Building on the Basics

Will spends four hours practicing each day. When learning a new piece, he says, "You have to play it really, really slow first. Make sure you can play it in tune. Setting the foundation for it is important." Will has to start slow before he can work on detail and technique. In many ways, the way Will practices mirrors the ways in which we grow in the gospel. We must start with the most basic components, and once we have those under control, then we can move on to more complex and refining practicing. We must learn "line upon line, precept upon precept" (2 Nephi 28:30).

Photography by Seth Smoot and © Getty Images

Will Hagen playing with the Utah Symphony Orchestra in his early teens. He now travels throughout the country playing with other symphonies.

Photograph courtesy of Loree Hagen and Welden C. Andersen