Deep Practice - Peak Performance: The science of musical learning Paperback – June 27, 2023

Title: Insightful Deep Dive into Effective Learning Techniques for MusiciansAs a professional musician and keen reader I am always on the lookout for ways to refine my practice and learning strategies, I came across this academic gem. This text serves as a comprehensive collection, meticulously compiling information from a variety of sources to shed light on effective learning techniques, practice methods, and beyond. What sets this book apart is its dedication to presenting content from a scientific perspective, offering readers like myself an enhanced understanding of the nuances involved in learning how to practice.The author endeavors to reframe traditional approaches to learning music through a unique lens, providing fresh insights that challenge conventional wisdom. This approach, while innovative, also means the material can occasionally be dense and complex, attributable to its scientific underpinnings. However, the effort to comprehend the depth of this content is well rewarded. The author has managed to present the information in a manner that is both concise and coherent, making the sophisticated concepts accessible to those willing to delve into the scientific aspects of music education.One of the most commendable aspects of this text is how it amalgamates theory with practical application. It doesn't merely discuss effective learning techniques in the abstract but also offers actionable advice on how to implement these strategies into one's practice routine. This balance between theory and practice is what I found most beneficial, as it has given me tangible methods to improve my musicianship.While this book may not be the easiest read due to its academic nature and the complexity of some topics, it is undeniably valuable for those serious about advancing their musical skills through a more structured and scientific approach. I would recommend it to any musician or educator looking to deepen their understanding of learning processes and to refine their practice methods based on scientific evidence.In summary, this book is a significant contribution to the field of music education, providing in-depth analysis and practical insights into how we learn music. Despite the occasional challenge in digesting its scientific content, the knowledge gained is well worth the effort, making this a must-read for those committed to achieving excellence in their musical endeavors.

Deep Practice – Peak Performance is a MASTERPIECE, a tour de force demonstrating, in part, the “Song and Wind” pedagogical philosophy of legendary teacher and musician, Arnold Jacobs, was largely based in human psychology and neurology. This volume, evaluating the research of others, as well as including the research of Steenstrup, et al, has tremendous value and relevance for musicians who wish to understand the psychology of healthy motivations concerning performance improvement. Mr. Jacobs taught that the most important instrument was the one in the mind, not the one in the hands. To make change lasting with the instrument in the hands, it was the one in the mind that often needed the most attention. Steenstrup’s book documents the science behind the teaching that Mr. Jacobs intuited, including neuroplasticity. The book is footnote-rich with hundreds of citations covering studies about the brain completed over the past few decades, including analyses about musician performance anxiety. It is a serious resource for those interested in understanding more about the motivations of learning and related neurological aspects that influence human performance.

It's written in very technical language that is difficult to follow and hard to understand. I didn't find anything useful and I am a professional musician. Save your money - this is going in my recycle bin.

A great read. Full of a lot of insights into research backed knowledge about practicing and performing music. An eye opener!