Learning Strategies for Musical Success

When it comes to musical skill, why is it that some people achieve so much more than others? We are frequently led to believe this is because of a talent hardwired into their DNA. Now, music educator Michael Griffin dismisses that age-old notion in favour of another known factor: practice. His new book, Learning Strategies for Musical Success illustrates how the quantity and quality of practice is the greatest predictor of musical success so that aspiring musicians of all ages and abilities can best bring about expert performance. This inspiring, accessible guide will equip students, teachers, adult learners, and parents with the methods and mindset to improve the likelihood of learning music successfully.Learning Strategies for Musical Success is guided by the philosophy that achievement in music, and, indeed, most other pursuits, is largely a result of intrinsic belief mindsets coupled with the quantity and quality of practice. By creating the optimal circumstances to retain and further accomplishment, any student can further their skills and abilities dramatically. This includes not only effective practice methods, but also the “soft skills” that enhance the process, including motivation, intelligence mindset, and self-discipline. In doing so, Griffin covers all aspects of musical training, from the appropriate age to start learning to the ways that parents can help motivate their children to remain committed to practicing. He distills effective methods of practice, including distribution of time, repetition, sleep learning, chunking, slow play, expression and more. The book then elaborates on the value of soft skills, and how they can create a setting conducive to a student reaching metacognition, or intrinsic motivation. Griffin also thoughtfully assesses playing music with the whole brain; music creativity; as well as the role of music in human intelligence. In addition, the author draws from the lives of highly successful musicians like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, John Coltrane, and The Beatles, as well as his own personal experience, sports analogies, neuroscience, psychology, and research results. The book also imparts useful facts, such as the direct relationship between musical achievement and hours of practice. An original medley of timeless wisdom, proven strategies, and encouragement, Learning Strategies for Musical Success will provide students of all ages, teachers, and parents with invaluable insight on perspective and practice, the essentials of musical excellence within anyone’s reach. Changing your tune on how you go about it may just change your musical life.