My mom and I practicing together :) she was my music stand that day
A Note About Practicing
Most students will find that getting into the routine of regular practice is a challenge at first. It is not easy to take a close look at things that are hard and work through them on a consistent basis. Adults play a vital role in helping students to establish a regular routine because it will likely not happen on its own. Once a practice routine is established and students can see progress it is a truly beautiful thing.
There's no secret to feeling successful in playing an instrument other than consistent practice. Feeling successful can take many forms, but ultimately it's about feeling joyful when playing your instrument. It's tough to feel joyful when it's a constant uphill battle to complete the weekly assigned tasks. With a consistent practice routine the tasks assigned should feel like a natural continuation from the previous week.
Most students will find that getting into the routine of regular practice is a challenge at first. It is not easy to take a close look at things that are hard and work through them on a consistent basis. Adults play a vital role in helping students to establish a regular routine because it will likely not happen on its own. Once a practice routine is established and students can see progress it is a truly beautiful thing.
There's no secret to feeling successful in playing an instrument other than consistent practice. Feeling successful can take many forms, but ultimately it's about feeling joyful when playing your instrument. It's tough to feel joyful when it's a constant uphill battle to complete the weekly assigned tasks. With a consistent practice routine the tasks assigned should feel like a natural continuation from the previous week.
Practice FAQs
How much should my child practice?
I suggest practicing at least 5 days a week. This allows for one day off per week and one day for the lesson.
The day after the lesson is a required day for practice. This is when information is easiest to remember. I recommend that whatever adult helps at home with practice pay extra special attention on this day. Remember that it's mostly about consistency, so practicing a small amount per day at first is usually a good start.
Should I be helping my child practice?
Adult help at home is strongly suggested for students 10 and under. It is unlikely that practice will happen on its own before this age. We will mutually decide when the student is ready to practice on their own. If practicing consistently with your child is a challenge due to a busy schedule, please check in with them the day after the lesson to make sure they have a plan for the week. It might also be a good idea to hire a practice helper. There are many high school students in town who would love this type of experience! Let me know if you're interested in enlisting the help of a high school student and I can put you in touch with someone.
How do I know what my child should be practicing?
If my child is 10 and under an adult will accompany them to the lesson and take notes on the material covered in the lesson and the practice plan for the week. If over 10, the student and I will craft the practice plan together.
What makes a good practice session?
Practicing is about consistent, focused time throughout the week. It is much more important to be focused for the entire practice session than to get too caught up in minutes practiced. If a 10 minute focused practice session is all that is possible in a day, that is much better than a half hour of playing with no focus.
How much should my child practice?
I suggest practicing at least 5 days a week. This allows for one day off per week and one day for the lesson.
The day after the lesson is a required day for practice. This is when information is easiest to remember. I recommend that whatever adult helps at home with practice pay extra special attention on this day. Remember that it's mostly about consistency, so practicing a small amount per day at first is usually a good start.
Should I be helping my child practice?
Adult help at home is strongly suggested for students 10 and under. It is unlikely that practice will happen on its own before this age. We will mutually decide when the student is ready to practice on their own. If practicing consistently with your child is a challenge due to a busy schedule, please check in with them the day after the lesson to make sure they have a plan for the week. It might also be a good idea to hire a practice helper. There are many high school students in town who would love this type of experience! Let me know if you're interested in enlisting the help of a high school student and I can put you in touch with someone.
How do I know what my child should be practicing?
If my child is 10 and under an adult will accompany them to the lesson and take notes on the material covered in the lesson and the practice plan for the week. If over 10, the student and I will craft the practice plan together.
What makes a good practice session?
Practicing is about consistent, focused time throughout the week. It is much more important to be focused for the entire practice session than to get too caught up in minutes practiced. If a 10 minute focused practice session is all that is possible in a day, that is much better than a half hour of playing with no focus.
Practice Resource Downloads
Thoughts of practice from Gabe Kitayama-Bolkosky (a great breakdown of practice goals based on age):
| Gabe Kitayama-Bolkosky |