Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
What's the Difference Between Practice and Play on an Instrument #1: The Importance of Practice
Have you ever wondered what’s the difference between practicing and playing? Practicing will be an important part of your growth as a musician. However, do practicing and playing get the same results? Read more to learn, “What’s the difference between practice and play on an instrument?”
According to the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, studies have found that the best pianists and violinists needed 10,000 hours of practice to master their instruments (Vol 20, 555). Not that you need 10,000 hours to start playing decently, but the example of the master musicians shows us the importance of practicing. However, does playing have as big a role in your improvement as practicing?
What's the Difference Between Practice and Play on an Instrument #2: Interchangeable?
“What’s the difference between practice and play on an instrument?” An even better question would be, “Is there a difference between practicing and playing?”
- Yes and no.
- In a sense, practicing is playing. It’s fun to play songs, so it’s fun to practice.
- The trick for music teachers will be to have students learn fun songs that they can play comfortably.
For my students, I do make a distinction between practicing and playing.
- I tell them that practicing is when they play the songs I’ve assigned them.
- Playing happens after they’ve finished practicing.
- It can be playing a favorite song, improvising, or composing music.
Practicing may be playing, but playing won’t get the same results as practicing.
- Playing doesn’t have the same systematic approach to acquiring musical skill as practicing.
- Both practicing and playing will be important in your life as a musician.
- But never skimp on practicing because that’ll be what helps you progress as a musician.
What's the Difference Between Practice and Play on an Instrument #3: Summary
Here’s some final thoughts on, “What’s the difference between practice and play on an instrument?”
- Practicing is playing, and playing is fun.
- When you play, you play whatever you want – just for fun.
- Playing fun music gives you the incentive to practice because the fun songs will usually be harder songs.
- However, playing doesn’t replace organized practice sessions.
- You’ll need to practice, not just play, if you want to get better at your instrument.
- When you practice, you’ll play the stuff your music teacher (if you have one) tells you to.
- Also, you’ll play it how your music teacher tells you to.
- Therefore, practicing is playing, but playing isn’t always practicing.
Have fun!
Related Posts
- What’s the Best Lesson You’ve Had with Your Music Teacher?
- How Long Do You Take to Memorize a Piece of Piano Music?
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
- I’m Having a Hard Time Keeping a Steady Beat
© 2023 Geoffrey Keith
Join me for in-person or online lessons today!
Back to the All-Purpose Music Tips and Topics category blogs page
Color Coding Musical Accents Using the Shape Note Advantage for Accurate Special Needs and LD Performance
We approach accents differently than other types of articulations. It is not just about using color to make the accents pop off the page. Using shapes creates a guide for when to play louder. Consequently, for accents we take our example from shape notes. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
Measuring a Song’s Success
Why does one person say a song is great and another says it stinks? In the “Art vs Commerce” post, we looked at two versions of the song “32 Flavors” and how the Boston Songwriters Workshop members reacted to it. Then, we looked at how and when the art vs commerce question arose. Finally, we asked, "How do you measure a song’s success?" Read more to learn the answer. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More
I’m Confused About What Precisely D.S. al Coda Means
“I’m confused about what precisely D.S. al Coda means.” This marking is part of a class of music notation called “signs of repetition.” Some of the more advanced signs of repetition can be confusing, including this one. Keep reading to find out how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Read More
15 Fun Lullabies (So Your Children Finally Fall Asleep)
Are you looking for songs to lull your children to sleep? The first, and most important lesson parents learn is – don’t wake the baby! However, despite your best efforts, sometimes your baby wakes up in the middle of the night. This means that your child will need to be lulled back to sleep. Enter the lullaby songs. Keep reading to learn 15 fun lullabies (so your children finally fall asleep). Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Read More