Practice techniques based on applied science

[TheMaartian]

This practice tips video was just posted on Greg’s Bass Shed.

Unlock Faster Bass Playing: The Science Behind Muscle Memory & Speed

It’s based on this five-part video series from professor Dr. Molly Gebrian: What Musicians Can Learn About Practicing from Current Brain Research

Part I: Introduction and the basics of how the brain learns

What Musicians Can Learn About Practicing from Current Brain Research: Part I

Part II: Random practice: the best practice method for reliable performance

What Musicians Can Learn About Practicing from Current Brain Research: Part II (Random Practice)

Part III: How to actually use your metronome

What Musicians Can Learn About Practicing from Current Brain Research: Part III (Metronome use)

Part IV: The importance of sleep in learning

What Musicians Can Learn About Practicing from Current Brain Research Part IV: Sleep

Part V: Mental practicing

What Musicians Can Learn About Practicing from Current Brain Research: Part V (Mental Practice)

[jefflangford67]

I am currently reading her book, about half way through. It’s a quick read and has some very helpful, and easy to implement, practice habits. So far I’m finding this material worth the time.

[ronnielyons]

Mind sharing the title
? Would like to read that as well. Thanks!

[jefflangford67]

Learn Faster, Perform Better

→ Bass-ically transformational. A book written for your benefit. It gets into the science of learning and memory, providing advice to up your game. The title is “Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing”, published in July 2024 and written by Dr. Molly Gebrian. Molly Gebrian is a professional musician who plays the viola. It’s, tuned a fifth below the violin and a fifth (fourth?) above bass. She’s down here with us, right in our wheelhouse. She also ha…

Here’s a link to the thread on this forum mentioning the book, which is where I heard about it.

“Learn Faster, Perform Better” Molly Gebrian

[TheMaartian]

@jefflangford67

Here’s a link to the thread on this forum mentioning the book, which is where I heard about it.

Thanks for the link. That book is not available on Amazon in France. From the U.S., it would cost about $35 with shipping for the paperback. I’ll pass and count on the videos to give me the salient info.

[mosin_jack]

This is a goldmine—thanks for sharing! I’ve seen bits of Dr. Gebrian’s work before, but having it all broken down like this with practical bass applications is super helpful. The sections on random practice and sleep really resonated with me. Can’t wait to dive into the rest and start tweaking my practice routine!

[jefflangford67]

I’ve finished this book. This book contains a pretty comprehensive list of very specific and practical things you can do to improve your music skills, and everything is backed by one or more scientific studies. The author addresses specific situations such as trying to learn a piece of music, or trying to learn to play faster, as well as generally good practices such as how long to practice for, when and how long to take breaks and the importance of sleep. Additionally she also dives into mental practice and effective strategies for memorization. It’s a pretty easy read and I recommend it to pretty much anyone at all levels. I’ve tested and implemented a few of the specific methods with immediate success. Probably my only regret is purchasing it on Kindle and not a paper back. She’s also got a workbook and an online self paced course available at her website. I may purchase the workbook for $25, but I’m going to pass on the online course for now ($199) until I decide if I can get by on implementing what I read. Happy to answer questions.

[MikeC]

Sounds intriguing, Jeff. Thanks for the review!