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The four levels of learning - The Foundation of Self-Help
Have you ever experienced the frustration of not being able to play something on a gig which you play perfectly in practice? This is a very common problem and no matter which musical instrument you play,the first step towards solving it is to recognize where you are in terms of 'the 4 levels of learning'. Here they are:
Level One: Unconscious Incompetence.
In other words you have no idea how good or bad you are going to be at your chosen task. For instance, somebody lends you a banjo, which you have never played in your life, and insists that you learn to play it for his sister's wedding.
Level Two: Conscious Incompetence.
After messing around with the aforementioned banjo you realize what a pig of an instrument it is... no offense to all you banjo players out there.
Level Three: Conscious Competence.
Now you have done some practice and you can knock out a few tunes... WHEN YOU ARE CONCENTRATING. Would you be able to continue playing whilst carrying on a conversation with the bride's mother? I think not! You need level four...
Level Four: Unconscious Competence.
In other words complete and utter 'AUTO PILOT'. Your fingers just 'GO' where they want. Some call it 'muscle memory'. They have a mind of their own. You do not have to think about playing, it just happens.
Needless to say it is that last level that so often eludes us. Usually you do not recognize when you are stuck on level three. Level three seems quite comfortable. You feel you have achieved your goal. You can play note perfect in practice, so you stop practising... BIG MISTAKE. Now relax and truly PLAY the music. 'Trance out', get in 'The Zone', playing becomes a meditation!
There are various ways to quickly and efficiently make the jump to level four. They rely on entering the correct frame of mind and the 'perfect practice and concentration' track on the CD will help here. Play the passage/exercise as slowly as you need in order to get it TOTALLY PERFECT and whilst you are playing PRETEND THAT THE PASSAGE IS EASY. Copy all the mannerisms that you have when you are playing the stuff you know inside-out. Relaxed limbs, breathing, etc. This has to be repeated 'round and 'round many times. You may find the repetition is itself hypnotic. GREAT! Now you're getting the idea. Trance Practice! Whilst you practice in trance you should use your imagination and pretend that if you were to open your eyes you would find yourself at the next gig/recording session etc. Visualization whilst in trance will take you beyond your dreams.