Practicing Tips
Now that we are fully into the Fall season, the school schedules have fallen into place and it’s a perfect time to implement a practice routine for yourself (or your children) if you don’t already have one. So here are some tips to get practicing regularly, and effectively.
1) Think of your goals:
There is a reason you wanted to play your instrument. Whether it’s guitar or piano, you’ve heard other people whose playing you admired, handling the music with ease and fluidity. This is what you are reaching for during your practice time, so remember this as you begin. Motivate yourself.
2) Look Over Your Assignment:
Refresh your memory on what we covered in your last lesson. This one is super important. Really, who are we kidding here? Guidance is exactly why you have a teacher and the things I leave you to practice are just that: a practice guide from someone who has been there. Trusting and following in that guidance is the fast track to progress.
3) Warm Up:
Start off with some exercises to get your fingers prepared for the harder stuff. Just like any kind of muscle activity you want to get your body nimble and ready for what you are about to practice. If for some reason there isn’t a warm up assigned to you that week, then simply warm up with scales or even a pattern oriented song with a lot of forward motion will get you into the zone as well. You’re not only exercising muscles here, but also control of your hands so do it carefully.
4) Practice the Hard Parts First:
I tell my students this all the time. Don’t just drudge through a song from the beginning to the end right off the bat. First you need to identify the parts of the song that are hardest and practice those. If the beginning of the song is easy for you, and the next section is not, and you practice that song straight through your song will be out of balance. The first section will continue to sound good, maybe even sound better, but you won’t be giving yourself a chance to really make the song flow. Identifying the hard parts is VERY important.
5) Have Fun!:
Practicing doesn’t have to suck. As long as you keep your goal in mind and remain focused, you can leave your practice session with a gratified feeling that you’ve made progress. Another way to feel positive about what you’ve done is to look back at your old assignments and songs. Remembering what used to be a struggle will help you acknowledge the progress you’ve already made and be proud of yourself! Learning is a journey, and embracing the process will ensure that you keep at it.
HAPPY PRACTICING!