Practice Tips

Tips for Efficient and Successful Practice

  • Find a Regular Practice Time: Try to practice at the same time every day so that it becomes a part of your routine.
  • Work on Difficult Sections: Don't waste time playing the entire piece every time you practice. Just focus on the that are difficult for you to save time.
  • Slow Practice: Practicing difficult sections SLOWLY is key! Once you can play a difficult section slowly, then try gradually speeding it up.
  • Frustration: It is normal to get frustrated during practice! If you are having trouble with something, take a break and try it again tomorrow. Don't give up on it!
  • Ask for help if you need it: No one is perfect and eventually you will hit a road block. Best players always ask for help when needed. Seeking out answers is the best way to get better at something.


Organizing a Practice Routine

  1. Warm-Up: Always begin a practice session with some kind of warm-up. This is a time when we wake up our muscles and minds and practice basic technique, such as dynamic control, breathing, articulations, quality of sound, etc. Always focus on producing the best, most beautiful quality of sound possible when warming up.
  2. Skill Building Exercises: Practice scales or lip slurs found in your book. Counting rhythms out loud, singing your part, saying letter names out loud or practicing just the fingerings are all great skill building exercises.
  3. Concert Music: Practice only one or two SMALL sections of music that are difficult (Not the entire piece!). Practicing small sections slowly is the most effective way to get better at them.
  4. FUN: End your practice session with something fun! Play your favorite piece. Try making up your own piece of music. Try to figure out a song you have heard on the television or radio.