From Information Overload to Musical Growth: How to Focus Your Practice and Improve Faster

Are You Consuming Too Much—and Practicing Too Little?

In 1971, social scientist Herbert Simon wrote:
“What information consumes is rather obvious: it consumes the attention of its recipients. Hence a wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.”

That statement is even more relevant today. When our attention is scattered, our results inevitably suffer.

Think about it for a moment: how many YouTube videos have you watched on music this week? How many blogs, lessons, or channels are you following?

Here’s the problem: the more sources you chase, the less likely you are to take meaningful action. My advice—whether you’re learning from JazzVideoLessons or anywhere else—is simple: choose one or two channels that truly resonate with you and commit. Beyond three sources, you’re probably spending more time consuming than practicing.

And remember: your most valuable resource isn’t information—it’s time.

From Knowledge to Action

Whenever you learn something new, act on it immediately. Add it to your practice routine, test it out, and make it yours. Knowledge without action is just wasted potential.

Try this quick self-audit:

• What kind of content are you consuming regularly?

• Is it producing real, tangible results in your playing?

• Are you actually applying what you’ve learned—or just stockpiling ideas?

A Tool to Help You Focus

To support you in turning knowledge into action, I’ve created some practice planner templates. These will help you structure your sessions, track progress, and get more out of your time in the practice room.

Final Thought

Your growth as a musician depends less on how much you know, and more on how well you apply it. The real transformation happens when you take ideas off the page (or screen) and put them into your horn, your hands, and your ears.

So—what about you? Share your thoughts in the comments: what are you working on right now, and how are you putting it into practice?

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what you learn.
It’s about what you live in your music.