Learning Back to Front

[devbanana]

I've read about a technique of learning a piece back to front, instead of front to back as most people would do. I've heard that this can be beneficial, but have been unable to find more resources about it.

I applied this method to learning the Chopin Prelude in C Major. I did think it helped, but the prelude is so short that it is really hard to tell. But I learned it quickly, and the middle and end sections got more practice than the beginning, which is one thing this method encourages since the beginning is often the easiest.

What do you think of this method? Do you have personal experience with it?

[faulty_damper]

I've attempted the back-front strategy only a handful of times.  The main reason for this strategy is to get out of the mindset of front-back that is so common.  Since most students don't know how to practice effectively, they tend to start from the beginning each time so the beginning gets more practice time.  The middle and end suffers as a result.

I do not use this strategy anymore since I don't have the habit of going through pieces from the beginning to end.  I focus on practicing the technically intricate areas first and am not concerned with making music during this time.  It's only when the technically intricate areas are fine tuned that I work on the easier parts.

[devbanana]

I've attempted the back-front strategy only a handful of times.  The main reason for this strategy is to get out of the mindset of front-back that is so common.  Since most students don't know how to practice effectively, they tend to start from the beginning each time so the beginning gets more practice time.  The middle and end suffers as a result.

I do not use this strategy anymore since I don't have the habit of going through pieces from the beginning to end.  I focus on practicing the technically intricate areas first and am not concerned with making music during this time.  It's only when the technically intricate areas are fine tuned that I work on the easier parts.

Good to know, thank you. I also practice the technically difficult parts more. I split up the piece into manageable goals and tackle a few each day.

The thing that bothers me about learning back to front is that I feel like I'm hearing a story backwards. I get the happy ending before the plot twists and other drama. I like context. But I also like to find the most efficient ways of practicing, so I thought I'd give it a try. I'm glad you think it is not necessary.