Why Fixing Mistakes Matters More Than Repetition
1/29/24
We've all heard the phrase "practice smarter, not harder," but what does that really mean? Does it mean practicing for fewer hours? Does it mean skipping the boring exercises? Not exactly. Smart practice isn’t about how much time you put in—it’s about how you use that time and, most importantly, how you handle mistakes.
Why Repetition Alone Won’t Fix Your Playing
Many players think that simply repeating a passage over and over will make it better. The problem? If you repeatedly practice something the wrong way, you’re just reinforcing bad habits. Largely, our brain functions by making muscle patterns more efficient. Therefore, when we’re working on anything physical, like playing the trombone, what we repeat we ingrain.
The key is not just to play it right once, but to ensure that correct repetitions outnumber the incorrect ones.
If you chip a note, play a wrong note, or rush a rhythm, don’t just move on—stop and fix it. Play the passage again slowly and correctly, making sure the mistake doesn’t happen a second time.
The Right Way to Fix Mistakes
Smart musicians don’t just hope for improvement—they practice in a way that guarantees it. I often say that the key to practice is simplifying your problem.
In the practice room, you’re a scientist, and every problem is an experiment. Your goal isn’t just to mindlessly repeat something until it gets better—it’s to analyze, adjust, and refine until you find the best solution.
When something isn’t working, don’t just bulldoze through it. Break it down. Identify the exact moment where the issue happens, then isolate it. Is it a missed partial? Sloppy slide technique? An issue with rhythm interpretation? Once you pinpoint the problem, experiment with different approaches:
Slow it down. Remove the complexity and focus on accuracy first.
Change the rhythm. Play it with different note lengths or articulations to reinforce muscle memory.
Alter the register. Play the passage in a comfortable range before taking it back to its original form.
Sing and buzz it. If you can hear it and produce it on the mouthpiece, you can play it cleanly on the horn.
Use chunking. Work on small sections, then gradually piece them together.
The best musicians aren’t just the ones who practice the most—they’re the ones who problem-solve effectively. Approach every challenge with curiosity, and over time, you’ll develop not only better technique but also a deeper understanding of how to improve efficiently.
When to Stop Fixing and Just Play
Now, that being said… there’s a time to be meticulous and a time to let go and perform.
When you’re learning new material, slow down and correct mistakes immediately.
When you’re preparing for performance, train yourself to keep going even if something goes wrong.
If you're performing or running through a piece, don’t stop every time you mess up. Make a mental note of what needs work, then go back later and fix it. OR better yet, record yourself while you’re practicing and listen back later when you have the brain space to accurately catalogue what you want to work on.
Final Thoughts
Smart practice isn’t about how many hours you spend—it’s about getting the most out of every minute. The goal isn’t just to play through your music but to train your brain and body to do things the right way.
So next time you practice, remember: take your time, fix mistakes immediately, and play with intention from the start. That’s the fastest way to real improvement.
Happy practicing!