Strategy That Could “Bulletproof” Your Memory Under Pressure

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Have you ever wondered why it is exactly that things often sound better at home than they do on stage?

If you’ve been confused (and frustrated) by the inconsistency of your performances, I put together a FREE 4-minute quiz called the Mental Skills Audit, which will help you pinpoint your mental strengths and weaknesses, and figure out what exactly to adjust and tweak in your preparation for more consistently optimal performances.

It’s 100% free, takes only 4 minutes, and you’ll get a downloadable PDF with a personalized breakdown of where you stand in six key mental skill areas. You'll also get the Pressure Proof Practice Challenge, a free 7-day email course where you'll learn specific practice strategies that will help you perform your best, even under pressure.

Take the quiz here: bulletproofmusician.com/msa

Next Episode

Kim Laskowski: On Developing a Beautiful Expressive Sound and Teaching Yourself How to Learn

Kim Laskowski has been the associate principal bassoonist of the NY Philharmonic since 2003, winning her position at age 48 - without a prior symphonic background.

She shares her story in this episode, as well as tons of insights on practice and preparation, from how to listen, how to do repetitions in your practice without going on autopilot, and more.

Kim Laskowski: On Developing a Beautiful Expressive Sound and Teaching Yourself How to Learn

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Have you ever wondered why it is exactly that things often sound better at home than they do on stage?

Take the quiz here: bulletproofmusician.com/msa