1 / 10

New Breed Practice Variations

Play ostinatos with three limbs but change the limb combination in each bar. Additionally, change leading hand every bar. This becomes a six-bar repeated pattern and can be represented thus:

Bar Lead Hand Ostinato A Ostinato B Melody Limb
1 Right Hand Right Foot Left Foot Left Hand
2 Left Hand Right Hand Left Foot Right Foot
3 Right Hand Left Hand Right Foot Left Foot
4 Left Hand Right Foot Left Foot Right Hand
5 Right Hand Left Hand Left Foot Right Foot
6 Left Hand Right Hand Right Foot Left Foot

30-Month Research Study

192
Practice Sessions
30
Months
3
Practice Variations
4
Time Signatures

Using research-grade physiological monitoring (Hexoskin + Kubios) to measure stress responses during drumming practice

Central Research Question

Do different practice structures for identical musical material create distinct physiological stress profiles?

Answer: YES

With complexity-dependent effects that align with established motor learning theory

Three Practice Variations

  • Regular (Traditional): Reading-based practice with precise notation following (81 sessions)
  • Improvisation: Creative freedom within structural framework (34 sessions)
  • AdvancedContinuous: Integrated coordination with constant limb switching + rest-work-rest protocol (77 sessions)

The Apparent Paradox

Most complex coordination approach = LOWEST stress

Stress Rankings (Mean Stress Index):

  • Regular (highest): SI = 31.1
  • Improvisation: SI = 27.8 (11% lower)
  • AdvancedContinuous (lowest): SI = 25.8 (17% lower)

Effects Scale with Complexity

  • Simple rhythms (12/8): No significant variation effect (p = 0.126)
  • Moderate rhythms (5/8): Marginal effect (p = 0.042)
  • Complex rhythms (7/8, 6/8): Highly significant effects (p < 0.003)

For complex material: AdvancedContinuous shows 19-21% stress reduction

Four Theoretical Frameworks Explain This

  • Contextual Interference Theory: High variation prevents over-analysis and attention fatigue
  • Implicit Learning Theory: Variation prevents explicit rule formation, reducing working memory load
  • Cognitive Load Theory: AdvCont increases intrinsic load but dramatically reduces extraneous load
  • Reinvestment Prevention: Complexity prevents conscious interference with automated processes

Rest-Work-Rest Protocol Results

5-minute rest is effective only for simple material

  • 12/8 Time (Simple): Mean recovery -3.6% (p = 0.004) ✓
  • Complex Times (5/8, 7/8, 6/8): No significant recovery (p > 0.20) ✗

Key Insight: Complex rhythms need 10-15 minute rest periods or different approach

Practice Recommendations

Match structure to material complexity (as YOU experience it)

  • Simple material: Any variation works → choose by preference
  • Moderate material: Improvisation or AdvancedContinuous preferred
  • Complex material: AdvancedContinuous strongly recommended

The subjective difficulty YOU experience matters more than absolute musical complexity

The Bottom Line

Practice structure matters more than expected

For complex material, the most intricate-looking approach can actually be the easiest path forward

The key: Reduce unnecessary cognitive burden while maintaining appropriate challenge

Sometimes complexity is simplicity in disguise