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Learn Faster, Perform Better

A Musician's Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing

Molly Gebrian (Faculty, Faculty, New England Conservatory of Music)

$45.95

Paperback

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English
Oxford University Press Inc
22 October 2024
Practicing is an essential part of every musician's life, but we are rarely taught how to practice in the most effective and efficient way. Many of us find ourselves frustrated when we sound good in the practice room only to embarrass ourselves on stage or in front of our teachers. We feel overwhelmed by the amount of music we have to learn, unsure how to balance everything. Playing from memory can feel terrifying and an insurmountable challenge, and overcoming bad habits can seem impossible at times.

Molly Gebrian applies the science of learning and memory to practicing and performing, giving musicians the tools to learn music more effectively and experience greater confidence on stage. Researchers working in the fields of cognitive psychology and neuroscience have discovered many important principles about how the brain learns new information, retains this information both short- and long-term, and how to make this learning reliable in high-pressure situations like performances. Musicians often choose practice strategies that don't align well with the optimal ways in which the brain learns, leading to frustration while practicing and inconsistency in performance. The author offers a practical guide, using accessible language for non-scientists and non-academics, to help musicians get more out of their practicing by applying this research. Gebrian starts with general principles of learning and how the brain works, and then progresses through increasingly specific topics. Throughout the book, the science behind the various topics is explained in layman's terms, accompanied by practical, actionable advice that can be implemented immediately, to give musicians of all levels better tools while practicing and greater confidence on stage.
By:  
Imprint:   Oxford University Press Inc
Country of Publication:   United States
Dimensions:   Height: 226mm,  Width: 150mm,  Spine: 15mm
Weight:   476g
ISBN:   9780197680070
ISBN 10:   0197680070
Pages:   272
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Dr. Molly Gebrian is a professional violist and scholar with a background in cognitive neuroscience. Her area of expertise is applying the research on learning and memory to practicing and performing music. She also investigates the intersections between music and language. As a performer, she prioritizes the works of living composers and those who have traditionally been excluded from the culture of classical music. She holds degrees in both music and neuroscience from Oberlin College and Conservatory, New England Conservatory of Music, and Rice University. Previously, she was the viola professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Arizona. After a decade of teaching viola at the collegiate level, she will join the faculty at New England Conservatory of Music in Fall 2024 to teach courses on the science of practicing.

Reviews for Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician's Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing

"Dr. Molly Gebrian gifts us with a truly compelling new book. A highly trained performing musician and pedagogue, Dr. Gebrian has also made a life-long study of neuroscience, especially as it relates to ""music and the brain."" In this book, she marries the two disciplines in a way that is understandable to the lay reader, with complete descriptions of the ""why"" and the ""how"" of applying each new principle. Dr. Gebrian's Introduction is captivating, and the easy cadence of her writing invites us forward with every important technique presented. This is a book for every library - I know I will be using these concepts in my own teaching...and my own learning! * James F. Dunham, Professor of Viola and Chamber Music, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University * Finally, a clear and informative book by a musician with neuroscience expertise explaining how to learn music faster and better! Everyone interested in music performance should read this book to get old monkeys off their back (practicing as much as possible, the myths of talent and early achievement, etc.) and to learn what really does work in music practice and why. * Prof. Jacqueline Leclair, Associate Professor of Oboe, Schulich School of Music of McGill University * This book is pure gold. Scrupulously researched and substantiated by both scientific studies and data culled from her lived experience as a performer and pedagogue, Dr. Gebrian provides musicians with an empowering and practical guide to making profound and lasting progress in their work. * Carol Rodland, Professor of Viola and Chamber Music, The Juilliard School * Kudos to Molly Gebrian for gathering such a compendium of valuable information in one place! If you're a growing young artist - you need this book to develop optimal work habits to get the most out of your dedication. If you're a top-flight teacher, you may know many of the techniques described in this book, but you need this book to understand how and why they work. I look forward to making this book mandatory for my students.... It's the perfect combination of information and inspiration! Did I say you need this book? * Peter Slowik, Professor of Viola, Oberlin Conservatory *"


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