Practice Tips & Routines

1. Make practice a daily routine

Sit with your child and determine the best time to practice.  A great time to get students to practice is after school, after they have rested and before doing their homework.  Figure out what works best for your child and map out a daily practice time.

2. Create a practice area

Find a space where you child can be away from distractions.  Help them to set up a music stand, chair, a pencil, and their instrument so they have a comfortable space to work.  

3. Keep it short

10-30 minutes a day is perfect for a middle school musician.  Daily practice reinforces the concepts learned whereas a longer cram session will not be productive.   

4. Show encouragement through words and actions

Words of encouragement can go a long way.  Remember to always encourage your child, take note of the progress they have made and the improvements he's showing.  Try to think of how far they have come since they first began.

5. Talk to your child's music teacher

Make it a point to talk to your child’s teacher. Ask the teacher what areas your child needs to improve so that you can implement that during practice time at home. Don't forget to do warm-ups first, then practice the assigned pages/pieces.  Some students only play pieces they already know but don’t work on the new assignments.  If you are hearing the same piece over and over chances are it’s time to ask your child or check with the teacher about what assignments they should be working on.  

1. Plan a consistent practice routine (“I practice when I get off the bus” or “I practice after dinner”)

2. Set up your practice space

   • Be away from distractions, if possible (siblings, pets, technology)

   • Space should include:

     1. Sturdy chair 

     2. Music stand

     3. Binder with Book, Music, and Pencil

     4. Instrument

     5. Metronome

3. Warm-up (headjoint, reed, mouthpiece, wrists)                          

   • FLUTE

     1. On the headjoint, play sustained long tones at a medium volume.

     2. Then test your flexibility by playing high and low.

   • OBOE / BASSOON

     1. Soak the reed 

     2. Crow the reed 

   • CLARINET / SAX

     1. Soak the reed and check that the reed/ligature are on the mouthpiece correctly.

     2. On the mouthpiece and barrel/neck, play long tones at a medium volume.

   • TRUMPET / TROMBONE / BARITONE / TUBA

     1. On the mouthpiece, buzz long, steady tones at a medium volume.

     2. Then test your flexibility by buzzing low and then high.  

   • PERCUSSION:  

     1. Stretch your wrists

4. Assemble & warm-up the entire instrument

   • Check for correct posture, playing position, and that the instrument is working properly

   • Winds = Long tones at a medium volume.  

   • Brass = Long tones and lip slurs (low before high) at a medium volume.

   • Percussion = wrist exercises and stick patterns/rudiments (open to close)

   • Articulation exercises

5. Instrument problems?

   • Bring in your instrument to Mr. Potvin the next day, even if it is not your music day

6. Practice your assigned pages / pieces

   • Ask if you can perform for someone at home...or teach them how to play!

   • Practice with a metronome

   • Keep the tuner on!