"...speed is one of those things you have to give up ...before it comes flying to you through the back window."--W.A. Mathieu

"....You cannot achieve speed by speedy practice. The only way to get fast is to be deep, wide awake, and slow. When you habitually zip through your music, your ears are crystallizing in sloppiness." ....Pray for the patience of a stonecutter. ....Pray to understand that speed is one of those things you have to give up - like love - before it comes flying to you through the back window."

--'The Listening Book' by W.A. Mathieu, p. 101.


Greetings,

I say it again and again to students (and keep reminding myself!), slow practice builds excellent technique. My personal rule: "ten times slow for every time up to speed." Awareness, of self and every musical detail, is the quickest path to virtuosity.

Best,
Catherine