How Much should I practice?

Now that you're taking lessons, you might be wondering how much time you should spend practicing. The answer can vary depending on how old you are, what you are working on in your lessons and what your goals are. (See the table below for a basic idea to get you started.)

As a general rule, you are finished practicing something once you "know it." But, what does it mean ... to "know it?" If you can play something 3-5 times with a few to no errors, then you are getting close. If you can play something 10 times with very few or no errors, and with someone listening, you are in even better shape!

Suggested Practice Schedule

Grades 1-5: 4-5 days per week, 20-30 minutes each day

Grades 6-8: 4-5 days per week, 30-45 minutes each day

Grades 9-12: 5-6 days per week, 1-2 hours per day

College non-music major: 3-5 days per week, 1-3+ hours per day

College music major: 5-6 days per week, 3-5+ hours per day