Why SPEED is not your friend!

Why Slow Practice Matters

1. Builds Accuracy

   Playing slowly allows your fingers and brain to connect properly. This ensures you’re playing the right notes, with the right technique, every time.

   
   

2. Strengthens Muscle Memory

   When you play slowly and correctly, you train your muscles to remember the correct movements. If you rush and make mistakes, you reinforce the wrong patterns.

   
   

3. Improves Timing and Rhythm

   Slower practice helps you internalise the rhythm and stay in control. It’s better to play perfectly at a slow tempo than sloppy at a fast one.

   
   

Steps to Improve

1. Use a Metronome

   • Set the metronome to a slower tempo than you think you need.

   • Start at a speed where you can play everything cleanly and in time.

   • Gradually increase the tempo by 5-10 bpm only when you can play flawlessly at the current speed.

   
   

2. Divide and Conquer

   • Break pieces or exercises into smaller sections. Work on one section at a time, perfecting it before moving on.

   • Focus on the challenging parts more than the easier sections.

   
   

3. Focus on Technique

   • Pay attention to hand positioning, finger placement, and picking/strumming technique.

   • If something feels awkward or uneven, slow down even more to fix it.

   
   

4. Practice with Intent

   • Concentrate on dynamics, articulation, and phrasing. Even at slower speeds, aim to make the music sound expressive and polished.

   • Record yourself to identify areas that need improvement.

   
   

5. Implement Rhythmic Variations

   • For technical exercises, try playing rhythms unevenly (e.g., long-short, short-long) to challenge your coordination and control.

   
   

6. Take Breaks

   • Practice in short, focused sessions. Overplaying can lead to fatigue, which worsens mistakes.

Mindset Shift

• View slow practice as a way to save time in the long run. Playing quickly now and making mistakes will cost you more time fixing those errors later.

• Patience is key. Mastery comes from consistency, not speed.

A Practice Plan Example

1. Choose a short section of music (4–8 measures).

2. Play it slowly with a metronome (50-60 bpm). Focus on accuracy and technique.

3. Gradually increase the tempo by 5 bpm only if you can play perfectly.

4. Once comfortable, play the entire piece at the slow tempo before gradually speeding it up.

5. End each session by playing through slowly to reinforce good habits.

Remember, playing music isn’t just about speed; it’s about precision, emotion, and control. Master the fundamentals slowly, and speed will come naturally with time!