The Expert Mind
There’s a great article in the July 24, 2006 issue of Scientific American titled The Expert Mind. They did some work studying chess experts in order to learn some things about the brain. The payoff for us musicians is that idea of “manipulating mental representations” that I’ve previously discussed. Just like Chess experts can recall positions after a quick glance, expert musicians can recall music they’ve heard in more detail. And this article helps confirm why: we are manipulating a biggger store of mental imagery in our area of expertise.
The other key idea is “effortful study.” This seems to be a key to advancement. From the article:
Even the novice engages in effortful study at first, which is why beginners so often improve rapidly in playing golf, say, or in driving a car. But having reached an acceptable performance–for instance, keeping up with one’s golf buddies or passing a driver’s exam–most people relax. Their performance then becomes automatic and therefore impervious to further improvement. In contrast, experts-in-training keep the lid of their mind’s box open all the time, so that they can inspect, criticize and augment its contents and thereby approach the standard set by leaders in their fields.
This is a powerful idea, and it has direct implications in the practice room. Make sure you’re working on something you can’t do already. Try to move a distance closer to your goal each session. Make sure that your practice time is truly effortful. Keep your mind open.
And be conscious of your store of “structured knowledge,” your own internal imagery library of music. Build it up by listening and analysis, and you’ll reap benefits in performance.
