THE SCIENCE
Embedded deeply within the framework of the Micro Sessions are extensively researched learning strategies that work. Supported by decades of scientific evidence, these include: Spaced Repetition, Interleaved Practice, Retrieval Practice and Variation. By spacing, switching and varying tasks, we intentionally create interference and memory lapse. Although learning feels effortful, working harder to retrieve concepts results in a better mastery, longer retention and more versatility.
Each Micro Session combines several of these strategies for the most comprehensive outcome. (see typical session below).
INTERLEAVING
Instead of dedicating oneself to one topic in a block, interleaved practice alternates between topics in a single session.
Interleaving helps improve the brain’s ability to differentiate between concepts, increases adaptability and sharpens our focus. Playing music demands a raft of skills readily at hand: time keeping, comping, improvising and listening. Focusing on several areas at a time effectively sets us up for the realistic demands of any musical environment.
SPACED REPETITION
The prevailing view amongst musicians is that the most effective way to learn is through massed or blocked practice—the intensive, focused practice of one topic followed by the next. Surprisingly, this commonly favoured approach ranks as the least productive amongst the various learning strategies. The spacing or distributed practice effect—was first documented over 100 years ago and states that memory is TWICE (!) as effective when learning is distributed over a period rather than in one sitting.
RETRIEVAL PRACTICE
Retrieval practice is a learning strategy that involves actively recalling information from memory rather than simply reviewing it passively. It has been demonstrated in over 200 studies from over a century of research and like spaced repetition and interleaving, is regarded as one of the most robust findings in the psychology of learning.
"Musicians should practice regularly for shorter periods (distributed practice) rather than less regularly for longer periods (massed practice)."
Learning Strategies for Musical Success, Michael Griffin
"Research shows unequivocally that mastery and long-term retention are much better if you interleave practice than if you mass it.”
Make it Stick,
Brown, Roediger III,
McDaniel
"Restricting, limiting and inhibiting the amount of input actually makes us bigger thinkers, strengthens the brain's function and makes us more innovative."
Dr Sandra Chapman, Center for Brain Health, University of Texas, Dallas
Digital deluge is the overwhelming feeling that one is drowning in digital information. Pre-eminent cognitive neuroscientist the Dr. Sandra Chapman says we are exposed to 20,000 times more information than people twenty years ago. The result is anxiety, stress and information overload. Her studies have revealed that innovation requires a narrowing of our focus.
The Micro Practice Sessions represent the antithesis to the digital deluge and distraction. The unique format targets highly specific areas, ensuring that across a month, concepts have a genuine opportunity of becoming solidified.
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EXAMPLE MICRO SESSION
The diagram on the left outlines a typical breakdown of a Micro Session with a focus on one specific concept - let's use the maj7b5 chord as our example.
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The seemingly opposing elements of interleaving (alternating between activities) and narrowing our focus are reconciled through the use of variation. Exploring the maj7b5 chord harmonically, melodically, rhythmically, transposing keys, alternating registers and tempos, improves our ability to transfer the learning from one situation and apply it successfully to another. Variation also conveniently helps to delineate areas that can then be interleaved. e.g. chords vs single lines.
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While the nominated time on each area appears minimal, the magic happens over the course of weeks, when the spacing effect kicks in. Also the low stakes revision testing encourages regular retrieval of information.