Do you practice or do you...

Do you practice or do you just play? Somebody I respect said something at a rehearsal one day that struck me. He stated that practice is an involved process in which you analyse what you are doing and evaluate how you did it. You then make a plan for how you are going to fix or perfect a passage of music. He stated that just taking out the instrument and playing through some music is just that, just playing. I observed this last night at my wind ensemble rehearsal. I could tell some were analysing and listening and perfecting while others were just "playing". This is a fine ensemble with many fine musicians too but it is contagious for this to happen in any ensemble. One must remember there are several levels of musical activity which stimulate the brain. First , you have listening. This is where most people stop too. I often hear something like this..."So and so just loves music. He always has is Ipod on his head." Remember this is the lowest form of musical activity and there is research to support that this really is not much of a stimulus at all. Secondly, there is playing music. This is in itself is actually a fairly low form of musical understanding. This is where many musicians end their quest for musicality. They play great notes and rhythms but often miss how their part fits with the others in not only volume but expression too. I would love to think that my part is the most important in the ensemble but alas, sometimes it is not. The next level of musical understanding is analysis. Many a great theory student thinks this happens away from the instrument with a score. Although this is true, it can also happen with the instrument in ones hands. This relates back to question. Do you practice or just play? To play in any group successfully, this attitude of analysis must be included. One must not only evaluate their notes and rhythms but also where these items fit with others. The final and highest form of musical thought is composition. Of course conductors usually frown upon this during rehearsals. Perhaps I will discuss this aspect of music later as it is something I enjoy from time to time.

Any way in conclusion, please don't just play. Analysis what you and others around you are doing. Strive to be a musician. When asked what "I play"? I simply respond the same everytime. I play and conduct...MUSIC!