I’ve had similar worries so a huge thanks for posting this – it’s reassuring to know it’s not just me! I’ve just started on the Allegro stage and keep looking to the next lesson to tell me how to absorb new things into my existing playing. There’s nothing yet but I don’t think that’s how it works.

I find that improvements sneak in unbidden, even unnoticed and often you’ll get something you weren’t expecting – an effortless high note or crazy big resonance half way through a phrase, then it will just disappear again. You can try to “encourage ” it by sticking to your new technique. If that works, great! If not, don’t be disheartened; try again another day. Chances are, whatever music you’re playing doesn’t match the pitch, or air in your lungs, tempo or dynamic of the M2M exercises so all the other moving parts get in the way of the new (and not-yet-fully-embedded) technique you’re trying to apply.

In a gig you just have to do whatever is needed to get the notes out. If it’s not technically correct be aware of the imperfections but don’t beat yourself up about it. You can review and improve it back home when you haven’t got 100 people listening in.

To paraphrase Greg, trust the process and be patient. That said, I would love to know if anyone has some hints for speeding up the process of absorbing new skills into everyday playing.