Practice Tips

How to Practice Tough Music:

1. Set a Goal

Always approach a practice session with a goal in mind. It can be anything from "I will play measure #1-8 with no mistakes" to "I will hold my bow correctly the whole time." Focus on your goal and work to accomplish it as you practice. Don't settle for less than your best!

2. Remember the 4 Steps to Success!

1. Establish a tempo and steady beat

2. Say the rhythm out loud

3. Say the note names while moving your fingers to the music

4. Play it

3. Break it down

Instead of plowing through a whole piece of music and calling it a day, it is WAY better to focus intensely on a very small section of the music that is difficult for you. Spend your time on the parts you need the most work on. When you are playing, what is the hardest part for you? Zero in on that part of the music and SLOWLY go through the 4 steps to success. Try this 5 times slowly. Once you can do that, move on to playing it 5 times at the normal speed. Then, move on. Go to the next thing, or play something you know you can do well that makes you happy.

4. Take a short break

Sometimes, practicing can be frustrating. It helps to take a short 5 minute break, drink some water, lie down, and then come back to it! Always try to approach your practicing with a fresh mind!

5. A few minutes is better than nothing

We all have days that become very busy with sports, homework, family events and all kinds of activities. Even if you only have 5 minutes to practice, those are still valuable minutes that can help you become a better player! Consistency is so important. If you practice really hard one day but don't practice again for a few days, you will forget everything you learned. That's why it's so crucial to practice every day. So, even if you only have 5 minutes, pick up your instrument and do your very best to make them count!

6. Helpful resources

Listen to your music. If you are feeling confused, one of the best things to do is listen to a recording of the music that you are playing. Click HERE to listen to recordings of your orchestra music.

Use a metronome. If you are having trouble with your rhythms, turn on the metronome to a slower tempo and start saying your rhythms out loud, then move it to your instrument.

Practicing Guidelines

How much to practice: To make the most progress and have the most success, students should be practicing 20-30 minutes for at least 5 days per week. It helps to make practicing part of a daily routine by finding a set time that your child will practice every day.

Practice space: Find a place at home where your child won't be distracted by the tv, electronics, or siblings to practice in. Every student must use a music stand for posture. Cellists, violins, and violas may sit in a chair to practice but not on the sofa or on a bed. Posture is so important because slouching causes bad sound and can even lead to injury.

Encouragement: Be sure to offer praise and encouragement to your child. They have decided to challenge themselves and do something extra in addition to their academics, which is not something everyone does! Sometimes they need gentle reminders to practice. Practicing can be like pulling teeth if approached with a negative attitude. You can motivate them by showing interest in what they are doing. Ask them to play some of their music for you, or show you how the instrument works. Try to help your child view practicing as a positive thing.