Effective Practice

Abstract

The primary goal of this study was to examine relationships among observed practice behaviors, self-reported practice habits, and performance achievement of high school wind players (N = 60). Participants practiced in three 25-minute sessions, rated their practice efficiency following each day, and completed a practice survey. Participants performed a researcher-composed étude six times across the duration of the study. Performances were rated using objective and subjective criteria. Practice sessions were observed for frequencies of selected practice behaviors. Interjudge reliability for performance ratings and observations was acceptable to high. A significant change (p < .001) in performance achievement was detected over time (d = .85). The behaviors exhibited the most were repeat measure, repeat section, and marks part. Significant correlations were found: (a) among the behaviors repeat section, whole-part-whole, and slowing; (b) between performance achievement and the behaviors repeat section, whole-part-whole, slowing, and skipping directly to or just before critical musical sections of the étude; and (c) between performance achievement and self-reports of percentage of time spent on formal and informal practice and use of metronome. Self-evaluations of practice efficiency were strongly related to performance achievement scores at day one, less so at day two, and not at all on day three. Lastly, several small relationships were also found between self-reported practice habits and observed practice behaviors.

Keywords

instrumental music practicing performance achievement practice behaviors practice habits deliberate practice

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