Why are different kinds of learning so differently compressible?
If I can work through a textbook in 20 1-hour sittings, I usually get similar results from 10 2-hour or 5 4-hour sessions. But piano isn’t that way at all: a 20x1hr piece simply can’t be learned in 5 sessions IME.
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Very interesting! I wonder if it has something to do with proficiency: you’re much more experienced than I, and so maybe my concentration / coordination gets worn out after the first hour in a way that yours doesn’t.
Your 3 hour max number squares with Ericsson’s ’93 diary study of conservatory violin / piano soloists, who saturated at around 25 hours/week. The ones who could do more appeared to rely on midday naps breaking up two sessions. gwern.net/docs/psycholog
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