Muscle Memory and Instrument Playing: Will You Lose Your Skills?
Have you ever wondered if you can maintain the skills learned from playing an instrument, like riding a bike, after a long period of inactivity? I certainly have as I sought to play a song titled “Foxglove” by Bruce Cockburn consistently for over a year and a half.
Back then, I spent an hour or more a day, amassing a total of about 400 hours, to master this song. Eventually, I played it in public. However, it has been years since I last touched the music, and I doubt whether I could do so now without spending a considerable amount of time recapturing my proficiency.
The Role of Practice in Skill Retention
As I now reflect on my journey to regain my guitar prowess, I realize that regular and consistent practice is vital for retaining skills, especially for an instrument like the guitar. At 71 years old, I continue to practice six days a week, taking only Mondays off. I have faced some setbacks, such as damaging my rotator cuff in both arms, which forced me to take breaks from playing. Yet, I noticed significant improvements each time I resumed practice, much like the principle weight lifters follow by taking short breaks to allow muscle fibers to regenerate.
Muscle Memory and Instrument Playing
When it comes to playing an instrument, muscle memory plays a crucial role. It enables musicians to recall the physical movements and technique required to play, even if they have not played the instrument in a long time. However, like any other skill, proficiency can be lost if practice is not maintained. Over time, one might forget specific parts of a song or even entire sections, just as I did with the song “Foxglove.” Yet, as I played various instruments throughout my life, I found that the fundamental techniques often remained ingrained, making it possible for me to resume playing after a long break.
Case Studies of Skill Retention
I've played the saxophone for years, even through college, and dropped it for about 10-15 years. A decade later, when called upon to play the saxophone again, I found that the fingerings came back quickly. My familiarity with the instrument made it easy to recall the basic mechanics. However, I discovered that my embouchure, or the way the mouth and facial muscles support the instrument, had considerably declined. It took a while to regain the technique and produce a more professional sound.
On the other hand, where I still maintain my guitar skills, like playing guitar, which I took up when I was 16, I have not forgotten the techniques. Yes, it might take me around six months of consistent practice to regain the fluency and stamina to play well. But compared to reviving skills learned in the past, the process is significantly shorter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to whether you’ll forget how to play an instrument after a while is a resounding “use it or lose it.” Regular practice is key to retaining the skills learned and preventing them from fading away. So, if you ever decide to take up an instrument, remember that the investment in practice is critical for long-term mastery.