Marinating Submissions
As soon as I can play a study song at 100% tempo, I want to record it and send it in for submission. However, I find that if I play it 3-4 times each day for a week before recording it and sending it in, I get more positive results. I think it gives more time to internalize it and work out rhythm nuances and dynamics. If I feel confident enough, I'll move on the the next lesson after I can play it at 100% tempo, but I'll wait about a week before submitting it. Try recording yourself right after you can play it at tempo, and then a week after practicing it at that. See if you can tell a difference.
Yeah I do the same thing. Sometimes I record myself playing the tune each day also. Once it stops getting better for a few days, I submit it. I think it also helps burn the licks into your sub-conscious and muscle memory so they're more liking to pop out when improvising. 'Marinating' is a good word for it.
Steve