Practicing Tips and Advice

Homework: 5% of your grade

ALL CLASSES - Your homework is to practice. Practice your instrument on a regular basis at least 2-3 Hours per week. 

To receive at least a B in any instrumental music class, you should be practicing at least 3 hours spread throughout the week.

Practice Daily  > Good Information is Reinforced > Information is Retained = MORE FUN

Practice Tips and Advice: 

Practicing does not have to be dreadful and boring.

* Hide or put away all time telling devices such as phones, tablets, watches or clocks. Watching the time makes practicing more laborious.

* Hide and put away electronics. Try to limit distractions.

* No matter what, bring your instrument home from school everyday.

* If you bring your instrument home, set it up and assemble it for playing even if you are not ready to practice. The hardest part about practicing is actually getting the instrument out of the case.

* Play or practice along with a friend.

* Take private lessons with a music professional (this is an easy 30 minutes up to an hour),

* Pace your practice throughout the week. Think 25 minutes a day everyday instead of 3 hours in one day.

* Set a goal and accomplish it. You’ll be surprised how many minutes you rack up when there is an end goal.

* Practice in small chunks of time. In reality, this is actually difficult, because it’s almost impossible to practice in small chunks. You really end up practicing and playing a lot (remember to set a goal). For example, try to practice for 10 minutes, 3 times. You might end up practicing for over 30 minutes.

* NEVER NEVER NEVER EVER do lump sum practicing. You do not reinforce or retain information if you practice irregularly for long periods of time. It is very important you spread out and pace your practice. Think about a sports team trying to practice for 20 hours before a match. Remember, we are preparing for long term knowledge retention. 

* Lastly, you cannot cram music. The information you need for this class is long term.