We all know the story of the tortoise and the hare. Music teachers use the fable to illustrate two different types of practicers - one deliberate and consistent, the other rushed and careless. But there is a third type of animal in the metaphorical musical race that doesn't often get the spotlight (probably because it was off in a small, dark corner, practicing) - and it's the cat.
If you've ever observed a cat, you'll notice they are active for bursts at a time. They may seem lazy, but they're really very efficient with how they spend their energy. They focus intently on their surrounding sounds, they pace with measured steps, and when it comes time to pounce, they exert all of their energy and focus into one specific goal - catching their prey. If cats could apply this same efficiency, determination, and intention to playing an instrument, I'm sure they would be the most talented animals out there.
Contrast these characteristics with the hare in the story, who rushed and carelessly lost the race not through lack of ability, but lack of follow-through. Hare practicers may not have a specific goal in mind other than to play through their piece. They may start their warm-up and long tones, but are really just "going through the motions." They may work on an isolated section of music for 5 minutes, but then get distracted and immediately move onto something else, diminishing the efficiency of their practice.
What I'm describing is someone who practices without intention. Practicing this way can be harmful to your playing because it discourages growth and allows you to become comfortable with mediocrity.
Even if you're not a cat person, there are a few valuable lessons we can glean from a cat's approach to life. Here are 3 simple ways to practice with intention and efficiency and harness your inner cat:
Use the "Tomato" Method. Many students will boast about practicing an hour a day - but 60 minutes is a long time to stay focused, even for advanced players. Consider breaking up your practice into four 15-minute sessions a day, with a clear goal to be achieved by the end of each session. In between each session, take a 15-minute break to work on a non-music related task. Then resume your practice sessions. This method, called the "Pomodoro Technique," is effective if you have a hard time staying focused for extended periods of time or suffer from "binge-practicing" - practicing past the point of productivity. If you're curious, try out this technique for a few days. Cat-naps are included.
Listen, listen, listen. Cats can hear at higher frequencies than both humans and dogs and have amazing sound localization to pinpoint prey (this suggests they'd make excellent piccolo players, as they'd be very tuned into that high register). Train yourself to listen critically. Pay close attention to your sound, intonation, and expression. Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement. If you really want to hold yourself accountable, ask yourself: "Would my teacher or band director be happy with the way I played that?"
Prioritize your Practice. Do you have a difficult playing test next weekend, and a fun concert the following month? Even though the concert music may be more fun to play, you should spend the bulk of your time on the areas of your playing test material that need the most attention. This could be difficult passages, articulation, dynamics, or phrasing. End with something enjoyable or familiar (like the fun concert piece) to reinforce a positive association with practice. Even cats need a little playtime to keep their skills sharp!
By practicing with intention, you can make your sessions more productive, efficient, and aligned with your musical goals...and perhaps you'll even develop a newfound appreciation for cats.
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