Practicing is listening : practicing viola with the help of self-recording

Abstract: In this thesis I have examined the benefits of working with a help of self-recording. I wanted to experiment self-monitoring with different working methods to improve my practicing skills as well my performing skills as I prepared for my examination concert. This process consisted of a lot of recording, listening and practicing and repeating this cycle numerous times. I wanted to implement different practice methods and reflect on different aspects of playing the viola. This thesis is written from a violist point of view. The main focus of this work is audio recording as a tool in self-monitoring practice. I have been using two main methods in reviewing the audio material gathered from practice sessions:  1) time between recording and reviewing the material and 2) recording, analyzing and practicing in line with the recordings within a practice session. I wanted to take self-recording process into more regular use because I see it as an essential part of the self-teaching process. A music student has to go through a lot of practicing hours and most of these are spent alone in a practice room. Some of this time is wasted and misused in learning unwanted habits. I wanted to learn to practice in the most deliberate way and use my practice hours as effectively as possible by structuring my practice in self-teaching phases and putting the emphasis on self-monitoring.