Logan Kelley-Coyle-Ch 3-4

Chapter 3

Summary: Skill is built through repeated practice that sends signals to strengthen neural circuits. The Bronte Sisters weren’t natural born novelists; it was their many unsuccessful attempts that led them to develop the skills they needed as novelists. Throughout time historians have seen groups of “geniuses” seem to exist at the same time. The best explanation for this is the way people worked in groups and practiced together, because they were able to help each other rise to success through careful mentorship and hands-on training. Effective practice and mentorship builds skill and can lead to consistent growth.

Application: I will be most successful if I can put myself in situations where skill is best built. I need to be okay with continued failure and work with mentors who will help me grow. I need to make sure that I have compassion for myself in these moments and be in the growth mindset. To be a successful teacher, I need to make sure I am creating this kind of environment for my students as well where they feel okay with not always being at perfection.

Chapter 4

Summary: Memory can be trained to increase through chunking and learning through patterns instead of individual entities. The best musicians learn by using various techniques to chunk strings of music together. By treating something as a chunk they will be able to practice these groups as entities and later connect them in larger chunks. Practice every day and repeat sections, especially slow down those that may be tricky. Practice effectively so that you can get the most out of practicing for a short period of time. Learn to tune into errors and be okay with them happening so that you can set small goals and reach them.

Application: I need to develop a strategy to better engage in deep practice. I have found myself caught in the just singing through things method that is mentioned in the book. The key for me to continue to learn will be through consistent, focused practice instead of just doing a lot in ways that are less effective. One of the keys to being a good teacher is teaching how to practice and not just telling students that they should be practicing. If I can help them engage in the three steps mentioned in this chapter then they will be able to progress much faster.