Practice Tips

The lessons are important but a student’s progress depends on his or her practice at home. The primary role of the teacher is to guide the student in what to practice and how to practice efficiently and effectively. Parents can be a big help with the practice routine.

It is essential to practice every day. Day by day your control and understanding of the instrument increases but much progress can be lost if you leave the instrument unplayed for too long.

A practice routine is the key. It’s a good idea to have a specific time in the day that is devoted to practice. One of the best times to practice is in the morning before work or school. Your mind is often the sharpest at that time of day and it’s a great way to start the day. It is also a good idea to split your practice time into two daily sessions. The first thing that gets tired when you are practicing is your brain, and once you stop concentrating you stop progressing. Two shorter practice sessions each day helps to keep your mind sharp and focussed in your practice.

Set goals for each practice session. Specific practice times will be recommended by your teacher and they will vary depending on the instrument and your stage of development. But practice is the most effective and enjoyable when it is goal oriented rather than time oriented. Instead of watching the clock set achievable goals and then achieve them whenever you practice. The time will go by quicker and you will accomplish more.

The essence of practice is repetition. We all have the remarkable gift of “muscle memory”. Once we have played something correctly enough times our hands seem to know it even without us having to think about it. But to achieve that amazing result you have to “program” it into your hands and that comes by repeating and repeating. It may take a few times through a difficult part to get it correct, but once you get it perfect play it and play it and play it!

Concentrate. Keep your mind on what you are doing when you are practicing. Always work to refine and perfect what you are playing. Keep your standards high for your playing.

Practice slowly. Speed is not important in the early stages. Accuracy, good rhythm and confident tone are the goals that you should be striving for.

Be patient. It takes time to master something difficult but it is worth the effort. Enjoy yourself when you are practicing. The challenge is enjoyable. The feeling of accomplishment and growth is great.

Play for family, friends and anyone who will listen. People love to hear music being played. Let them hear what you can do.

Parents can play an important role in a student’s progress. It is very helpful for parents to supervise practice, particularly in the early stages. Parents can help students to develop good practice habits, set and help to maintain an appropriate practice schedule for them and ensure regular attendance at lessons. As with any other learning experience students may become frustrated and discouraged from time to time. A few minutes together working on a difficult part slowly and patiently can help to smooth some ruffled feathers. It is of immeasurable benefit for parents to encourage students to play for them, for guests and friends. It’s a good idea to have recorded music playing a lot in the house in order to open students’ minds to different types of music and to awaken their curiosity. Learning to play a musical instrument is challenging and a parent’s encouragement, interest and involvement can help to keep a student’s eye on the long term goal.