How do I prepare to practice?
Set a goal for practicing – what do you want to accomplish and get better at?
Have a quiet place where you are able to concentrate. Remove distractions.
Warm up with something you have already played, then move into new materials.
Have all materials ready to use (pencil, music, instrument, metronome, timer/clock)
Write markings in your music such as counts, note names, fingerings as reminders
Listen to or play with recordings
Use a metronome
Sing the phrase (use tah or other neutral syllable)
Clap and count the rhythm
Say the note names and use fingerings (say & play) first not using written rhythm
Repeat the difficult sections, find patterns
Change the tempo – play slower to master, then speed it up
Practice in small sections, then put together - fix hard parts, then play the measures or sections around them
Change around the rhythms, then play as written
Follow these 5 steps to help you work through difficulties!
1) Identify the problem – what’s going wrong?
2) What do I need to do to fix the problem?
3) Use one or several strategies to work towards fixing the problem. Don’t use one too long – try several if needed!
4) Evaluate your progress – does it sound/feel more correct?
5) Once it’s fixed, or very close, repeat it at least 3 times to help commit it to both mental and muscle memory.
Free online metronome for practicing
Many metronome and tuner apps are available for free download in the Apple and Android app stores. Check your device store for options. Search for "free metronome," or "free tuner." Get permission from parents before downloading!
Audacity® - Audacity is free, open source, cross-platform audio software for recording and editing audio tracks. Record your performances and hear what you sound like! Requires a free download. Get permission from parents before downloading!
MakeMusic - MakeMusic is a subscription-based ($40 year) practice tool that provides a fun, interactive way for students to work with their method books and some fifth grade band music. Students are provided with immediate feedback on their performances, and can play along with accompaniment tracks to keep practice engaging and varied! Works with many major method books, including the ones our wind & brass players use.
Repeat/repetition strategy
Write in markings strategy
Use recording strategy
Change tempo/use metronome strategy
Clap and Count Strategy
Small Sections strategy
Say and Play strategy