On Practicing

Parents: 


- Most students have a practice notebook devoted to lesson assignments.  Parents can check for any piece-specific practice tips or notes and assignments.


-Parents can help their children avoid mindless repetition in practice (common but typically a non-motivator) by creating goals for each practice session rather than mandating a period of time spent at the piano.  Some examples:
   "Practice the right hand until you can play it with no mistakes.  Then practice the left hand."
   "Practice hands together until you can play [section of music, i.e two measures, a line] with no pauses"
   "Practice [a section] without looking at your hands."
   "Memorize [a section] and try playing it while only looking at your hands."


-Practice the same time every day.  Usually the earlier the better, but everyone is different.  Consistency matters.


-Make lessons and practice time a priority, listen to music, talk about music, sing, dance, attend concerts - - whatever works for you.  You are your child's best motivator, and by demonstrating interest in the field you are showing them that this is something worth pursuing.  


*A student who has never gotten frustrated at the piano is generally a student who has never practiced.  In other words, it happens to everyone.  Here's some thoughts for when things get overwhelming:


-Slow down!  This is a major cliche among music teachers, but that's because it works.  It's very common to speed up when problems arise, but this almost always creates more mistakes and escalates frustration.  Find a tempo (speed) where every note, rhythm, finger number, and dynamic can be played perfectly, and work from there.  


-If you are totally stuck look for something you do know - it can be anything.  If you don't know the first note of a piece, maybe you see one coming up that you do know.  Start there.


-Take a break.  Either work on a different piece/section, or take a short practice break and then return to try again.


-Step away from the piano.  If you can't tap it, clap it, or speak the rhythm, then we can't expect to play it right.  Drumming, playing 'air piano' while counting aloud, or just singing the melody away from the piano is a perfectly legitimate practice technique.   


Finally...


-Please never hesitate to contact me over any practice issues between lessons.  I'm always happy to give suggestions, answer questions, or listen to your concerns.