31 Days to Better Practicing: Practice Links

Here is a selection of links to practice-related articles from around the web and blogosphere.

Josh Nemith writes about a study at Northwestern University measuring the positive effects on speech activated by practicing an instrument.

Ben Clapton looks at ways of cementing what you have correctly learned into a reliable performance. If you're interested in developing good practice habits you should also read Ben's Music Practice Tips blog cover-to-cover.

Rhona-Mae Arca examines why we should practice scales, chords, and arpeggios.

If you're still not convinced, read saxophonist Zac Johnson's comprehensive article on the importance of practicing scales.

Leo Babauta at Freelance Switch talks about how to continually sharpen your skills at anything.

Still working at the memorization? Dumb Little Man has a list of 5 quick and easy memory tricks.

Jon Ensminger's concise list of basic piano technique elements is a useful resource to check from time to time.

Finally, everyone should read Martha Beth Lewis' linked-out article on ensuring successful practicing.

As we approach the halfway mark of the month, here is the next batch of useful practice links for the avid musician.

Martin Schuring at Arizona State University has written an essay on practicing from the oboist's perspective.

Charles Moss has written an article on required practice that examines some of the basics of the process.

Here is a useful article on taking piano exams from an anonymous Geocties retro-site.

Brent Hugh at Missouri State College has assembled a large pagh with piano practice principles and methods resources.

Looking for some interesting piano repertoire? Try the Pianopedia.

Those studying Baroque music might want to check out Dr. Brian Blood's useful page on ornamentation.

Finally, those wishing to maintain good physical health when practicing might want to check out the Musicians and Injuries page, with lots of useful prevention information and recommended books.

Here are some more great practice-related posts from the blogosphere.

Music Practice Tips' Ben Clapton shares 10 tips for memorizing music.

Kate Boyd at Notes From the Ivory Tower writes on How (and Why) To Keep a Practice Journal, with some easy steps on how to incorporate journaling into your practice session.

Valerie Kampmeier at Free2Create looks at the blessings of needing to rethink your creative priorities in Are you feeling disillusioned? Great!.

Rebecca Hass at The Resonant Life looks at failure as a way to eventual success in It's my party and I'll fail if I want to.

The Music Teacher's Helper Blog's Ed Pearlman asks us to re-examine our notion of a mistake.

Finally, Rhonda-Mae Arca, who writes the always illuminating Musings at Musespeak, blogged about a video by Alan Watts shown before a group meditation session, embedded below:

Here are some recent practice-related finds from around the blogosphere:

Graham English discusses how to turbocharge your practicing.

Ben Clapton helps you get over your fear of new pieces.

Jeff Mason shares his list of books on practicing and musical subjects.

Natalie lists some great websites for students on the Music Matters Blog.

Ed Pearlman talks about what's in a scale.

And Rhona-Mae Arca adds a new twist to ear training.