Practice Suggestions

The most essential component of instrumental study is practicing at home. By choosing to play an instrument, orchestra students are agreeing to meet practice expectations, but parents also play an essential role in guiding their children through this process. It is the rare elementary student who possess the time management skills necessary to remember to practice their instrument daily. Below are some tips for creating a home practice school and how to best structure practice time.


Tips for Creating a Home Practice Routine


  • Consistency: Schedule a time each day for your child to practice. Re-evaluate the schedule periodically, taking into account sport seasons and other extracurricular activities. Holidays and school breaks may also need special attention, but with advanced planning, there is usually time to find at least a few minutes of practicing. Even on busy days, trying to squeeze in a few minutes is ultimately more effective than cramming in a larger time right before the lesson.

  • Keeping it Positive: It is normal for students to not go willingly to practice every day. If practice is scheduled as part of their day, just like homework or other activities, then it becomes a habit, not a chore. Improvement does become intrinsic motivation.

  • Staying Involved with Assignments: Students receive an assignment sheet at their weekly lesson. Read over the assignment to ensure that your child is playing through the assignment and ask questions about what they're learning.The benefit of music being a performance art is that you can really hear their progress. Students are motivated by their family's excitement about their progress.

  • Creating a Good Practice Environment: Find a place for your child to practice that is free of distractions. Using a music stand (adjusted so that they music is at eye level) is essential for good posture. Violin and viola players should practice standing up until they are taught good seated posture. When practicing in a seated position, use a good chair or stool (not the bed or the floor) with a flat seat and a height that allows both feet to be flat on the ground.