Book review - Peak: Secrets From the New Science of Expertise

Peak: Secrets From the New Science of Expertise

I recently read an excellent book titled Peak: Secrets From the New Science of Expertise by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool. It was fascinating to learn about the latest research regarding expertise and human performance. The authors introduce studies of athletes, doctors, musicians, chess players, mental athletes, cab drivers, comedians, Navy pilots, and others where the relationship of practicing and improvement could be measured. As a longtime student and teacher of music, I discovered many statements which crystallized into words my own experience and philosophy about practicing and teaching. I highly recommend this book, as any discipline can benefit from these important lessons. Here are some of my top takeaways from the book:

1. "First, find a good teacher" – it may seem obvious, but with so many resources available in books and online these days, there is no question that studying with a good teacher greatly increases your potential for expertise in your pursuit.

2. Immediate feedback – the sooner you get feedback after a performance, the more impactful it will be to your improvement. Quality feedback comes from quality teachers.

3. Mental representation – visualizing your goals is important. It is crucial to have excellent examples to emulate.

4. Deliberate and purposeful practice – although most people were introduced to the 10,000-hours-to-mastery concept through Malcolm Gladwell's well-known book Outliers, it was in fact Ericsson's research which was cited. In Peak, he clarifies what he describes as a misrepresentation of his original research. The quality of practice is a major component of becoming an expert.

5. The myth of natural talent – a recurring theme throughout the book is that expertise comes from effective practice and not from genetics. The authors provide interesting explanation of why natural talent is such a prevalent belief in our society.

6. Getting out of your comfort zone – it may be an ego appeasement to sound good while practicing your instrument, but real progress can't be made unless we confront our biggest problems directly. Performance can reveal our weaknesses, which is why it can teach us so much about our ability and progress.

Hawaii trip: finally back for a visit to teach and perform

---

Flying in over Diamond Head

West Oahu

So many gifts - only in Hawaii

I had a fantastic week during my visit to Hawaii. It was hard to believe that I hadn't been back in over seven years, but it quickly felt like I had never left. The average tourist could easily focus on the great weather and spectacular scenery of the islands, but the things I really missed had to do with the daily-life culture there - the generosity and openness of people, along with an easygoing feeling that cultivates time to get together and talk story. Although this was mainly a work trip, these were the things that made my visit possible and so memorable.

The first workshop I taught was for Taiko Center of the Pacific. I started as a student of this taiko school when I moved to Honolulu in 2001, and then eventually became an instructor. This workshop was titled "Pulse, Ji, and Ensemble Playing" and I asked the participants to try my exercises dealing with tempo control, dynamics, following the leader, and producing a consistent sound. I was very pleased with how well everyone played together despite having a wide mix of experience levels. The second TCP workshop I taught was for the youth group. The requested topics included soloing and ensemble playing. When I asked each member what they were interested in covering, the top two answers were to be able to play tighter with the ji (accompaniment) and to create more unique and memorable solos. Everyone could already play well so it was fun working with the students and seeing them adapt to the new concepts I introduced. A huge thank you to Kenny, Chizuko, Brock, Terri, and everyone at TCP for inviting me and putting together the workshops.

Taiko Center of the Pacific workshop

TCP Youth Group workshop

Ryugen Taiko workshop

I was happy to work for the first time with Ryugen Taiko. They requested a composition workshop and it was great to have three hours to spend discussing topics such as inspiration, form, notation, dynamics, and analysis. I enjoyed the energy of this group and look forward to seeing their original compositions in the near future. Thank you to Nolan, Greg, and everyone at Ryugen Taiko for the wonderful hospitality and interest in my workshop.

My final workshop of the week was for my good friends at Nakama, a very special group who I usually catch up with during taiko conferences. Saying they have fun is probably still an understatement, and the laughter is absolutely infectious. There was no preplanned workshop topic but we ended up working on Keith's original piece. I liked having the opportunity to learn the patterns and then find ways to make the music speak more clearly, especially for the sections where there are multiple parts happening at the same time. After the workshop, our party continued over dinner at a nearby Okinawan restaurant. Thank you so much to Dee, Keith, John, and the Nakama family for an unforgettable time.

Post-workshop dinner with Nakama folks

Amazing view from my homestay

On the morning after my arrival, I was trying to sleep in to counteract my jet lag when a text message arrived asking if I was available for a performance starting in one hour. I said yes and rushed down to the chapel at Kapiolani Community College for a lecture demonstration with Kenny Endo and the TCP ensemble, pulling in 5 minutes before downbeat, just enough time to change and hear the setlist. Everything came back to me, including how to wear the costume and the repertoire which I hadn't played in almost 8 years. While this one was a surprise, I actually knew about another performance happening on the weekend. It was a wedding gig at one of the big Waikiki hotels, something I had done many times while living in Honolulu. This one felt like a luxury, as there was a rehearsal and extra time to hang out with the ensemble members. Thank you to Kenny and Chizuko for including me in these performances.

Arriving at KCC chapel for a last-minute performance request

Pre-performance hangout at Waikiki hotel

This trip was a success because of the generosity of my friends, who provided me a place to stay, lent me their car, didn't let me pay for any meals, booked workshops, and provided an unlimited supply of helpfulness. Thank you so much to Kirstin, Dee & Keith, Kenny & Chizuko, Terri & Glenn, Brock, Nolan, Miles, Eric, Ai, and all of my friends in Hawaii. I will be back very soon!

A must visit for fresh udon

Tropical shapes and colors

Nico's and Uncle's on Pier 38 for great seafood

Another Hawaii institution