The 4 steps of the learning process

The 4 steps of the learning process

“Slow theory is no theory,” as my undergrad music theory professor would shout at 8am whenever someone would be slow to answer his musical questions.  He figured that if you couldn’t immediately recall and use the concept then you didn’t know it.  Looking back, I believe he was right …well sort of.

Generally we learn things in phases.  Without this turning into a philosophical discourse on knowledge acquisition, I will briefly outline the different stages. This system is by no means my own, in fact; I learned it so long ago that I can’t remember where I learned it. At any rate, it clearly displays the progression that takes place when you try to assimilate something new.

I.             Unconscious Incompetence 

You are doing it incorrectly but don’t realize it

II.            Conscious Incompetence 

You are doing it incorrectly, but you DO know it

III.            Conscious Competence    

You are doing it correctly, but only with a great deal of focus

IV.             Unconscious Competence    

You are doing it correctly, without thinking about it

To demonstrate this more clearly I will use the example of learning the appropriate fingering for a technical pattern:

I. You are unaware of a need to change.

You show up to your lesson and fumble through a particular section. 

II.  You are aware that you are doing it wrong, but need time to practice the changes

Your teacher shows you/has you deduce a more effective way. You work on this pattern at home and bring it to your teacher for comments.

III. You can now do it but you have to be conscious of it

You go to your lesson and perform it. You are successful, but you still have to pay close attention on that particular part.  So you continue to practice it.

IV. You do it automatically now whenever you play that section

That section becomes as simple to play as any other section in the piece.

Sometimes this process is quick and easy as in small changes (missing dynamics) or slow and longer term (developing technique).  You have mastery of a concept only when you reach step 4 and no longer need to think about the process.

Mastery is the final step in learning, and should be the end goal of practice sessions. Just make sure as you are practicing to remind yourself that it will sometimes take time for your body or mind to incorporate these ideas or techniques. This doesn’t give you the right to slack off, but just make sure that you are being realistic in your ability to learn and assimilate new information.

…Finally to my undergrad theory teacher…you were right we didn’t know it…but come on it was 8am!

Mastery is a multidimensional concept and something that will be discussed often. I hope you have found this helpful and please feel free to comment below.