Crossing noises follow one universal rule: whatever fingers are lifting have to lift before any fingers that are dropping, no matter which direction you're moving. The two sets of fingers have to pass each other in the air, never on the chanter — if they meet on the chanter, that's the extra note you're hearing as a crossing noise.
The error rate for optimal skill learning is around fifteen percent, according to neuroscience research I've been following. Too easy — near-zero errors — means you're not being challenged enough to improve quickly; too hard — constant mistakes — means you're overwhelmed and not consolidating anything, so adjust speed or scope until you land in that productive middle zone.
My go-to fix for a stubborn crossing noise: practice the correct finger order in two deliberate steps, then go back to playing it normally. You don't need to think in two steps forever — like a tea bag in water, a short period of exaggerated, careful practice leaves a residual timing shift behind even after you stop thinking about it consciously.
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Practice Chanter Workout Session — March 24, 2022
50m · Full class available to Inner Circle members
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About this class
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