​Developing Muscle Memory in Violin Practice
​© JustViolin.org

Technically speaking, whether it is in getting the accurate pitch, producing beautiful sound with the bow, or coordinating the body's movements, practicing the violin is all about developing muscle memory. The muscle memory of our bodies allows us to physically carry out patterns of action with little or no conscious involvement. Examples of muscle memory include walking, riding a bicycle, typing, and of course, playing a musical instrument. The muscles require training in the form of repeated conscious guidance from the brain to develop its memory. The brain must first learn the pattern, and then it "teaches" the muscles. To develop good muscle memory in your daily practice, follow these steps:
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• Practice each action slowly

At the early stage, slow practice let the brain controls all the efforts of the muscles. The more controlled and precise they are, the more quickly the muscles will develop memory. Slow practice also allows the antagonistic muscles to relax. Antagonistic muscles are those that move in opposite directions. By relaxing antagonistic muscles, you reduce tension and avoid potential injury.

• Practice in small chunks

A "chunk" is simply a set of notes executed by a set of actions. Musical chunks can be anything from a few notes to an entire passage. When practicing, it is essential to drill a small chunk of just a few notes. Practicing in small fragments like this limits the amount of information the muscles must learn at one time. It also helps the brain to focus and concentrate.

• Link up each small chunk

The next step is to help the muscles to develop a sense of continuum throughout the piece of music. The last action of each chunk should be followed by the first action of the next chunk with ease.

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• Do not repeat the mistakes

According to studies, for every repetition made to learn a pattern of actions, it takes seven more times the number of repetitions to change it. If, in the course of your practice, you make an error, stop immediately. Review it in your mind and make sure you do not make the same mistake again in the next attempt.

• Pause between repetitions

When dealing with repetitive activities, the mind is better able to focus when the repeats are broken up by short pauses. After two or three repetitions, pause for a few seconds to regain focus.

• Take frequent breaks and do not over-practice

B.F. Skinner and other experts have found that the mind's ability to learn drops significantly after prolonged intense concentration. Research shows that studying too long (i.e., more than four hours) can deplete chemicals in the brain necessary for learning. Therefore, it is best to take frequent breaks and practice no more than four hours consecutively.
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