I did not create this practice method, but would like to give credit to Helen Marlais. It was in her publication that I first saw it in print.
This is a GEM for students of all ages. The rule is simple:
Once you’ve chosen a section of music (a measure or more), you practice slow enough to be able to play it with no mistakes (That means correct notes, correct counting and correct fingers).
Once you can do this, you will apply the 3 x 1 rule:
- Practice the section 3 times slowly. You have to get 3 in a row that are mistake free!
- Once you accomplish this, you play one time faster (not crazy, but at a somewhat riskier speed.) No matter what happens you MUST NOT TRY TO FIX IT OR PLAY IT FAST AGAIN.
- Instead you immediately return to the slow speed from before and play the section 3 times slowly. Once again you must play 3 times in a row mistake-free.
- After that, you play at a riskier faster speed and watch the miracle unfold before your eyes.
I do this with my students step by step and when they get to the end and their playing is so improved they are always amazed. No matter their age, they look as if a magic trick has just occurred.
Then we talk about how to use this approach and when it is most important. For the little ones, it is a game of concentration to see how quickly they can get the mistake-free playing. You can add extra fun by putting a timer on the task and also by creating a reward system such as, “You get to choose the next activity if you can finish the 3 x 1 game in less than 3 minutes.” etc. Or, “I’ll squawk like a chicken if you can finish the 3 x 1 game in less than 2 minutes.” The idea is to make it fun. This can be a fun way to teach your students how to be meticulous and at the same time have them produce results faster which will make them happy and increase their confidence, too.