Reflecting on progress in recent weeks, I think I’ve learned something really useful: how to learn fast or complex parts effectively and efficiently. Here’s my current working process:

  1. Break it down into small pieces (phrases usually, but it might be just a single transition) and be clear about which small piece(s) you’re currently working on.
  2. Learn before attempting to increase speed. Be especially attentive while learning to avoid having to re-learn pieces (for example, if the picking pattern or fingering will not work at faster tempos)
  3. Set specific goals that focus on comfortable accuracy at a given tempo. Don’t attempt faster tempos until you’re confident you can play both accurately and comfortably. A goal might be, “Can comfortably play [passage] accurately at 80%”. When a goal is achieved, record and celebrate it - then set a new one.
  4. When trying to improve a piece, emphasize slow practice and practice at the edge of current ability. There’s little value in the repeatedly playing through intermediate tempos.

In poster form

I’ve created a poster (PNG 707.kB) to remind myself of these.