Practicing deserves careful consideration!
Take note: Students who practice consistently and follow the instructions from their teacher advance more rapidly than those who do not!!
What is practice?
- Practice is where you work on the assignment your teacher has given you.
- Practice includes learning new pieces, but your work does not stop there!
- Practice means improving your technique and focusing on small details in your music.
- It’s important to pay attention to your form and repeat things several times.
How often should you practice?
- Practice every day if you can. Try to get in at least 4 or 5 practices each week.
- Taking a lesson does not count as practice—in fact it’s a good idea to practice right after a lesson, while the information is still fresh in your mind.
- Playing in orchestra or band does not count as practice either!
How long should you practice?
- Beginning students should practice 15-20 minutes a day. The ideal situation for a very young student would be 5-10 minutes twice a day.
- By the time a student is finished with entry tunes like Twinkle, the daily practice time should be 20-30 minutes per day.
- By the time a student is has played for about a year s/he should be practicing at least 30 minutes a day.
- After that ask your teacher how much you should practice.
Having trouble getting your practice in?
- Please discuss it with your teacher. Perhaps you can find a solution together!
- If your schedule is really tight please practice for just 5 minutes! Getting your hands on the instrument—just for one scale or tune—is better than completely skipping a day.
These activities will compliment a good practice routine:
- Listening to music is a vital component of your musical education! Please take listening assignments seriously. Listen to music as much as you can. A good recording may make you feel inspired to practice!
- Listen to recordings of the music you are learning.
- Go to concerts.
- Listen to music in the car.
Playing with other musicians is one of the most motivating forces known to musicians. There’s nothing like it to inspire you.
- Join one of the C4A groups
- Get together and play music with your friends
- Play in school groups
Performing music for live audiences is another great way to get psyched up for practicing.
- If you’re in a C4A group or school group you’ll have some performance opportunities automatically.
- Perform on one of our recitals. They are designed to support you and they can be really fun!
- Volunteer to play at a school, church, or social function.
Perform for family and friends–they would love to hear you play!