Failing to remember is the primary reason for most performers' poor practising habits. Howard Snell More Quotes by Howard Snell More Quotes From Howard Snell It is the height of professionalism to be able to make an ordinary piece of music sound good. When playing routine melodic studies the player must treat them as if they are musical value. Howard Snell musical player sound The most valuable practice aid is patience. Howard Snell aids valuable practice There is a direct parallel in the way that we speak, with natural variations of pitch and volume that give full meaning to our words. This is what is missing in the words on the page of a book, and the notes on the score. Howard Snell missing giving book Good listening is always the first step in the process that creates technique and capability Howard Snell technique listening firsts . . when the initial excitement of playing starts to evaporate, good habits are needed to sustain the learning process. Howard Snell excitement habit process Sound is not simply what we hear or play, but equally a feeling in the body Howard Snell sound play feelings The underlying aim of practice . .is to create certainty through the development of high-quality listening. Howard Snell quality practice listening As soon as effective listening takes place, the ear identifies what needs to be done and guides the techniques search for a solution Howard Snell effective-listening technique needs