Practice Logs
A Google Form will be emailed every Friday. You will check the boxes for the days that you practiced at least 15 minutes for the previous week.
You should plan to practice a minimum of 15 minutes per day, 4 times per week. If you practice more, you will get better and more confident on your instrument!
The number one reason students feel like they are "not good" at their instrument, is that they do not practice at home. For some perspective, professional musicians make playing an instrument look effortless, but they are practicing several HOURS every single day (even the weekends!).
At-home Practice Tips
Find a spot in the house and make it the “Practice Space.” Whether it’s an area in the bedroom, the office or the basement, having a dedicated space for practice will keep things from getting lost and will allow for quick set-up.
Dedicate a time each day for practice. Adding instrument practice into the homework routine is a great way to minimize arguments. This also helps to keep practicing from “bothering” siblings while they are trying to do their own work.
Use a metronome or clap the beat for your child. Musicians need a steady beat to practice correctly. Especially when starting out, it is difficult to do this on your own. You may purchase a metronome for under $20. Also, there are many free metronome apps and websites or you can get involved and clap a steady beat for your child! Practice+ is free metronome and tuner app.
Have your child perform for you. Showing you are interested in their instrument will encourage them to be more interested in practicing. Have a weekly performance, where your child picks one song they worked on all week and performs it before dinner for the family. Short performances for extended family gatherings are fun as well! Maybe there is someone visiting who plays an instrument too and they can play together!
Links
Sight Reading Factory - Once on the main page, select "Sight Read" at the top. Follow the instructions to create music to sight-read, click on "Another one" to play a new song!