How do I prepare to practice?
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.
Beginning Strings Website - This site provides instructional support and learn at home lessons for the East Penn SD Beginning Strings program. As student learn new topics throughout the school year, new pages will be added with instructional videos and links. Some material is included as review, while other material will be placed on the website for students to review prior to lessons.
2nd Year Orchestra Website - This site provides instructional support and learn at home lessons for students in their 2nd+ year of playing. As student learn new topics throughout the school year, new pages will be added with instructional videos and links. Some material is included as review, while other material will be placed on the website for students to review prior to lessons.
Seesaw - Student performances and pictures are shared with families using Seesaw. Families are encouraged to Seesaw Families to connect with Mr. Williams & Mrs. Cooke to see what children are doing in orchestra lessons. Family members are welcome to view and comment on student progress and ask questions of Mr. Williams and Mrs. Cooke through the learning process. Seesaw Family is available via the Web or by downloading the app to any of your devices. Follow these links to connect with your child on Seesaw: Web | iOS | Android | KindleFire | Chromebook
Kjos Interactive Practice Studio (IPS) - IPS is available as either a download for your Mac or PC, or available as an app for your iOS or Android devices. This is a great support system play-along tracks as well as a complement of videos, music history and theory supplements, and supplemental music downloads. Follow these links to download this program: Mac or PC | iOS | Android
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 String Basics.
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!
Every year we get numerous emails throughout the year asking about struggling with practicing and can we pass on some ideas. We're always happy to bounce some ideas to you if you are having trouble getting your kid to practice. In past years we've run across the articles in professional journals / Facebook / Twitter. Below are links of beneficial articles we've found for your own perusal. You may find some things to slip into your bag of tricks to get your student to practice easier and more effectively!
Getting Kids to Practice Music: Without tears or tantrums (NPR)
10 Easy Ways to Optimize Your Music Practice (NPR w/ Video)
Two Things Experts Do Differently Than Non-Experts When Practicing (bulletproofmusician.com)