To help keep track of when you practise you can download and use the My Practise Log for January 2021 PDF file | JPEG file
*Download and colour the Practise Log and have your parent sign off on it - once you have coloured in 50 boxes show Mrs Morris and you can choose something from the Music Toolbox!
Check out this resources from Bigger Better Brains on how to 'Make Practise Less Lonely'
TOP TIP - Small amounts of regular practise will really help you to learn your instrument well.
Start by aiming for 15 minutes a day and you'll soon be playing like a pro!
Using a metronome when practising can help you keep in time with the music and even out your playing, preventing you from rushing through pieces or sections of pieces.
Here are a couple of online metronomes for you to choose from. You can also download a range of metronome apps - find one that works for you!
1. MINIMISE DISTRACTIONS:
Turn off the TV/radio/music/electronics/phone
Go to the toilet/get a drink before you start!
2. CREATE A SPACE:
Create a space that works for you - the lounge room might work better than your bedroom?
Have you instrument set up and ready to go.
Set your music stand at the right height - important for your posture!
Bookmark/tag the pieces you are working on - makes them easy to find :)
3. SET YOURSELF A TIME SLOT:
Start with just 10 minutes and then have a little break - walk around the house, have a glass of water etc. If you feel like another 10 then go again or simply build up from 10 minutes.
4. START SLOW
When you practise your pieces play them slowly to start with - this gives you time to read the music, thing about your fingers and also the note duration. Then work up to the nominated tempo (speed).
5. FREQUENT REPITITION
It is better to play regularly than all in one day. The more you play a certain piece of music the better you will become at playing it and the better it will sound to you and those listening.
6. THINK ABOUT IT
When not practising you can visualise the music notes on the staff of your favourite song or a piece you are finding tricky. Imagine yourself playing your instrument.
Here are a collection of videos and information about the importance of practising your instrument and some tips on how to 'get' your kids to practise their instrument:
5 Genius Ways to Practice Music Daily [29 August 2018] *check out the notes for parents!
3 Things Parents Must Tell Their Children When They Begin a Musical Instrument [3 October 2015] *an interesting read*
‘How Much Should My Child Practice?’ [23 October 2019] - primarily about playing the piano but application can be applied to any instrument :)
Motivate Your Child to Practice *piano based but can be adapted to any instrument!
Encouraging Kids to Practice - David Hines @ Axiom Music [12 September 2019]
'How Playing an Instrument Benefits your Brain - Anita Collins' [head up! Ads!!]
'How to practice effectively...for just about anything - Annie Bosler and Don Greene' [head up! Ads!!]
TIP 1: there is LOTS of music available online so when searching form music make sure you use 'beginner' in your search otherwise you will be looking at music suitable for musicians with years of experience!
TIP 2: generally start with pieces that you are familiar with - that way you know how it should sound and you will know if you are playing it correctly or not and which sections you need to focus on :)
TIP 3: to make sure it is suitable for you (no point trying to play something that is way too hard at this stage) look at the pitch (range of notes) and the make up of the rhythm. If you cannot read it you cannot play it!
In each band section we have provided some links to free online music you can download and print but there are a huge number of books and resources that you can purchase - either online or in music stores.
I am sure each family can come up with their own incentive for practise but if you need a little extra incentive you could try:
FOR PARENTS: 'Getting Kids To Practice Music - Without Tears Or Tantrums' - an interesting article with a few ideas ;)
The Minecraft Game Practice Log (free printable)
Ice Cream Build a Cone - simple but effective - each time you practice colour in a scoop then treat yourself when complete!
There are a range of music apps available to aid music development (and are just fun to play!) - some of our favourites are included on our 'notes' page - check them out!