Practice Tips for Parents


The amount of practice any student devotes directly affects their success!  However, as a parent, it is often difficult to help motivate children to practice willingly.  You may use these tips and links to help

General Tips for All Musicians

WHERE TO PRACTICE: Practice in a quiet room where it is easy to concentrate on what you are practicing without being disturbed.

WHEN TO PRACTICE: It is helpful to set aside a certain time each day for your practice. Try to choose a time in the day when you are not too tired to concentrate on your practice.

HOW LONG TO PRACTICE: Use short practice sessions with improvement as your goal. It may be helpful to see how much you can accomplish in five minutes of practice. This may help you focus on your intention to improve. The average time for practice should be 15 to 20 minutes followed by a short break. If more time is needed, it is often better to divide the music being practiced into short sections.

HAVE A PURPOSE FOR PRACTICE: Know what it is you want to accomplish before you begin your practice. Don't just "play around" with no goal in mind. Take time to work slowly at mastering what you can't play, and less time on what you already have mastered.

PRACTICE SLOWLY AT FIRST: It is important not to practice mistakes. You will accomplish more if you practice SLOWLY, stopping to correct any mistakes. Pay close attention to the following:


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NOTES: sing/play correct pitches, "flats" - "sharps" - "naturals"
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RHYTHM: sing/play the rhythms accurately with feeling of beat/pulse
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ARTICULATION: use tongue to correctly start/enunciate each pitch; for singers, use good diction
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DYNAMICS: play/sing with control of soft and loud volume levels
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STYLE: Tempo - Phrasing
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INTONATION - Playing/singing in tune by listening to each pitch




...It may also be helpful to record your practice and listen for self-evaluation.

Mrs. Wagner's Orchestra Tips for Parents

 

Related Link:


The Parent's Role in Music Study





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