to what degree does technique/knowledge deteriorate...or incubate?

[Derek]

I'm an amateur---so I think my fondest desire for any of the pillars of piano knowledge/technique is to be able to read music easily, so I could sit down with any of dozens of pieces and read it as I would a good book.  I sometimes go months at a time without bothering to read anything, yet, each time I have a new surge of motivation to read a bunch of pieces, it is dramatically easier than the last time. It almost seems like some aspects of knowledge "incubate" rather than deteriorate, when not practiced. Has anyone else experienced this?

[keyboardclass]

Yes, a learning curve is never that predictable.  At times I sense my brain ticking over a music problem while I unaware am engaged in something else.  Kinda spooky?  It's how learning works!

[Bob]

Yeah.  I think the brain rewires itself after awhile.  It makes it hard to predict and plan that way. 

[mad_max2024]

I notice that frequently.
I practice a passage in the piano, then when I go back to it in the next practice it is much easier to play than what it was when I left.

That's why I generally prefer to make short 20-30min bursts of practice, then go for a break and come back instead of doing it straight.