Absolute Pitch Education

petew83 · Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 267

I think our brains figure stuff out when we sleep. For example, yesterday I was struggling with the D pitch and today I had no trouble the 1st time around. So I wouldn't recommend trying to beat an entire Pitch class in 1 day. Get at least 1 night of sleep to learn it better.

aruffo · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 10:22 pm Post subject:

I'm noticing something like that, too-- that if I'm starting to struggle a bit, I just have to leave it alone for a while, and when I come back I generally do better'n before.

I don't know whether this might have to do with attention span, or tension/relaxation, or perceptual limits, or what, but it does seem worth mentioning as a general effect.

Vargas · Joined: 16 Jul 2005 Posts: 4

I've noticed a similar side effect with just about every hobby of mine. After a vigorous dose of practicing/playing followed by a good break to relax and clear things out things seem to be better the second time around. I always just figured that was normal though.

Reeze · Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 52 Location: England

Yes, this is a good point. Your brain needs time to consolidate what it has learnt so take breaks whenever you need them and you're avoid frustration. I sometimes even take breaks in the middle of a game.

Experimenting with how often you play may also be worthwhile. If you're not making progress try playing more often or less often. That should aid progress if you hit a plateau.