SCIENCE: I practiced cello WRONG for 20 years (and you probably still are....) LEARN FASTER

A famous study from 1978 proved that one type of practice, called variable practice, absolutely trounces conventional repetitive practice. So why does nobody know about it??? If you want to get better at your instrument, DO THIS. It literally changed my life. Double or triple the effectiveness of your instrument practice with this technique.

especially helpful for learning intonation and accuracy on string instruments, like Violin, Viola, Cello, and double bass; but this technique can help you learn any physical task that requires accuracy.

Links to the studies referenced in this video:

1978 Kerr and Booth revolutionary study:

Variable practice promotes external focus:

Molecular benefit of variable practice:

I'm the cellist of the Dover Quartet, recently named by BBC Magazine as one of the best quartets of the last 100 years (woohoo!!) This channel is my passion project, pardon as I slowly learn how to do this well! Any constructive criticism is heartily welcomed!

[cellomonk]

I worked hard on this one, guys! Now of course, keep in mind as you see this that there are MANY different types of practicing, which can lead to the development of different skills. This one technique is merely a tool in a LARGE toolbox, so I don't mean to give the impression that this is the ONLY way to practice; but unfortunately, it is one that is almost NEVER used and is scientifically proven to be the most effective way to gain accuracy. So I hope it changes your lives as much as it did mine!

[crimson]

Why did you stop making videos?? I just discovered this channel and as someone who loves to play cello and work out I was sad to see there aren’t many videos especially when it seemed like you were so excited to make them.. please bring this back 🙏🙏

[verabilling]

Very good!!! I played as a child, cello and piano, repeating repeating... you know. So boring. Now, being 66 and having just but a cello, this seems a much better practice approach for an adult. I live too far away to take lessons and anyway love experimenting on my own. Here we go!!! Thanks!

[r.i.b]

I have been feeling so stuck with cello and have been increasing my practice time to hours a day, but still not seeing much improvement. This helped me so much, please make more videos :)

[metallic]

man this video was honestly life changing for me. i played cello in high school, before i had the life experience and knowledge i have now. i loved playing, but i felt stuck. towards the end of school, i felt like i hadn’t really gotten any better in the past few years, and i stopped playing after i graduated. now i’m in my mid 20s, recently picked it back up for fun. in that gap of time, i learned a lot about myself, i learned HOW i learn, and i stared applying a lot of those life lessons to my practice sessions. and i can now say that, after years of being stuck, i feel i’ve actually seen some improvement in the last 3 months. with the knowledge i gained from this video, im hoping i’ll continue making progress these coming years.

[parisianallen]

Wow. Amazing fearless sharing of details. It happens to be the way I like to think. An exhortation to practice is really terrifying. But a process to follow is reassuring. (I'll be back in one year to tell everyone if it doesn't work! :) )

[breannakelly-watt]

I was really confused on how this related to playing music but in the end it all clicked thank you!

[cordatelee]

I’d wish he’d make more videos, he has such an amazing way of getting across either technique or information that’s really helpful

[Sweet_serendipity_]

This is so helpful! Please make more videos soon!

[samdajellybeenie]

Please make the video on how to practice fast passages!

[tobiassicken]

That is awesome advice and science. I have immediately started using this. If you're thinking about a follow up video, I think it would be great to have more examples on how to use this method. Routines, examples from other pieces, ideas for experimenting with it and make it even more fun. Keep up the great work of educating us.

[sheriheldstab]

This is a fantastic explanation, and probably even more valuable for the adult learner who is trying to unlearn so many motor habits from being an adult (gripping steering wheels, typing etc - I found that I try to "brake" when I feel a passage is too fast for me to play well). By "adult learner", I'm primarily referring to people who are 50+ who retired and took up cello. Take 4 decades of ingrained motor skills and try to make them disappear... not easy! I could see how this would be really useful with bow technique as well. Thank you for posting this!

[backtophysicsPaulina]

Can’t wait your new videos! Thank you for sharing. I am an adult learner. Practice effectively is so important for me. Can’t thank you enough.

[reubenlouismusic]

Hey thank you so much!!! I have been learning a very difficult Indian Classical instrument, the Sarangi. I am very interested in neural plasticity and the topic of this video too. Optimal practice. I love it. Thank you again!!!

[LittleHarryBrother]

Thank you so much for this video! :D For a long time now I have been thinking about how far behind the discipline of music performance is compared to sports, in regards to having a scientific understanding of the physical execution and how to practice. Thus, I am very happy to have come by your channel, as you seem to be bridging this gap. I also have to say that in terms of content, I think this is your best video so far! ;)

I also have a request/suggestion: Please make a video about how the ideas discussed in this video would relate to practicing the bow arm! I think it could be a very interesting and exhaustive topic to cover and thus very helpful.

Cheers!

[liv]

Wow, I play violin, and this is still awesome advice!

[altolows]

I'm a self taught adult beginning violist and was always a compulsive sight reader. I've assembled a huge collection of beginning viola method books (cheap on ebay) and work part way through a different one every day, but always at an easy level. When I get back to a book two or three weeks later it goes much smoother and I haven't bored myself by struggling with the same book daily. Your video shows me a more advanced way to approach variable practice. Thanks.

[MrAkifusion]

Thank you for putting this out. Finally, someone competent on YouTube...

[anniephan]

Hi, THANK YOU for sharing. This is one of the best cello tutorials I've seen on youtube. I love your performances with Dover String Quartet and your tips are super valuable. I wish I could have watched this when I was learning cello as a teenager. Back then I got really frustrated about my shifts not being accurate, I became self conscientious about my intonation and stopped seriously playing. Now I'm picking up my cello again 10 years later. Your video is really inspiring and made my day. Looking forward to trying this variable practice model. Thanks again!

[thecelloproject]

Cello Monk! Where you at?! I just discovered your channel and your ideas and teaching style are blowing my mind!!! I hope all is well in your world and I hope you’ll come to a place where making these videos makes sense for you again! For all of our sakes! 😂😊