-
To your question about “is that 1 problem? 4 problems?”, one thing to keep in mind, as you get to the polishing stage of things, is WHY these things are problems. As in, why is it important to keep up the energy? Why is important not to rush them? Why are non-flubbed trills important? Meaning, what is the character or mood and what are you trying to say, that requires these things to be a certain way? That might help to organize not just your problem-solving, but also what you listen for and how you think/focus during performance.
Yes to goal-based rather than time-based practice!
And yes, effective practice is definitely more tiring. =)
