Are You Multitasking Instead of Focusing?

Why multitasking is overrated.

The more I've become involved in teaching, the more I try to simplify practice. I see many students trying to do too many things at once. They'll be working on new songs when the old ones still need work, they'll try to play faster when they can't play slowly, or they'll try to keep a beat before they know where the notes are. While each aspect of practice is important, the ability to focus on one area at a time is the key. If you're tired of a song, put it away for a while instead of adding another new one. If you want to play faster you have to be able to play slowly, without any mistakes. If you want to keep a good, solid rhythm, you have to be able to concentrate on that. Don't forget the 3 elements of playing music well: Timing, Tone and Touch. The more you work on those, the more tools you have to be able to express yourself through the music.