JAVS Spring 2023

have a log of what they’ve already learned from their expert teacher. This saves time in the lesson and in the practice room, and helps bring the student into autonomous responsibility, which is yet another element that contributes to confident performance and musical excellence. Please consider trying out this worksheet and finding what parts of it fit with your teaching style and the needs of your students. This framework also helps with a variety of students, from differing learning styles to neuro-divergence. By following a similar routine, the student knows what to expect, and can prepare mentally for what’s about to happen. This also means that as expectations are managed, they can push further in their own discovery, building trust, and allowing us as teachers to guide the student further. It also creates time for accountability and inspires autonomy. By applying these

principles based in neuroscience and mindfulness, the students improve faster, and we don’t repeat ourselves as much. It’s a good deal for everyone.

Please learn more about SPARK Practice, in Intentional Practice System at: https://www.sparkpractice.com/violists

Sarah Niblack Violist Founder & Head Nerd of SPARK Practice

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 39, No. 1, Spring 2023

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