The Bulletproof Musician

The 70% Rule: Why Practicing Shouldn’t Be Too Easy

Noa Kageyama Episode 371

Somewhere along the line we learn that mistakes are bad, and perfect is good - but what if this is actually not true when it comes to learning?

What if mistakes are actually an essential part of learning? And what if we actually learn faster when we're in a challenge "sweet spot" and playing nowhere near perfectly?

If that were true...where might this sweet spot be?

Get all the nerdy details and learn why you don't want practicing to feel too easy right here:

The 70% Rule: Why Practicing Shouldn’t Be Too Easy

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Has performance anxiety been a nagging issue that tends to get in the way of your playing, no matter how prepared you feel before performances, auditions - or even lessons? Or have you just been feeling a little stuck, like you’re not making much progress in the practice room?

If you’ve been wanting to experience more joy in the practice room and play more like yourself on stage, but haven’t been quite sure how to make that happen, starting April 6, 2025, I’ll be teaching a live, online, 4-week class on the most essential mental skills and practice strategies that can make a difference in your practicing and performing.

We’ll meet once a week via Zoom and explore the relevant research in four essential areas, experiment with a curated set of exercises and techniques together as a group, and to make sure the ideas become consistent habits, I'll show you how to gently integrate these new skills into your (or your students’) daily practice through bite-sized practice challenges alongside a supportive group of practice buddies from around the world.

Registration closes Sunday, March 30, 2024.

Over 2000 musicians, educators, and students and learners of all ages have participated in the course to date. You can get all the details and learn how to join Cohort 22 at:

👉 bulletproofmusician.com/essentials