What does it mean to practice?
Before we begin with the issues involved in the act
of practicing, I would like to briefly discuss how we
view the word 'practice' itself. The method in which
we repeat in the practice can be the making or failing
of the process of practice. But another important factor
in the practice process is the 'memory'. Most knowledge
and intelligence is generated by the faculty of memory
but this is an area of brain function that can be improved.
In English the word 'memory' has a conotation to 'keep'.
Very much like the way one programs many data into the
computer, the human mind has more potential to input
and process the information that the brain discovers.
Can human beings pocess inifinite potential to learn?
In my opinion the answer can only be 'yes' as far the
mastering of the violin is concerned. In this case the
equation of 'practice = potential' is possible.
There are two ways of training the
brain to memorise: the first way would be to through understanding
and awareness of the materials at hand and the second
way would be through repetition. Generally human beings
are enormously affected by their surroundings and more
importantly by their situation in life: the amount of
knowledge or skills acquired depend very on how much
one wants to learn. Therefore, the act memorising can
be a matter of mental concentration. One of the common
feats of young prodigies like Midori or Sarah Chang
is their excellent memory. Of course their fortunate
environment, the wonderful quality of teaching and talent
played a huge role, I believe that their rock solid
memory was an absolute reason behind their success stories.
