Mental Rehearsal for Musicians:

By: Edie Johnson of Indiana University, 2003

Although no research has determined specifically why mental imagery and rehearsal are effective, many studies have shown that the combination of mental and physical rehearsal is superior to physical practice alone.

The brain senses imagined movement very similarly to how it senses actual physical movement and muscle memory can be improved through mental practice. The symbolic learning theory states that “…rehearsal of a sequence of movements involved in a task is useful because movements are symbolic components of the task.”

A learner programs the muscles and prepares the body by forming a mental blueprint. This helps one create and code movement patterns that become more familiar the more they are rehearsed. Mental rehearsal involves a conscious effort to analyze motions, sounds, and senses as well as release unwanted tension in the muscles.

Our recommendation to our clients who are professional musicians, rehearse as often as possible to perfect your performance, if you plan on making music your career.  Do not waste your time by practicing in ways that simply do not help you improve as an artist.