10-Minute Practice Routine

Minutes 0-2 | Warm Up

Winds: Start by getting your air and tone working.
Strings: Relax your shoulders, (if needed) apply rosin and tune strings with pizz.

Play long, steady notes at a comfortable volume.
Winds: Focus on a full, consistent sound and smooth airflow.
Strings: Play open strings with full, even bow strokes. Focus on getting from frog to tip, and keeping the sound smooth, not scratchy.

Don’t rush this. This sets up everything else.

Minutes 2-5 | Fundamentals

Now focus on basic control.

Play something simple like a scale or two, easy exercise, or lip slurs (depending on your instrument). Keep it controlled and clean.
(Feel free to use your course packet, especially the Articulation and Volume Contrast collection.)

Minutes 5-8 | Fix A Problem or Two

Pick one small section of your music that needs work.

Slow it down. Play it correctly, not quickly. Repeat it a few times until it feels easier.

Don’t try to fix everything, focus on one spot at a time.

Minutes 8-10 | Fix A Problem or Two

End by playing something you can do well.

This could be:

• A full phrase from your music

• A section you just worked on

• Something that sounds good and controlled

This builds confidence and reinforces good habits.

NEVER end your practice on a failure.