The Effects of Specific Practice Strategy Use on University String Players’ Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of specific practice strategy use on university string players’ performance. Participants ( N = 40) volunteered for the study and were string players enrolled in orchestra at a major research university. Within a pretest–posttest designed study, participants were assigned to one of four treatment groups using stratified randomization: free practice, playing slowly then gradually speeding up, repeating small sections, and playing the excerpt multiple times. In a recorded session, participants were given 1 min to review the study music and then were asked to sight-read the excerpt. Participants then practiced using their assigned strategy for 10 min, rested for 1 min, and performed the excerpt again. The researcher discovered that each practice strategy significantly improved university string players’ performance. No differences were found among practice strategies with regard to pitch, rhythm, expression, or overall scores. Results of an additional analysis indicated that the results may have been affected by performance level of the participants, the study music, and the time involved in the practice session.