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I expect you to spend about 1-2 hours a week practicing. This ensures you are prepared for class and are getting the most learning out of your instrument!
Just 15-20 minutes a day is all you need! Think of it like homework. :)
Practice Tips
Every time you practice:
Tune your instrument carefully (see below for apps to use).
Warm up for about 5 minutes by playing a scale or one of the method book exercises we're working on.
Find 2 or 3 parts in our pieces you are struggling with and play them slowly and carefully.
Gradually play the parts faster as you get more comfortable with it. (use a metronome! some apps are below)
Do NOT just play the piece from beginning to end! This will make you learn bad habits if you're not already comfortable with it.
Take your time and take short breaks every so often.
Online Practice Materials
Here's a site I found that has free, downloadable, sheet music. The pieces are playable by any instrument, and can be played together! There's a lot of other resources on this site, so poke around and you'll find some great stuff.
Violin:
Viola:
Cello:
Bass:
There are a lot of other sites that advertise "free sheet music" like MuseScore. But they are hit or miss because they allow anyone to upload music... even if they have no idea how to play our instrument. :)
There's a ton of stuff online, but most sites are subscription-based or do not have a great selection.
Where to buy music
Our local Music and Arts store has tons of sheet music in many styles. Pop, rock, movie music, showtunes... It's worth a look!
You can also order a bunch of music online from sites like SharMusic.com and others.
If you want specific recommendations on solo books or other resources, let me know!
Free Tuner Apps:
SoundCorset Tuner & Metronome (GooglePlay iPhone) ***my personal favorite!***
Practice+ Tuner & Metronome (iPhone)
Pitched Tuner (GooglePlay iPhone)
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