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As the title subject suggests, there is a problem with technical exercises to a degree. What that is can only be answered by the person who is experiencing what those exercises present to them. However one of the problems that come to mind is that technical exercises do not give one the same flexibility to demonstrate ones own unique style of playing.

It is essential for learning so that what the student learns is what they will be faced with in the world of music, should they decide to be part of a group of musicians who are regimented in how they perform when playing along with one another.

Also it provides for good habits that when learned, will be repeated over and over as they gain experience. Learning what is essential to be a good musician comes with these technical exercises as it is the standard by which all musicians abide by if they are to be recognized by those in the professional world of music.

These technical exercises teach one the proper finger placement as well as the sequence and order for which notes should be played. The benefits derived from these exercises enable a student to progress in their development in learning the proper methods for playing any particular instrument.

That said what could be a problem with technical exercises? As a person who has never had any training with using technical exercises, I can honestly say that although I play well, I lack what it would take to be able to mix with others who do have the proper training.

However learning to play without proper training has enabled me as well as those like myself, who have never bothered to learn all the technical aspects of what music is all about, has limited my ability to interact with other musicians.

The plus side is that long before one who trains gets to the point that they are playing good enough to be accepted, the self taught musicians like myself can play with a great deal of expression. A style of performing that comes with a natural feel for what is being played comes much easier than years of proper training would allow.

Just like it would be difficult for a self taught musician to decide to learn the proper techniques, It would be just as difficult for a person who's learning proper techniques to play freestyle with expression.

So there's a trade off when it comes in the learning process with either method of learning to play. I guess it's up to the individual as to what they intend to do once they have learned to play whether it is the technical training, or learning to play by ear.

Learn more about this author, Richard Serra.
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