Practicing Perfection

Memory and Piano Performance

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
Cover of the book Practicing Perfection by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford ISBN: 9781135685454
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 11, 2005
Imprint: Psychology Press Language: English
Author: Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
ISBN: 9781135685454
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 11, 2005
Imprint: Psychology Press
Language: English

The memory feats of famous musicians seem almost superhuman. Can such extraordinary accomplishments be explained by the same principles that account for more ordinary, everyday memory abilities? To find out, a concert pianist videotaped her practice as she learned a new piece for performance, the third movement, Presto, of the Italian Concerto by J.S. Bach. The story of how the pianist went about learning, memorizing and polishing the piece is told from the viewpoints of the pianist (the second author) and of a cognitive psychologist (the first author) observing the practice. The counterpoint between these insider and outsider perspectives is framed by the observations of a social psychologist (the third author) about how the two viewpoints were reconciled. The CD that accompanies the book provides for yet another perspective, allowing the reader to hear the polished performance.

Written for both psychologists and musicians, the book provides the first detailed description of how an experienced pianist organizes her practice, identifying stages of the learning process, characteristics of expert practice, and practice strategies. The main focus, however, is on memorization. An analysis of what prominent pianists of the past century have said about memorization reveals considerable disagreement and confusion. Using previous work on expert memory as a starting point, the authors show how principles of memory developed by cognitive psychologists apply to musical performance and uncover the intimate connection between memorization and interpretation.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The memory feats of famous musicians seem almost superhuman. Can such extraordinary accomplishments be explained by the same principles that account for more ordinary, everyday memory abilities? To find out, a concert pianist videotaped her practice as she learned a new piece for performance, the third movement, Presto, of the Italian Concerto by J.S. Bach. The story of how the pianist went about learning, memorizing and polishing the piece is told from the viewpoints of the pianist (the second author) and of a cognitive psychologist (the first author) observing the practice. The counterpoint between these insider and outsider perspectives is framed by the observations of a social psychologist (the third author) about how the two viewpoints were reconciled. The CD that accompanies the book provides for yet another perspective, allowing the reader to hear the polished performance.

Written for both psychologists and musicians, the book provides the first detailed description of how an experienced pianist organizes her practice, identifying stages of the learning process, characteristics of expert practice, and practice strategies. The main focus, however, is on memorization. An analysis of what prominent pianists of the past century have said about memorization reveals considerable disagreement and confusion. Using previous work on expert memory as a starting point, the authors show how principles of memory developed by cognitive psychologists apply to musical performance and uncover the intimate connection between memorization and interpretation.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Ethical Challenges for Military Health Care Personnel by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book The Performance of Practice by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Children Learning To Read: International Concerns by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Feminism, Literature and Rape Narratives by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Religious Toleration in England by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Management in Transitional Economies by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Hackers by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Indigenous Discourses on Knowledge and Development in Africa by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Western Responses to Terrorism by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Queer Economics by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Understanding Industrial Organizations by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Music's Immanent Future by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Japanese Whaling? by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Climate Change, Migration and Human Rights by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
Cover of the book Metapsychological Perspectives on Psychic Survival by Roger Chaffin, Gabriela Imreh, Mary Crawford
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy