Post date: Aug 31, 2014 9:55:0 PM
I wasn't too much of a fan of practicing in Junior High. I had more exciting things to do like ice skating, playing hockey, or playing video games. Still, it was part of being in the music program and totally necessary so that I didn't embarrass myself in my private lessons. In High School, I kind of enjoyed practicing, but in College it was simply something I had to do to keep an edge.
In the past five or so years, I have leaned to find joy in practice again. For me the trick is setting goals, working on fundamentals and etudes that are challenging, and keeping a time log.
Parents and students alike are frequently asking me for advise around practice -- how much, when, and what. I always say that it is important to work smart and that quality of practice is superior to quantity. I also am a firm believer in practicing a little bit every single day, as opposed to a lot on the weekend.
Here are some of my tips for practice:
1) Have a dedicated practice spot complete with music stand and metronome.
2) Set up a routine. Try practicing as a "break" from homework. i.e. Math, practicing, L.A.
3) Keep a practice log .
4) Tackle the hard stuff. Don't just play the stuff you can do easily.
5) Work from a method/etude book as well as the school music.
There is a wealth of wisdom regarding practice habits on the web and from private instructors. This link has some solid advise.
GO AND PRACTICE!