Practice Makes Patterned

We've all heard the saying, "practice makes perfect," but as we learn more about the science of habits and the mind, it's becoming increasingly clear that this saying is outdated and potentially even dangerous. Instead, we should strive for positive patterns in our practice, which can lead to consistent improvement and lasting change.

In his book "Atomic Habits," author James Clear explains how small habits, repeated over time, can lead to significant improvements. He suggests that the key to effective practice is to create a system of small, manageable habits that are repeated consistently.

One of the reasons why this approach is so effective is that our minds are wired to seek patterns. When we repeat a behavior over and over, our mind starts to recognize it as a pattern and makes it more automatic. This is why, for example, we can drive to work without really thinking about it – our mind has created a pattern for this behavior.

The problem with the "practice makes perfect" mindset is that it oversimplifies the complex nature of skill acquisition and may foster unrealistic expectations. Seeking an unrealistic goal such as perfection can lead to frustration and tension, which can become habits themselves, and tied to our instrument. Besides, not all practice is equal, and mindless repetition alone does not guarantee improvement. Instead of aiming for perfection, we should focus on creating patterns of behavior that lead to consistent improvement.
Edward de Bono, a physician, psychologist, and author, has written extensively about the concept of pattern recognition and its role in creative thinking. He argues that our ability to recognize patterns is crucial to our ability to solve problems and come up with new ideas. When we practice something, we are essentially training our mind to create and recognize patterns.  Once we have learned a pattern, we are able to subconsciously recognize those patterns (and play them) with less mental effort.

So how can we create patterns in our practice? Here are a few tips:

1. Start small. Instead of trying to tackle a big goal all at once, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes it easier to create a pattern of behavior. This can include practicing just a portion of a piece at a time, or chunking out phrases.  This might also include practicing the foundation of the music – the scale patterns that make up the larger work.
2. Be consistent. Try to practice your new habit at the same time and in the same place every day. This helps reinforce the pattern in your brain. If busy schedules keep this from being feasible, schedule practice time each week for a consistent amount of time with your instrument in practice. 
3. Make it easy.  Set up a practice space with a music stand, mirror, music, and accessories to help you get in the zone more quickly – getting into the mood to practice becomes second nature as well.  And making it easy to get started (the area is already set up) will reduce the reluctancy to get the instrument out of its case.  Have the flute case in your field of vision so that you have the visual cue to think about practice.
4. Be patient. Creating a new pattern takes time, so be patient with yourself.  Some patterns will take multiple attempts over days or weeks to feel familiar – especially if it is redefining an already established habit or pattern.  Clear says, “The amount of time you have been performing a habit is not as important as the number of times you have performed it.”  There is not set time frame.  Just keep doing it.
5. Be mindful. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings as you practice your new habit. This can help you identify any patterns of behavior that are holding you back. Remember, what you practice becomes part of your playing.  If you are practicing with anger, frustration, hesitation, or fear, you will play with those qualities.  Conversely, if you practice with gratitude, joy, and a desire to connect and share music, you will perform with those feelings.  Try reframing some of your self-direction from “I need to practice” to “I get to practice.”  “I need to fix that run” becomes “I get to discover ways to make that run feel easier.”
6. Be flexible. Sometimes, you may need to adjust your approach or try something new. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. There are more ways to do something well than wrong.
7. Join a community. Habits that feel like a part of fitting in feel easier than those that go against the grain.  The culture in which you surround yourself determines which behaviors are attractive to us.  Join a community where practice and performance are normal behaviors, and that you have something in common with members of the group.  Great examples include a local flute choir, community band, or virtual communities like Solo of the Month.

Here's how patterns and habits serve two key roles in a musician's life:

1. Craft a Practice Routine:  Musicians know that consistent practice is key to mastery. The more a musician practices a pattern, the more ingrained the pattern become. Establishing a regular practice routine is crucial for improvement. This routine can be as simple as scheduling out set hours each week dedicated solely to practice. The habit of consistent practice helps musicians stay on track, develop discipline, and ultimately improve their skills over time. 
   
   1. “Ritual” can also be useful in accessing patterns.  Perhaps you routinely start with tone, then technique, then a musical etude.  Avoid being dependent on the ritual, but know that the more times you repeat that habit, the more automatic it becomes – and the less energy the brain requires to do it.  This is why playing the same scale pattern beyond getting comfortable with the technique is useful – the mind will then be able to reallocate energy into thinking of the consistency of air, the ease in the shoulders and fingers, the grounding of the feet.
2. Perform with Ease:  Another aspect of the power of patterns in music is their role in performance. Musicians often encounter patterns in the form of scales, chord progressions, or rhythms. As these patterns are practiced repeatedly, they become second nature, allowing musicians to perform complex pieces with less effort. The brain recognizes the patterns and executes them more efficiently, freeing up cognitive resources for interpretation, expression, and musicality. For example, a flute player who has practiced a particular scale can play it fluidly without conscious thought, allowing them to focus on dynamics, phrasing, and overall musicality.  Building strong patterns in the practice room can free effort for the mind during a performance to focus on the bigger picture.

In both cases, patterns and habits form the foundation of a musician's growth. By creating patterns in their practice and performance, musicians can reach new heights of proficiency and artistry.

“Practice makes patterned" is a more accurate and effective saying than "practice makes perfect." It is a safer adage for many learning styles.  By creating patterns of behavior through consistent practice, we can achieve lasting improvement and create meaningful change in our lives.