Random practice as a tool for achieving excellence. Can organized chaos in the practice room lead to improved consistency and confidence in performances?

Abstract

Random practice is a method for practicing motoric skills that has shown to give much better results in terms of retention and transfer (how much of your practice that carries over to the next day), compared to “traditional” practice (blocked practice) and it is already seeing use in sports with great results. In this thesis I explore the possibilities on how to apply random practice concepts in my own, musical practice sessions, by creating three different practice-systems that follow random practice principles. This is followed by reflections on benefits and challenges these systems bring with them, as well as my own thought on what is required from the player to successfully gain the great benefits of random practice.