Practice Tips & Tricks
1. Schedule your practice time. I find it is helpful for me to have my practice designated in my day to day. If you are a parent of a younger child, try to choose a time when your child is not too sleepy, hungry, or emotionally drained. Having the same practice routine can also be helpful for children.
2. Set a timer. It is helpful for younger kids to have a visual of how long they are practicing. Older students can benefit from this too. I like setting a timer for 15-30 minutes of designated practice time then giving myself a 5 minute break. However, make sure that your time works for you. If you can only focus for 10 minutes, then that's totally okay! Work for 10 minutes then take a break.
3. Minimize distractions. Try to have your practice area away from distractions such as TVs, other family members, and toys. It helps keep the student focused on the task at hand.
4. Keep a practice journal. Write down what you did and any questions you may have. This will help you remember what to ask me as well as jog your memory about what you did yesterday. This is particularly helpful for students with multiple pieces that are being worked on at once.
5. Write in your music. It's your book/sheet music! So write notes in it! I personally like to color code my music, but you can write in whatever works for you. Do you keep forgetting which hand you play with first? Write it in! Circle things like dynamics or sticking/finger number changes. Make the music work for you.
2. Set a timer. It is helpful for younger kids to have a visual of how long they are practicing. Older students can benefit from this too. I like setting a timer for 15-30 minutes of designated practice time then giving myself a 5 minute break. However, make sure that your time works for you. If you can only focus for 10 minutes, then that's totally okay! Work for 10 minutes then take a break.
3. Minimize distractions. Try to have your practice area away from distractions such as TVs, other family members, and toys. It helps keep the student focused on the task at hand.
4. Keep a practice journal. Write down what you did and any questions you may have. This will help you remember what to ask me as well as jog your memory about what you did yesterday. This is particularly helpful for students with multiple pieces that are being worked on at once.
5. Write in your music. It's your book/sheet music! So write notes in it! I personally like to color code my music, but you can write in whatever works for you. Do you keep forgetting which hand you play with first? Write it in! Circle things like dynamics or sticking/finger number changes. Make the music work for you.