Plan your Practice!

What you need: Schedule, Timer, Metronome!

Step 1 – Preparation

• Have an appropriate place to practice. No distractions Please!
• Fill in your Practice Schedules.
• Ask your teacher to help set priorities for this week.
  • For daily exercises, scales etc.:
    • Subdivide each exercise or technique into 3 to 10 minute segments.
  • For your repertoire:
    • Decide how long you will practice each piece.
    • Divide the time and piece into managable practice sessions.
    • Determine one priority to work on today for each piece.
      (ex. intonation, shifting, dynamics, etc.)

Step 2 – Practice

• Set the timer for your first planned practice session. Begin practicing. Don’t stop until the timer rings.
• Set the timer for the next practice session and continue to practice.
• Important: Do not exceed or shorten the time you’ve planned for each exercise. You can make changes on tomorrow’s schedule.
• Use your metronome! You will develop an impeccable sense of rhythm.

Step 3 – Review Your Progress

• Rest for at least 15 minutes after every hour of practice.
• Review what you’ve accomplished and write changes for tomorrow.

REMEMBER PARENTS! YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR STUDENTS SUCCESS AS A YOUNG MUSICIAN: Students under the age of 10 must be TOLD to practice, while students 10 and up are just mature enough to be held responsible for their daily practice routine.  What you put into it, you get out of it.

 

 

 

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