Practice Makes Permanent

By LAVEN SOWELL   27Jul2008

After many years as a music teacher, I have given much thought to the idea of the importance of talent and practice as it relates to the achievement of talented students in performance.

Substantial evidence, for example, has revealed that the very best music students in conservatories and universities were found to have practiced the most. In study after study of composers, basketball players, ice skaters, concert pianists, singers and chess players, and what have you the bottom line seems to be: While talent is a major factor, it is no substitute for hard work.

So there you have it. Practice is not a trivial part of achieving true mastery of any skill. Without question, talent is of prime importance. However, hard work (conscientious practice) multiplies the talent many times over.

There is a discipline to just showing up to practice every day to work, regardless of how we might feel about our practice the day before. The real challenge is teaching that practice doesn't have to be perfect to be effective. It does need to be intentional and thoughtful. This kind of honest work that doesn't demand perfection needs to have mindful effort. As a vocal teacher, I have to watch for an occasional student who is precocious and will try very hard, this can lead to overexertion and tension.

I think this is a real discipline of being a musician; our job is simply our work day in and day out, being mindful of our need to grow and achieve. So much good comes from our just making the effort to practice. I have always told my students that the most difficult part of the practice session is the first five minutes, and by then one is seduced by the music and away we go! So much of being a fine musician has to do with consistency and continuity of the practice routine.

What is talent? Talent is difficult, if not impossible, to define in a satisfactory way, but it can be recognized immediately. Hearing a talented singer is a bit like experiencing electric current. Can talent be taught? It is not possible to teach an untalented person to sing, but it is possible to bring out and develop a hidden talent. Your good looks and talent are a gift from God, however, the artistry and success you may have gained is due to application and industry.

Some students become excessively goal-oriented and begin to look for the next musical award or trophy, or for another source of recognition. While some of this can be helpful in teaching as a means to motivate, it is important to remember that intrinsic motivation, the desire to accomplish something for its value alone rather than for a reward, is essential to instill and foster.

When we practice, we have good days and bad days, and it doesn't matter. Success is in the doing. We practice because we are creative beings and it is the work itself that makes us who we are. So whoever you are, whatever you sing or whatever instrument you play, don't forget to practice and you could do extraordinary things.

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Laven Sowell retired from the University of Tulsa School of Music.  He was Chorus Master of Tulsa Opera, Inc., and Choirmaster of the First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa.  He continues to teach voice lessons.