Approaches to practising standard repertoire. In place of the main work, do piece specific exercises improve practice effectiveness and productivity, and prevent the piece from becoming overplayed and tired?

Abstract

Musicians preparing for auditions have to practice a limited repertoire of standard pieces, and it is very easy for the pieces to become stale. This thesis examines practice methodologies and established study books in order to produce a set of new studies aimed specifically at the Sibelius Violin Concerto. The aim was to create a method for practising the essential features of the piece without actually playing it, so that the concerto will sound fresh when the time comes to perform it in an audition. This process has led to an evaluation of my practice methods, and the studies are now an invaluable part of daily warm up.