Practicing

Students are required to practice on a regular basis at home. ALL lessons end with an assignment for homework. These are posted in Google Classroom.

If a student does not practice regularly, he or she is unlikely to be successful in the instrumental music program. Please work with your child to set up a consistent practice time and location and home. A child who practices regularly almost NEVER quits playing an instrument!

Practice Guidelines

Beginners/4th Graders

September and October - 5-10 minutes at least 5 days a week, including time to assemble the instrument. Focus is on good tone quality, proper hand and mouth (if appropriate) positions, and introductory note reading skills (staff identification, counting, fingering.)

November-January - 10-15 minutes at least 5 days a week, NOT including assembly time. Focus is on building endurance, expanding note reading, counting and fingering skills, improving sound quality.

February-May - 15-20 minutes at least 5 days, or longer. Focus is on learning and refining all skills and notes included in spring concert music, and improving sound quality and technique.

5th Graders

20-30 minutes at least 5 days a week. Focus is on expanding note reading and playing range, learning more complex rhythms, self-direction through Instrument Karate assessments, and preparation of all music for winter and spring concerts.