“How many hours did you practice today?” If that question still defines your worth as a musician, this episode might just change your life.

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Molly Gebrian—violist, neuroscience researcher, educator, and author of Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing—joins The Piano Pod to challenge everything we thought we knew about practice.

Together, we explore why the illusion of mastery fools us, how interleaved practice transforms learning, and why breaks and sleep are not just helpful but essential to progress. Molly breaks down the science behind habit formation, memory systems, mental practice, and performance consistency, offering musicians practical tools backed by decades of cognitive research.

Whether you’re a student struggling with frustration, a teacher eager to support diverse learners, or a professional performer looking to sharpen your edge, this episode is for you.

🧠 Get ready to rethink the way you practice, teach, and perform.

📝 Read more about Dr. Gebrian on our Substack blog.

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[Dr. Molly Gebrian]

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[The Piano Pod]

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