Some quick tips for practice time

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1. Try to practice every day and make it part of your routine
Pick a time that works best, for example, after breakfast or before tea time and try to stick with this each day. A small daily practice is better than one longer weekly session.

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2. If possible, create a space for music in your home
For example, the corner of a bedroom or dining room. The space should be quiet, free from distractions and comfortable at practice time.

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3. Gather everything you need before starting
Have all the equipment needed such as music, music stand, instrument and a pencil ready before starting. If you can, keep everything out in the space so it’s ready for the next practice time.

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4. Start with some warm ups
Start your practice with some scales and other warm up exercises.

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5. Set a goal
Think about what to work on during the session and stick to it. It may be working through a new part of a piece of music, or working on a tricky part. Use a practice diary to record goals for the week with your teacher.

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6. Listen to your pieces
Search online (eg YouTube) for the pieces you’re learning and hear how others play them.

 

7. Focus on the tricky bits for smarter practice
Rather than playing a piece through from start to finish each time, think about the bits that need more work and have a go at those first. Look at the music carefully, sing or hum the notes before playing, then play the section through slowly a few times, gradually increasing the speed.

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8. Speak to your teacher
Tell your teacher what’s going well and what you’d like more help with at the start of the lesson so that they can work with you on techniques and exercises to improve.