Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Evaluating Your Practice
How Our Minds Work
The First Principle of Great Practicing,
Playful Practicing for Resolving Problems
Preparing to Practice
Looking at the Music Without Playing
Patterns
Open your Ears
One Piece at a Time
Where to Practice
Practicing Outdoors
Acoustic Environments
Small Rooms
Time in History
Slowing Time for a Practice Session
Frequencies, Resonances and Sound Waves
Silence and Calm
Chapter 2 – TIPS and TECHNIQUES for Great Practicing
Tip 1 – Focus Practicing
Tip 2 – Non-linear Learning
Tip 3 – Getting Past the Notes
Origins of the Word “Music”
The Three Stages of Practicing
Chapter 3 – The Analytical/Interpretive Process
Resolving Problem Passages
Frustration in Practicing
Chapter 4 – Tips and Techniques for Fun Practice Sessions
Using a Cloth to Become a Stronger Player
Using a Mirror to Improve Intonation
Recording Your Practice Sessions
Amplifiers, Microphones and Headphones
Memorizing Music
Imagery in Interpretation
Scales- Never Have a Boring Scale Session Again!
How to Play Fast Scales
Arpeggios for Right Hand Mastery
Chords
Shifts and Stretches
Squeaks and Scratches
Are You Taking a Train or a Plane?
Colors
Improvising as a Classic Guitarist
The Theory Behind the Notes
Rests
Mark Up Your Music!
Playing to “The Other”
Final Notes