Practice Helps
When and Where to Practice
~ Set a specific time each day for practicing your instrument. Be as consistent as possible with a set time…joyful habits!
~Always practice the afternoon or evening of the day of your class or lesson, when the instructions are still fresh in your mind. You will have a much better practice week!
~Your practice will be more effective if you are away from distractions such as television, siblings, etc.
~Help from parents is always welcomed…especially with holding the instrument correctly! There is a detailed section at the beginning of your book with photos and instructions! Please hold your instrument correctly and avoid setting bad habits that will have to be broken! Practice carefully and with purpose.
~Practicing with your CD is very helpful for intonation, rhythm and tempo. Plus, it is FUN! You will need a CD player or computer with CD rom to utilize this great tool for your success! Practicing can and should be FUN!!!
How to Practice
~Make sure all half-steps are marked correctly with a V connecting those 2 notes that should be touching on violin or viola. Having them marked helps your eyes notice immediately when fingers touch and intonation is more consistent.
~Always practice slowly at first, never faster than you can play correctly and in tune. Train and trust your ears!
~If you make a mistake or hesitate, stop and practice that section or measure several times slowly, increasing your speed a little at a time. If you pause again, slow down again until you master it.
~You have not mastered an exercise or piece until you can play it correctly and in tune several times without hesitation.
~Always keep a pencil handy to mark your music with needed helps… 1/2 steps, circle tricky spots, eye glasses, etc.
How Long to Practice
~Practice goals should be discussed with a parent with a minimum of 10-20 minutes at first, working up to 45-60 minutes per session later. More as you get more advanced!
~Practice time should increase as your ability improves and you get longer and more difficult music to practice. Eventually, you should practice for 60-90 minutes per day for at least 5 days of the week.
~CONSISTENCY is the key. It is much better to practice 15 minutes for 5 days than 2 days for 45 minutes. ANY practicing is much better than NO practicing!!!
~Do not include playing time during orchestra or private lessons, but you can count time spent practicing music from your private teacher. I encourage you to get a private teacher if at all possible!!! The one-on-one instruction is invaluable.
What to Practice
~Begin with reviewing how to hold your instrument and bow!!! Check it before starting each time! Habits… :)
~Practice your warm-ups and/or exercises from the book that we are working on in class. Eventually, scales too!
~Practice the music we have assigned. Marking ½ steps on your music or working on theory assignments DOES count as practice time!!! Remember that “practice makes perfect,” but enjoy the music while you’re working towards that goal! Learn to LOVE your instrument and how beautifully you can make music on it! :)
When and Where to Practice
~ Set a specific time each day for practicing your instrument. Be as consistent as possible with a set time…joyful habits!
~Always practice the afternoon or evening of the day of your class or lesson, when the instructions are still fresh in your mind. You will have a much better practice week!
~Your practice will be more effective if you are away from distractions such as television, siblings, etc.
~Help from parents is always welcomed…especially with holding the instrument correctly! There is a detailed section at the beginning of your book with photos and instructions! Please hold your instrument correctly and avoid setting bad habits that will have to be broken! Practice carefully and with purpose.
~Practicing with your CD is very helpful for intonation, rhythm and tempo. Plus, it is FUN! You will need a CD player or computer with CD rom to utilize this great tool for your success! Practicing can and should be FUN!!!
How to Practice
~Make sure all half-steps are marked correctly with a V connecting those 2 notes that should be touching on violin or viola. Having them marked helps your eyes notice immediately when fingers touch and intonation is more consistent.
~Always practice slowly at first, never faster than you can play correctly and in tune. Train and trust your ears!
~If you make a mistake or hesitate, stop and practice that section or measure several times slowly, increasing your speed a little at a time. If you pause again, slow down again until you master it.
~You have not mastered an exercise or piece until you can play it correctly and in tune several times without hesitation.
~Always keep a pencil handy to mark your music with needed helps… 1/2 steps, circle tricky spots, eye glasses, etc.
How Long to Practice
~Practice goals should be discussed with a parent with a minimum of 10-20 minutes at first, working up to 45-60 minutes per session later. More as you get more advanced!
~Practice time should increase as your ability improves and you get longer and more difficult music to practice. Eventually, you should practice for 60-90 minutes per day for at least 5 days of the week.
~CONSISTENCY is the key. It is much better to practice 15 minutes for 5 days than 2 days for 45 minutes. ANY practicing is much better than NO practicing!!!
~Do not include playing time during orchestra or private lessons, but you can count time spent practicing music from your private teacher. I encourage you to get a private teacher if at all possible!!! The one-on-one instruction is invaluable.
What to Practice
~Begin with reviewing how to hold your instrument and bow!!! Check it before starting each time! Habits… :)
~Practice your warm-ups and/or exercises from the book that we are working on in class. Eventually, scales too!
~Practice the music we have assigned. Marking ½ steps on your music or working on theory assignments DOES count as practice time!!! Remember that “practice makes perfect,” but enjoy the music while you’re working towards that goal! Learn to LOVE your instrument and how beautifully you can make music on it! :)