Why Even Mozart Had to Practice
Did you know scientists think it takes ten thousand hours of practice to be an expert at almost anything.
The ten thousand hour theory is important because it shows up in study after study in unrelated areas such as sports, writing, math, and music.
Now, you’re probably thinking – what about Mozart. After all he was an expert at a young age. This couldn’t have applied to him.
Or does it?
Little Wolfgang began composing at the age of six. And yes, he wrote his first symphony at age eight. He certainly was a precocious child. But, that’s not being an expert. Many children write music, as I did at that age. And some even write large-scale pieces when they’re eight years of age.
Remember, young Mozart had extensive training from his Papa Leopold, who was widely considered to be the greatest living teacher of music in Europe at the time.
So, let’s say Mozart began practicing at age two and did so for 32 hours a week. I know that sounds crazy, but considering his dad’s reputation as a taskmaster with high ambitions for both his children, this scenario is quite possible.
On this schedule, little Mozart could have been an expert at age eight.
Even if he hadn’t practiced that much, he still could have composed a symphony. Question is, did that first symphony make him an expert. Well, not really. We probably would never have heard about it, if it hadn’t been Mozart who wrote it. There’s a historical interest in this symphony, in fact musicologists regard all of Mozart’s early works as curiosities. But, truth is, they are hardly ever performed or recorded.
What’s important to remember is this.
The compositions of Mozart which are considered truly great are the ones he composed well AFTER he had been at it for ten thousand hours.
So, if you’re learning something – and who isn’t – take joy in the process. The more you apply yourself to that one endeavor, the better you’ll feel and the more successful you’ll be.
If you’re in love with the process of practicing, no matter what it is, you are already successful.
Take the Mozart example to heart. He is extraordinary proof that practice makes perfect sense. And that genius emerges from the continuous, never-ending application of your heart and mind.
Warm Regards,
Tania Gabrielle French
P.S. To get yourself motivated listen to The Secret Power of Words and Music CDs. Instill your mind with inspiration and be amazed at where it takes you.
The ten thousand hour theory is important because it shows up in study after study in unrelated areas such as sports, writing, math, and music.
Now, you’re probably thinking – what about Mozart. After all he was an expert at a young age. This couldn’t have applied to him.
Or does it?
Little Wolfgang began composing at the age of six. And yes, he wrote his first symphony at age eight. He certainly was a precocious child. But, that’s not being an expert. Many children write music, as I did at that age. And some even write large-scale pieces when they’re eight years of age.
Remember, young Mozart had extensive training from his Papa Leopold, who was widely considered to be the greatest living teacher of music in Europe at the time.
So, let’s say Mozart began practicing at age two and did so for 32 hours a week. I know that sounds crazy, but considering his dad’s reputation as a taskmaster with high ambitions for both his children, this scenario is quite possible.
On this schedule, little Mozart could have been an expert at age eight.
Even if he hadn’t practiced that much, he still could have composed a symphony. Question is, did that first symphony make him an expert. Well, not really. We probably would never have heard about it, if it hadn’t been Mozart who wrote it. There’s a historical interest in this symphony, in fact musicologists regard all of Mozart’s early works as curiosities. But, truth is, they are hardly ever performed or recorded.
What’s important to remember is this.
The compositions of Mozart which are considered truly great are the ones he composed well AFTER he had been at it for ten thousand hours.
So, if you’re learning something – and who isn’t – take joy in the process. The more you apply yourself to that one endeavor, the better you’ll feel and the more successful you’ll be.
If you’re in love with the process of practicing, no matter what it is, you are already successful.
Take the Mozart example to heart. He is extraordinary proof that practice makes perfect sense. And that genius emerges from the continuous, never-ending application of your heart and mind.
Warm Regards,
Tania Gabrielle French
P.S. To get yourself motivated listen to The Secret Power of Words and Music CDs. Instill your mind with inspiration and be amazed at where it takes you.
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