Set the same time aside every day to practice, just like if you were on a sports team, they would practice at the same time so that it becomes part of your schedule.
3. POSTURE
Warm-ups without music so you may focus on your posture.
4. ORGANIZE & DEVELOP PRACTICE TIME: Plan each practice session by setting realistic and obtainable goals. Ask yourself these questions:
What is the goal of this particular practice session?
Am I playing with proper posture and position?
Am I playing the correct pitches and rhythms?
Am I playing to a steady pulse?
Am I playing in tune?
Am I playing with a good sound?
Am I avoiding the difficult parts?
5. WHAT TO DO WITH A DIFFICULT PASSAGE:
Isolate the problem: is it left or right hand?
Count the rhythms out loud
Write in the counting in your music
Clap the rhythms
Sing and finger the notes
Shadow-bow the passage
Say the bowing out loud
Begin at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed
Repeat as often as necessary
Play through a passage six times correctly
Once the hard part is good, add it to a bigger part
Vary the rhythms and bowings
Play rhythm on open strings with correct bowing
Make a video of yourself and watch it with the book
Play for someone at home
listen to a recording
pizzicato the part to get it in your left hand fingers
6. WHAT TO DO IF YOU BECOME FRUSTRATED
Take a short break and come back
Take a deep breath
Ask for help – that is why we are here
Stay optimistic – this is hard work – remember that with practice, you are improving