The first practice tool we explore in our new video series is a foundational tool called the Feedback Loop. Although it’s an incredibly simple concept, it is one of the most powerful methods that we can deploy for efficient and effective practising. It forces the mind to concentrate on the activity at hand and develops your inner teacher by encouraging critical listening and thinking.
How it works
The Feedback Loop is a structured approach comprising three stages: planning, execution and reflection. By cycling through these stages, musicians can identify areas of improvement, make adjustments and track progress accurately.
It starts with a planning stage in which you clearly define what you want to achieve. For instance, focusing on a specific phrase or technical element. Then you execute your plan by playing the piece or passage. Once you’ve done this, evaluate your performance. Did it align with your initial intention? If so, tick it off and move on. If not, note the discrepancies and feed them back into a new plan!
“Think ten times and play once”
– Franz Liszt
Using the Feedback Loop
Using the Feedback Loop ensures that each practice session has purpose and direction. For example, you can isolate a phrase and assess elements such as rhythm accuracy or dynamic control. If the dotted rhythm wasn’t sharp enough or the left-hand thumb was too heavy, this feedback informs your next attempt. By narrowing the focus, adjustments become more precise.
The following example shows a feedback loop in action on Beethoven’s Bagatelle in G Minor, Op. 119 No. 1:
Beyond Repetition: Practising Smarter
While repetition is a natural part of learning, mindless repetition of already-mastered elements is counterproductive. Instead, use the Feedback Loop to concentrate on specific challenges. Aim for quality over quantity – just a few thoughtful repetitions can make a significant impact.
Adapting the Feedback Loop for Different Scenarios
This versatile tool isn’t only limited to individual phrases. You can apply it to entire pieces, technical exercises, or even recital preparation. For example:
- Focused Challenges: Dedicate a session to practising without using the pedal. Reflect on how this affects your sound and technique.
- Recital Practice: Perform your program from start to finish, simulating concert conditions. Afterward, reflect on positives first, such as completing the program from memory, before addressing areas for improvement.
The Bigger Picture
The Feedback Loop is more than just a practice tool – it’s a mindset. It encourages thoughtful, deliberate practice and fosters resilience by framing mistakes as opportunities to learn. Whether you’re tackling a single phrase or preparing a recital program, this method helps you stay focused, efficient and positive.
Start incorporating the Feedback Loop into your practice today and experience the transformation for yourself. Each session will bring you closer to your musical goals, one thoughtful step at a time!
The Practice Tools Video Series
The full video lecture on the Feedback Loop is part of a revised series of videos on Graham Fitch’s Practice Tools. An index of the series can be viewed here and these videos are included with a subscription. Click here to find out more about the Online Academy or click here to subscribe.
Alternatively, if you don’t wish to subscribe you can also obtain access to these videos and hands-on guidance in implementing their concepts via supplementary interactive workshops. Please see further details below or click here to find out more about the workshop series.
Transform Your Practising!
Graham Fitch’s new series of interactive workshops will show you how to apply his tried and tested practice tools for effective, enjoyable and rewarding practice sessions. Based on our most popular resources and workshops of all time, these sessions combine video lessons with hands-on demonstrations and activities specially designed to help you get the best results from your practising!
Each workshop features a selection of tools and practice methods that are introduced in video lessons sent in advance for the session. During the workshop, Graham will demonstrate these tools and exercises for applying each of them to your own pieces (or prescribed examples at various levels). You will then have opportunities in break-out sessions to try them out in the comfort of your own home and get assistance from Graham afterwards if you wish.
The first of these workshops takes place on Saturday 8th March and will look at how slow practice can be used to lay solid foundations when learning a new piece and to maintain and finesse pieces you already know. It will then go on to explore how slow practice can be combined with fast movements for building control, accuracy and speed. Click here to find out more and to book your place!