Practice Resources/Help

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)

Practice strategy toolbox

(see video examples below)

• 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

5 steps to using the practice strategies

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.

Technology/

Online resources

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!

SmartMusic - SmartMusic 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.

Composing applications for writing your own music!

Noteflight - web based application for composing your own music! Requires free account. Get permission from parents before signing up!

"Flat" google application - free music composition application through your google account. You can work with friends to create your own music!

For those using the new book Sound Innovations

Sound Innovations works with SmartMusic, however they also have their own online tools. Check out SIOnline for audio, video, and other tools that follow along with us as we progress through the book. All you need is the code on the back of your book to get to the correct instrument resources.