THEME 3. Methodical and Thoughtful Practice
“One must not play for hours without benefit, but must work diligently and thoughtfully.”
MATTHESON, Der vollkommene Capellmeister, 1739 (paraphrased)
→ mindless repetition is discouraged. Practice must be thoughtful — a conscious building of musical skills, not mechanical labor.
“One must begin by playing slowly and with measure; when one is sure of the piece and the fingers begin to move by themselves, one may then perform it faster.”
"Il faut commencer par jouer lentement et avec mesure; quand on est sûr de la pièce et que les doigts commencent à se mouvoir d’eux-mêmes, on peut alors l’exécuter plus vite."
DE LA BARRE, ' Pièces pour la flûte traversière, 1702
→ an early expression of a principle still central in modern pedagogy: slow, deliberate repetition leads to mastery. Speed is earned, not assumed.
THEME 3. Methodical and Thoughtful Practice
Frank
Created on August 2, 2025
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Valentine's Letter
View
Children's Holiday Card
View
Happy Holidays Mobile Card
View
Christmas Invitation
View
Professional Christmas Greeting
View
Halloween Discount Code
View
Event Invitation
Explore all templates
Transcript
THEME 3. Methodical and Thoughtful Practice
“One must not play for hours without benefit, but must work diligently and thoughtfully.”
MATTHESON, Der vollkommene Capellmeister, 1739 (paraphrased)
→ mindless repetition is discouraged. Practice must be thoughtful — a conscious building of musical skills, not mechanical labor.
“One must begin by playing slowly and with measure; when one is sure of the piece and the fingers begin to move by themselves, one may then perform it faster.”
"Il faut commencer par jouer lentement et avec mesure; quand on est sûr de la pièce et que les doigts commencent à se mouvoir d’eux-mêmes, on peut alors l’exécuter plus vite."
DE LA BARRE, ' Pièces pour la flûte traversière, 1702
→ an early expression of a principle still central in modern pedagogy: slow, deliberate repetition leads to mastery. Speed is earned, not assumed.