How to practice?

Question

How do you practice in between lessons? Do you have a practice plan? Care to share some tips for others?

Answer 1

It is very important to be alert and conscious when practicing so that you are aware of how you are playing the music. Many students simply play through their pieces from section to section or beginning to end without identifying which parts need improvement. In order to practice efficiently, students need to identify problem areas, what the problem is and find a way to solve it. Of course that’s a simplified explanation of things but that’s how to do it in a nutshell.

Answer 2

Practice between lessons is vital. And having a plan for yourself makes it happen more efficiently so you can learn and move forward. With young students and new students in general, I give each one a homework sheet of basically what we did at the lesson. They are to practice what we did at the lesson so we can move on at the next lesson. I also tell them or their parents if the student is very young, that the student needs to practice daily, preferably at the same time. Get into a routine. For adults or as the students get older (still get the homework sheet as a reminder), I talk to them about "taking ownership" of their music and practice. They need to find a good time to practice and keep the routine. Practicing needs to be worked into your life during the day like brushing your teeth. We map out the music they are playing...what parts repeat...where does the key change...where does the tempo change...a comprehensive approach to figuring out the music so the student can effectively learn and play it. That's what professionals do.

Answer 3

Practicing is one of the most important skills in learning any instrument. There is no magic number of days per week or hours per day to practice to learn. Practicing consistently is the most important thing, setting a schedule and sticking to it is important. You should decide on the number of days per week that you want to practice and then do it. IF you can practice every day do it, if you can only practice MWTF then do that. Most importantly stick to this practice schedule week after week.

The next step is smart practicing, while it's fun to play the stuff you know, that doesn't help you learn. When you sit down start with the most troubling spot. Think about it, play it through slow, maybe even once on each hand. Once you get it right don't stop, play it 3-5 times more correctly to commit it to your brain. Then play the section that includes that part, and play it a few times. When you think you have run out of things to practice play the whole piece through and think about where you slowed down or felt shaky.

DOs and DONTs

DO write things in your score especially write a note name if you missed it a few times

DONT practice really fast something that is wrong

DO play something over and over again

Answer 4

Find a way to make practicing a part of your schedule and be smart with your practice sessions. You can get more accomplished in 10 minutes than in 1 hour if you're focused. Also, don't waste time practicing the things that you already know. It has always helped me to sit down (away from the instrument) and write out a plan of what I want to accomplish, and to keep a record of how your practice sessions are going. I hope this helps!