PRACTICING AT HOME

Practicing at home is one of the most crucial components in the development of skills and technical facility on a musical instrument.  It is REQUIRED!  It is, therefore, very important that students and their parents work together to find a minimum of three regular times each week during which the student may practice their instrument free from distractions.  It is recommended that the total amount of time in practice ranges between 2 and 5 hours per week.  As a student progresses in orchestra, the number of practice sessions and the total amount of time in practice should gradually increase to meet the demands of the skills and music literature being studied.  Additionally, music practice and homework from other classes may be alternated (music education researchers have found that this strategy may positively influence the effectiveness of both practice and successful completion and retention of homework learning objectives).

The practice environment is very important.  The student will need to find a location in the home that is quiet and free from distractions (e.g., television, radio, siblings, etc.).  Violin and viola students may practice standing or seated in a good chair.  Cellists will need to practice using a chair with a good seat; bassists will need to use a stool between 24 and 29 inches in height.  All students need to purchase an inexpensive collapsible music stand.

PRACTICE SUPPLIES

Several resources can help make at-home practice an efficient and effective use of time and energy.

• Practice Journal - (issued each semester) this component is the graded portion of weekly practice and is the most important practice tool.  Students should used this EVERY time that they practice their instrument at home.

• Tuner – this piece of equipment is an absolute must for effective practicing!  Several free apps for smartphones and tablets are available.  Although these may be found as a free app, often a “real” one is more useful.

• Metronome – this piece of equipment is an absolute must for effective practicing!  Several free apps for smartphones and tablets are available.  Although these may be found as a free app, often a “real” one is more useful.

• Cellists and bassists need to have an endpin stop for at home practice.  School instruments come with one that students will be responsible for bringing daily; these must be replaced by the student if lost.  Bassists should have an appropriate stool for seated practice.  A 24" barstool is the most appropriate universal option.

• Collapsible music stand for at-home practice.