Ever have that friend who improves faster than you and you can’t figure out why? You know you’re both practicing the same amount of time every day. You’re working on a similar level of music in your ensemble. How is this possible?
Your friend has a secret – she is using a technique book during practice. Sometimes they’re called studies, sometimes they’re called journalliers. Whatever you want to call them, they work like magic.
The Purpose of Technique
Technique takes the hard parts from most music and pulls them apart into easy exercises. The goal of technique is usually speed. How fast can you play this simple, little, nonsensical exercise?
Because you have pulled that tough portion apart and worked on it piece-by-piece, when you find it in music, you just breeze through it like it’s nothing.
When to Start on Technique
I usually don’t start my students on technique until I think they’re ready. For piano, that means they need to be reading the notes on the staff because I prefer the technique books that don’t go with the lesson books.
For flute, there are technique studies in the lesson books, so I start kids on separate technique books when they’re out of the lesson books. If you want to see my picks, check out my favorite repertoire page here for flute and here for piano. The piano page will be coming next week.
How Do I Start on Technique?
First contact your teacher. See if your teacher has a master plan for you, or has a preference on technique books. I will be posting my lists of favorites soon.
How Does Technique Fit into Practice?
In the order of your practice, technique should be played after scales and before etudes. It should be part of your warm-up, because scales don’t always completely warm up your muscles. It also helps you play your etudes and repertoire better.
When I started using technique, it was a difference of night and day. My musicianship exploded. I hope this helps you out.
How about you? Has technique affected your playing?