How to Create Spaces for Scratch Learning and Growth

This is the seventh article in a series on How to get better at scratching by using the Learning Zone vs Performance Zone.

Here are the previous articles so you can get up to speed if you haven’t already read them:

I recommend checking out the above articles in the series before you read this one, then you will have the full context, so you can get the very most from the knowledge below.

Intro

We previously talked about why we spend so much time in the Scratch Performance Zone and how it can hinder our growth.

I am using the framework outlined in the previous articles which is based on the TED talk “How to get better at the things you care about” by Eduardo Briceño.

Overview

Now that we know the reasons we spend so much time in the Scratch Performance Zone, let’s take a look how we can create spaces for scratch learning and growth.

How to create more spaces for growth

In his TED talk, Eduardo Briceño describes how we can create more spaces for growth:

1. We can create more spaces for growth by starting conversations with one another about when we want to be in each zone.
  - What do we want to get better at and how?
  - When do we want to execute and minimize mistakes?
  - That way, we gain clarity about what success is, when, and how to best support one another.

How do we apply this to scratching? How do we create a space for our scratch learning and growth?

Start and engage in conversations about when we want to be in each zone.

Ask: What do I want to get better at and how?

The “what” can be any of these:

A certain scratch technique or combo
A scratch technique or combo in a set timing or rhythm e.g. 8th notes / 16th notes.
A scratch technique or combo at a specific tempo e.g. 90 bpm.
It could also be wanting to get better at the art of freestyling – i.e. using the scratch techniques you can perform to express yourself, however you feel moved to from the music you are scratching over.

The “how” to get better can include:

Watching and studying scratch tutorials.
Learning a scratch technique slowly, without a beat.
Practicing scratch drills (scratch techniques in a set timing) over a beat.
Engaging in deliberate practice.
Making sure we are in the learning zone rather than the performance zone.

Ask: When do I want to execute and minimize mistakes?

This is about consciously choosing when we want to perform.

Example of times we want to execute and minimise mistakes:

Creating a scratch video for Instagram / YouTube / Facebook or other social network platform.
Performing a scratch freestyle.
Performing at live scratch jams with other DJs, where you are aiming to showcase your best scratches.
During live streams.
At gigs / showcases.
Recording to share progress and get inout from others – I might choose to perform what I have been practicing in the learning zone and share the performance of my progress so far to get input and feedback from people that I trust and who have my progression and development best interests at heart – not critiquing to cut you down (which is actually not actually a critique).

By doing the above, we gain clarity about what success is, when, and how to best support one another.

Success in scratching can look like:

Showing up daily to practice deliberately in the learning zone.
Making progress with scratch techniques, combos and the ability to use all of our skills in freestyle performances that make up the art of scratching. All of which naturally happens as a result of consistently spending time alternating between being in the learning zone / engaging in deliberate practice and being in the performance zone.

When and how can we best support one another?

Here are some ideas:

Support in the Learning zone:

We can encourage each other to take time to be in the learning zone away from distractions.

Ask other DJs / peers you trust if they will watch your scratch video and you me how you are doing. Note – when asking for feedback be sure you can critique yourself first rather than blindly asking others.

Support in the Performance zone

Let others know when you are freestyling / performing and aiming to minimise mistakes. Record your performances and ask for feedback which you can then take that back to the learning zone.

Watch your performance videos back and honestly assess your progress so far and where you need to focus your practice so that you improve.

Spend time in both zones

With permission from someone who is seeking input, guide them to one zone or the other – e.g back to the learning zone if you can see something they can focus on in practice or encourage them to move into the performance zone and share their progress so far.

In School of Scratch, our students are familiar with and use the learning zone and performance zones to help them make significant progress. Being in that environment with others on the same path can make a tremendous difference and there is always someone to encourage you onward. Students help each other when they see others are struggling / stuck in the performance zone and share their advice from their own experience of learning and performing. It is an incredibly safe space for growth and to receive ongoing support.

Summary

That wraps up this article on how to create spaces for scratch learning and growth.

Now you can start to take the ideas shown here and implement them to help you make continued progress.

My students who follow the guidelines in this series of articles are most definitely the ones who end up making the most progress.

Do you want more help with being in the scratch learning zone and your scratch practice?

If you would like to learn how to scratch or want more help with using and getting the most from the Scratch Learning and Performance Zones, School of Scratch is there to give you everything you need to train (masterclass tutorials, training guides, complete curriculum, scratch drills and a supportive community) so you can spend more time in the learning zone, make progress and become great at being in the performance zone, performing at your very best.

You can sign up here: School of Scratch.

You can try out our tuition for free to see how it can help you learn, by signing up below.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments.

Happy Scratching! ?

– Emma