Learning and Focus

I missed last week's lesson while we were at the Cal game in Reno, then did not practice while I was at the 5 day F2F session for my doctoral program.  Paul and I talked about some things that I could have done, even without a piano, and I am determined to do them when I have to go to the next F2F. My 100% streak is broken, but I am still enthusiastic about practicing and learning.

My friend, Marji, who lives with us and has seen me practicing, made a comment that I have been thinking about.  She says that I seem less stressed after I practice.  I think that she is seeing something that is really happening, and that might be one reason I am enjoying learning so much.  Life is definitely hectic these days, and I am still figuring out how to juggle everything.  But when I practice the piano, I really have to give it my complete focus.  I am not thinking about other things while I am practicing.  Where my fingers, hands and wrists are, note names, note values, musicality, words to the song take ALL my attention.  So, during the time I am practicing, my mind is at rest about other responsibilities.  That doesn't happen very often for me.  In class we have briefly talked about Novice/Expert differences; I think an expert pianist would have extra attention that could be placed elsewhere, but for now, I definitely need all my attention for playing.

My teacher, Carol Kuzdenyi, has talked a bit about some of the reasons why she has beginners learn the way she does.  One of the things that she does, that is different than many teachers, is to have the students playing little pieces where their fingers are not always glued to middle C.  One of the reasons that she does this is because she has seen many students who learn the other way that then have difficulty when it does come time to leave the middle C "home".  Another thing that she has shared is that one of the reasons that she has people sing note names while playing is because it helps them learn the notes more quickly, and also because the more senses used while learning, the deeper the learning will be.

Paul and I played our simple duet for Carol. (Paul was playing the teacher's part.)  It felt really great to be doing it together.  I really appreciate his support in this goal I have decided to pursue.  Our learn something project is supposed to be a partnership, and I feel that we are working together on this. A little more practice, and I'll record us playing together.