Resources

Note Reading

Games

Classics for Kids - spell words using note reading

Staff Wars - play on the computer or download the tablet/phone app, identify notes before they explode!

Lines and Spaces Game - how quickly can you identify lines and spaces?

Treble Clef Word Warrior - identify words using treble clef note reading

Bass Clef Word Warrior - identify words using bass clef note reading

Various Music Games


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 (For example: always practice 15 minutes before dinner, or after your favorite tv show)

  • WORK ON DIFFICULT SECTIONS: Do not waste time playing the entire piece every time you practice. Just focus on the sections 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. Sometimes coming back to it another day can help.

  • ASK ME FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT: No one is perfect and eventually you will hit a road block. My best players always find me and ask me for help. In fact, I too ask other musicians for advice when I get stuck with technique or a tough section of music. 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. Students will learn many warm-ups in class and should focus on one or two warm-ups every time they practice. Always focus on producing the best, most beautiful quality of sound possible when warming up.


2. Skill Building Exercises


In class we will focus on specific skills that need improving. For example, I might ask students to count their rhythms out loud, sing their part, say letter names of notes out loud, just practice the fingerings (without sound), etc. Students should practice any skill building activities that we do in class at home.


3. Concert Music


Students should practice ONLY one or two small sections of music that are difficult for them (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 heard on the radio or on tv, etc. Don't forget that while learning an instrument takes a lot of work, it is also lots of FUN and a means of self-expression!