2 Types of Practice

You can make great strides in your musical understanding and instrumental prowess if you separate mental practice from physical practice.

The mental part of music can be practiced most anytime and anywhere. You do not need your instrument. You can do it walking down the street or waiting in line at the grocery. Sing to yourself, sing scales and intervals. Familiarize yourself with the language of music. It will benefit you at all times including when you have your instrument in your hands.

The physical part of music needs your instrument. Your hands and muscles and coordination can not be improved without the physical presence of your instrument. Optimize this time to work on your physicality. Do not waste it practicing your mental music.

The physical practice can be broken down even further into right and left hands. This is especially true for instruments like piano and the string family.

If you try to practice both the mental and physical aspects of music at the same time, you will find yourself struggling to move forward. Break them apart and practice them separately and you will excel more quickly.