#198: Dr. Molly Gebrian - Why Your Practice Isn't Working (According to Science)
Update: 2026-02-11
Description
Most musicians are practicing wrong—not because they're lazy or untalented, but because traditional practice methods don't align with how the brain actually learns.
Dr. Molly Gebrian is a violist, neuroscientist, and author of Learn Faster, Perform Better. She teaches at New England Conservatory and has spent years translating brain science into practical strategies for musicians.
In this conversation, we dig into:
- Why taking MORE breaks leads to FASTER progress
- How mental practice can solve problems physical practice can't
- The truth about talent (spoiler: it's irrelevant)
- Why mistakes are essential for learning
- The "old way, new way" technique that breaks bad habits in minutes
- How to practice in 30-minute segments for maximum efficiency
- What actually causes performance anxiety (and how to manage it)
If you've ever felt frustrated in the practice room, stuck on a plateau, or wondered why hours of practice aren't translating to results—this episode will change how you think about practice forever.
Molly's Website: www.mollygebrian.com
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