Everyone Can Learn: Environment Part II - The Senses

Our environment plays such an integral role in how and what we learn. Not only are the models in our lives important, but our visual surroundings, what we are listening too, how our environment feels, smells and tastes all play a role. Although many of these I am presenting as aids to enhance learning the violin, they can be applied to learning anything.

SEE: An area free of distractions and clutter is ideal. If this isn't possible, having a focal point like a stand, picture or sign could work. Something that draws in your attention to the task at hand. Fill the room you are learning in with light and space. Make it functional and convenient with books and pencils, your instrument already unpacked (maybe on a stand or hook), rosin and a tuner close by. If your practice area changes, then have a bag or case to hold all your supplies that you can carry from room to room. Have your practice chart readily available. If you have to take time to search for it each time you practice, most likely you won't use it. Make everything you can convenient and right at your finger tips so there are no excuses. When our learning environment is visually pleasing, inviting and practically set up, it sets the stage for a productive practice.

HEAR: What we are listening to on a regular basis is vital to our learning. All babies learn how to speak their mother tongue language and they do so naturally because they are exposed to it 24/7. When we are constantly exposed to that which we want to learn, we very naturally begin to learn it. If we listen to fine violin music and hear the pieces we want to play on the violin, the entire learning process is done so with much less effort. Take a few moments to create playlists of the repertoire you are learning, your review pieces or maybe pieces you want to learn. Set timers to remind yourself to turn your music on or until you've done it enough times you've created the habit. Try active listening of your new pieces and follow along with your music as you listen. Watch videos of performers you admire!

TOUCH/FEEL: How things feel when we are learning is also important. If our clothes are uncomfortable or we feel cramped in the room or maybe we are hungry or thirsty or tired or full of energy. These can all affect our learning process. Sometimes a child who can't seem to focus for practice is just hungry, or needs to go to the bathroom or can't stand the feel of their socks! Or maybe they had a tough day at school and they need to vent or take some time alone before they can focus. Reflecting on how we feel inside and out before practice can make a huge difference in our productivity.

SMELL & TASTE: Although taste and smell have less to do with our practice success, definitely how we are nourishing ourselves benefits how we learn. If we aren't eating or drinking enough good things, this can mess with our mind and how we feel physically. Same with smell. Trying to practice in a smelly room can be distracting (the joys of practicing in university practice rooms comes to mind!). So maybe light a candle or diffuse essential oils. Use a nice lotion before you practice as a ritual to get you in the right head space. Make sure to have a drink of water and/or a light snack before you start. Figure out what tastes and smells affect your learning and what is right for you. 

There are so many little things we can do to make our environment motivating and comfortable for learning. Many of these ideas are fairly simple and probably well known, and yet we don't always take the time to apply them to our lives. If something isn't working, take a moment to identify it, analyze it, and come up with a plan to make practicing more convenient for you so you are making the most out of your time. Start small and set your environment up for success!