. . . practice until you can't get it wrong."
These were the wise words one of my teachers told me a few years ago, but I still carry them with me to this day. When she told me this, something in me just clicked . . . Oftentimes we are told that once we get it right, then we're all good. I mean, we were able to get it right eventually, surely that shows we can finally do it, and that's enough . . . right? Not exactly.
We need to realize we're not just trying to play something right, we're trying to establish good habits and a solid foundation. On a deeper level, we are trying to make the music a part of us. That way, when we perform, we can truly enjoy, feel free, and communicate with the audience in a profound, yet natural way.
I had another teacher tell me that performing is the closest we can get to flying---something about performing is so liberating. Such liberation and freedom cannot be accomplished without consistent, good habits that act as your foundation.
Upon hearing this I was reminded of one of Aristotle’s quotes on habit (ethos) in the Nicomachean Ethics. While he is specifically talking about the acquisition of moral virtue, the idea of establishing good habits to move towards what is good still stands. He says, “Moral virtue, on the other hand, is formed by habit, ethos, and its name, ēthikē, is therefore derived, by a slight variation, from ethos . . . we are by nature equipped with the ability to receive [moral virtues], and habit brings this ability to completion and fulfillment" (Nicomachean Ethics, II.1, 1103a15-25). We can apply this mindset to our musicianship and the way we practice!
So, the next time you are practicing, remember: we want the music to be a part of us, and this involves quality practice. Your music should become second nature. The next time you are facing a difficult section in your music, consider asking yourself:
What exactly do I want this section to sound like? What's my objective?
What exactly is making this section difficult for me? Why?
What are my current habits physically and mentally? Are they taking me further or closer to my goal?
If they're taking me further, what exactly needs to change? Why?
How am I going to overcome this challenge, and what exact steps/routine(s)/work must I take in order to do so?
Thoughtful, intentional questions help ensure that your practice is founded on positive routines that bring you closer to your goal. Think of it as creating a roadmap from your current state to your final destination.
I hope the simple, yet wise words of my teachers (and good ol’ Aristotle) can bring some inspiration and encouragement for your practice (and perhaps other aspects in your own personal life)! May the habits you establish for yourself in your practice guide you towards liberation, joy, and exhilaration in your playing. Continue to show up every day, no matter what problems you face, for discipline, hard work, and diligent practice will lead to your triumph. Happy practicing. :)
Works Cited
Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated with an Introduction and Notes by Martin Ostwald. Library of
Liberal Arts. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1999.
Published: Thursday, June 11th, 2026