Primary Instrument Study

Consistent practice is the BEST way to build skills and confidence on your instrument. Below, you will find specific practice routines for each instrument. You will be working with Mr. K to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement during our lessons and independent study on Wednesdays. 

Practice Sessions

How to practice is a skill that needs to be developed over time.  We've put together general practice reminders along with instrument-specific routines built around 15-minute, 30-minute, and 60-minute intervals.  A typical week should consist of a single 60-minute interval and either two 30-minute intervals or three 15-minute intervals (on separate days).  Here are some general guidelines:

• Warm-up: This is crucial for physical and mental preparation, gradually engaging the embouchure, breathing, and fingers.

• Fundamentals: These are the building blocks of good playing: tone production, technique (scales, arpeggios, fingerings/slide positions), articulation, and breath support.

• Repertoire: This is where students apply their fundamental skills to actual musical pieces. A wide variety of styles is encouraged (e.g., etudes, solo pieces, band music excerpts, jazz standards for saxophone/trumpet, if applicable).

• Listening/Reflection: Students should listen critically to their playing, perhaps even recording themselves, to identify areas for improvement.

• Metronome & Tuner: Students should consistently use these tools for rhythm and intonation.

• Breaks: For longer practice sessions, encourage short breaks (1-2 minutes) to rest the embouchure, hands, and mind.

Instrument Study

You will be working through a provided course of study set for 36 weeks.  During the year you are studying instrumental music, you will need to progress through 6 weeks of study per term to maintain adequate progress.  You will be working with Mr. K to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement during class times and working those things out in practice during our independent study on Wednesdays.  

Below you will find the necessary documentation for each instrument.  There is a .pdf of the method for that instrument (@saukprairieschools.org email address required to view) and a link to a Google Sheet that will serve as your progress monitor.  You will have exercises assigned for each unit.  If there is a space next to the assignment, you should put the link to the video of that assignment.  Mr. K will verify completion using the checkboxes next to the video link.  If it is not at the level needed, a comment will be left with what you need to fix up to resubmit the assignment.