Exploring the Art of Practice: Insights from Meadow Mount School

Today's episode features the incredible Janet Sung - University Educator, Musician & former student as well as current Artistic Director at the renowned Meadowmount School of Music!

This podcast episode delves into the profound impact of intensive practice, particularly as exemplified by the Meadow Mount School of the Arts, a unique summer program for aspiring string players. Our esteemed guest, Janet Sung, the artistic director, elucidates the program's structure, which fosters an environment devoid of distractions, thereby allowing students to immerse themselves in their craft for seven weeks. The discussion underscores the notion that such focused practice can yield results equivalent to a year's growth in a mere fraction of the time. We explore the methodology of "deep practice," emphasizing the importance of breaking down complex musical passages into manageable sections to facilitate mastery. Ultimately, we aim to uncover the transformative experiences that students undergo at Meadow Mount, both musically and personally, as they cultivate not only their technical abilities but also their artistic expression.

Takeaways:

• The Meadow Mount School of the Arts offers an intensive seven-week program designed for young string players aiming to enhance their musical skills significantly.
• Practicing in a distraction-free environment is crucial for young musicians to develop their artistry and technical abilities effectively.
• The concept of 'deep practice' emphasizes focused and intentional practice, allowing musicians to absorb and refine their skills thoroughly over time.
• Students often experience a year's worth of progress within the seven-week intensive program, demonstrating the effectiveness of structured practice and peer collaboration.
• The program encourages a culture of continuous learning where returning students can refine their skills and build upon previous experiences each summer.
• A supportive community and the presence of highly skilled peers motivate students to strive for excellence in their musical endeavors.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Meadow Mount School of the Arts
• DePaul University
• Juilliard School
• Curtis Institute of Music
• Talent Code
• Yo Yo Ma
• Itzel Perlman
• Joshua Bell
• James Ennis
• Jesse Montgomery