The Practice Project Podcast

Unmasking the complex conundrum of Music Performance Anxiety (MPA), this episode of The Practice Project Podcast focuses on the 2006 research paper by Dianna Kenny and Margaret Osborne: "Music Performance Anxiety: New insights from young musicians."

MPA is not just an adult phenomenon; it extends its roots deep into the learning years of budding musicians, impairing their performance and future prospects. Drawing on Kenny and Osborne's work, this episode highlights the causes of MPA in adolescent musicians, the warning signs, and what preventative measures can be taken.

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In Episode 15 of The Practice Project Podcast, Bethany and Riki re-enter the realm of neuroscience to explore the relationship between music and emotion. They consider how our brains process the music we play and listen to, why we take such pleasure from our musical experiences, and the pivotal role of dopamine.

Listen in for fascinating insights into the potent effect that music has on our emotional state, and how to harness this during your practice and performance.

Whether you're an avid musician, a passionate listener, or just intrigued by the interplay between music and neuroscience, this episode offers an enriching exploration of why music gives us so much pleasure.

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Discover the power of effective music practice with this episode of The Practice Project Podcast from nkoda. In Part 2 of our review of Chuan Chang’s book, 'Fundamentals of Piano Practice' (2007), Bethany and Riki investigate four more of the key practice principles embraced by Chang: memorisation, mental play, pace modulation and post-practice improvement.

Chang's proven strategies can be applied to many different instruments and genres, and this episode is packed with actionable advice for musicians and music educators alike - offering invaluable tools for enhancing your understanding of the learning process, and optimising your practice regime.

nkoda is the world's leading sheet music app, and The Practice Project Podcast brings you twice weekly insights on music practice from a wide range of academic research and other sources. With nkoda's unique digital catalogue, you can very quickly start to enhance your practice and performance. 

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This is Episode 13 of The Practice Project Podcast from nkoda, with more insights into effective music practice. As Part 1 of a double-bill, this episode introduces the teachings of Chuan Chang, the author of ‘Fundamentals of Piano Practice’ (2007).

Hosts Bethany and Riki cover six piano practice techniques from Chang's book, which are equally applicable to other instruments. Among other things, they discuss the power of listening before practicing, the structural analysis of your music, tackling and segmenting difficult sections, and achieving continuity during practice.

Each technique is given context, and with clear takeaways, this is a must-listen for any music student, teacher, or professional wanting practical guidance on optimising their practice. Don't miss this exploration of Chang’s practice methods, and stay tuned for Part 2 in the next episode.

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Welcome to Episode 12 of The Practice Project Podcast, from nkoda. In this episode, your hosts Bethany and Riki explore research undertaken by Caitlyn Trevor and David Huron in 2018 and presented in their paper "Animated Performance: 'Better' Music Means Larger Motions".

The results of the research create a compelling argument for the importance of the visual aspects of musical performances. Using motion capture technology, Trevor and Huron explore how musicians' physical movements affect the audience's perception of performance quality.

Bethany and Riki consider the balance between the aural and visual elements of performances, discover which musical properties inspire greater physical movements in musicians, and offer a new perspective on creating more engaging and expressive musical experiences.

nkoda is the world's leading digital sheet music provider. Subscribe now to access 110,000+ titles from over 140 publishers, advanced annotation tools, and much, much more. Practice smart with nkoda.

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In this edition of The Practice Project Podcast from nkoda, Bethany and Riki scrutinise Steve Oare's 2011 research article "Teaching Instrumentalists to Practice Effectively" and the comprehensive practice model that he developed.

Informed by his experiences as a middle school band teacher in the US, and in particular his observations of students struggling to improve despite consistent practice, Oare explores the fundamental aspects of effective music practice, then presents a holistic model for independent student learning and practice,

The episode contains practical tips for implementing the different elements of Oare's model, allowing music teachers, students and musicians to optimise their practice sessions and enhance their musical journey.

The Practice Project Podcast delivers valuable insights from academic research, to support all musicians and educators. And with nkoda's unparalleled digital catalogue, you can put these tips into action immediately.

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In this latest instalment of The Practice Project Podcast from nkoda, Bethany and Riki navigate you through the intricacies of vocal health, with the help of Professor Peter LaPine from the University of Michigan.

They guide you through the workings of your larynx and vocal folds, discuss the various factors that can impact a healthy voice, and reveal the tell-tale signs of potential vocal damage.

This episode also sets out several simple, practical strategies, derived from Professor LaPine's research, which you can incorporate into lessons, rehearsals and performances, to protect your voice from overuse and damage. 

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Join us for this latest instalment of The Practice Project Podcast from nkoda, the all-in-one digital sheet music app, as we offer more fresh perspectives on music practice and performance.

In a wide-ranging discussion, framed by Charise Hastings’ 2014 article on the tension between technical and aesthetic approaches to music, Bethany and Riki look at how combining these two contrasting aspects can transform musical learning and performance.

Learn the importance of aesthetic goals, practicing immersively, and interpreting music to suit your individual personality and style - even if it means breaking with tradition (and perhaps leaving your comfort zone).

Whether you're a performer wanting to elevate your musicianship, or an educator needing to augment your teaching, this episode delivers key observations on how to successfully combine technical precision with aesthetic expression, and deliver more profound performances.

Redefine your musical journey with The Practice Project Podcast - available from all good providers. 

With an nkoda subscription, you can access 110,000+ titles from over 140 publishers, use advanced annotation tools, and much more. Practice smart with nkoda.

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In this edition of The Practice Project Podcast, join your hosts Bethany and Riki as they debunk five of the most common misconceptions surrounding music practice.

In 2012, Miranda Wilson wrote 'Practice Mythbusters: Common Misconceptions About Practice For Advanced Students', to set one of her students straight about how to practice efficiently and effectively.

The result is a selection of concise, myth-busting insights. So whether you're a music teacher, student or musician - and irrespective of your preferred musical genre - don't miss this chance to tune up your approach to practice and performance.

The Practice Project Podcast from nkoda bridges the gap between academia and music practice, bringing you tips and techniques to transform your music-making. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.

Practice smart with nkoda, the world's leading digital sheet music library.

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The Practice Project Podcast continues, created and produced by nkoda - the world's leading digital sheet music app. In Episode 7, hosts Bethany and Riki discuss Paola Savvidou's 2014 article, ‘In Search of the “Perfect” Musical Performance', which explores the concept of striving for excellence - rather than perfection - in your musical practice and performance.

Savvidou argues persuasively for a shift from focusing solely on technical precision to a more balanced approach, aimed at holistic learning and performance, and the episode includes practical tips for music teachers on how to coach students towards this new mindset.

Learn about Savvidou's novel ideas, from nurturing inherent musicality, to placing greater emphasis on authenticity and expression, expanding your psychological kinisphere, and ‘practicing for performance’.

Listen in for another fresh and engaging perspective on music practice. And for ongoing insights and techniques, to transform your music-making, subscribe to The Practice Project Podcast. Available from all good providers. Practice smart with nkoda.

Try nkoda free for 7-days here: https://app.nkoda.com/sign-up

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