PRACTICE GUIDELINES
2. FOCUS! DON'T GET DISTRACTED
Learning to focus while you practice is the best way to get the most out of the time you invest in your instrument. Make this task easier on yourself by turning off outside noise such as your phone or a television. Make sure you let those close to you know you will be practicing as to avoid unnecessary interruptions. Train your brain to focus and pretty soon those practice sessions will fly by faster and you'll gain much more from them.
1. PRACTICE THE WAY YOU PERFORM
It’s very important to begin developing good habits when you practice. A good technique translates to a better sound, remember to have proper hand and wrist positions. Make sure you are holding your instrument correctly and don't get lazy. Sit up straight and breathe from the diaphragm, beautiful music from your instrument begins with good habits you create through your body language.
3. PRACTICE SMALL PARTS AT A TIME
Having trouble getting through a difficult song? We suggest you break it down into smaller parts a couple measures long. Work on that part over and over until it starts sounding better and better. Before you consider moving on make sure the part is correct and comfortable for you to play.
4. IF SOMETHING IS HARD PUT IT ON A LOOP
Troublesome parts that require a higher ability should be repeated continuously for minutes at a time. This is called woodshedding or rehearsing a difficult passage repeatedly until it can be performed flawlessly. Playing it without breaks over and over will help you focus on the dificulty of that part and increase your ability without wasting too much time.
5. DO NOT PRACTICE WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW
You know that favorite song you keep playing for everyone? For you that song is easy and fun but its NOT challenging for you anymore. Stop practicing that song and instead switch to more difficult material. If you feel you are ahead in your class consider heading over to our YouTube channel and exploring a more difficult song, scale or exercise. Talk to your maestro and ask for recommendations on what you should work on next.
6. PRACTICE AT LEAST 20 MINUTES EVERY DAY WITH ROLLOVER
We recommend practicing a minimum of 20 minutes every day for a beginner student. If you weren't able to practice one day remember to make up that practice time the following day. Don't let too much time pass in between practices so to avoid forgetting what you learned but instead build on top of it. An intermediate or advanced student should be practicing more that 20 minutes daily.