Non Practice Times
Fred Barnett
As often heard in conservatories everywhere “a day without practice is a day lost”
No doubt mostly true, but is that the whole story?
Two legendary pianists come to mind who had secondary thoughts, each doing most preparatory work away from the keyboard. From Glenn Gould “mental work and creativity far surpasses any actual relationship with the instrument. I do almost no practicing at all really” Walter Gieseking, considered by many as the most supreme colorist ever, adhered to pedagogue
Karl Leimer’s system of visualization, surpassing countless hours of physical drudgery at the instrument.
Of much greater pertinence, strongly advocated by pedagogues worldwide, is for pianists to also live a full and meaningful life away from music: diverse reading, cultural interests, and experiencing the highs and lows of living life to the fullest. Thus, combined with the essential discipline of preparation, increasing the potential of reaching deeper levels and core of composers’ mindsets and emotions.
Carrying the view further, musical growth and development may still occur, to extents, during periods of non practice times. How comforting, if true. Yet perhaps, primarily for the most talented and gifted. Also perhaps encouraging to adult beginners who bring more experience, maturity, and substance to their musical quests.
In the final analysis, the counsel of legendary pianist Ferruccio Busoni’s dictum may still be the last word “if possible, allow no day to pass without touching your piano”
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