The Secret to Learning Music Faster: Take More Breaks

A very important tip for all musicians

In this video, Robert explains how important it is for practice to take breaks... and this applies to all instruments!

Released on May 14, 2025

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DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees.

Video Transcription

What if I told you that taking more breaks during practice could accelerate your learning? It might sound counterintuitive, but let's explore the science behind this approach.

Practicing in smaller chunks of time can be so much more productive than one massive practice session. Now, if you're accomplishing a great deal with practicing, there's no need to stop. However, studies have shown that intervals between practice sessions can enhance your memory consolidation.

There's science behind the breaks.

The brain processes and stores information during rest periods. Did you know that what you think about before going to sleep has a way of solidifying in your memory? You could even try taking breaks in your practice during the day and then take a walk or other activity that doesn't involve active concentration.

Your memory has become assimilated in your brain, but you might wonder how to implement effective breaks.

Try alternating intense practice sessions with other activities during breaks that can aid in mental rejuvenation, such as light physical activity or even meditation or any kind of deep relaxation where you clear your mind.

By embracing spaced practice and incorporating regular breaks, you allow your brain to process and store information more effectively. So remember, sometimes stepping away from the piano is just as important as sitting down to play.

I hope you enjoyed these videos. If you want more, consider subscribing. Once again, I'm Robert Estrin. This is livingpianos.com, your online piano resource.
Find the original source of this video at this link: https://livingpianos.com/the-secret-to-learning-music-faster-take-more-breaks/
Automatic video-to-text transcription by DaDaScribe.com
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Comments, Questions, Requests:

Anne Iams * VSM MEMBER * on June 24, 2025 @8:02 pm PST
This is excellent advice. I understand that, so if you keep playing and struggling with a piece, walk away for a while and when you come back to that particular piece, it is amazing how practicing goes much smoother. It seems that the more your struggle with getting it correct the more you make mistakes. Thank you for your wonderful videoes.
reply
Robert - host, on June 25, 2025 @9:16 am PST
It’s essential that you can recognize the point of diminishing returns with a specific practice strategy so you can move on to something more productive at the right time.
Anne Iams * VSM MEMBER * on June 25, 2025 @10:00 am PST
Thank you for your reply. Yes, it is essential to move on, not being productive is definitely not helpful.
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