Note-worthy Experiences
  • Our Music Studio
    • About Us >
      • Behind the Scenes
      • Testimonials
      • In the News
      • FAQs
    • Tuition and Payment
    • Teacher Features
    • Teaching Opportunities
  • Music Lessons
    • Meet Our Teachers
    • Bass
    • Brass
    • Cello
    • Clarinet|Saxophone
    • Flute|Piccolo
    • Guitar|Ukulele
    • Harp
    • Oboe|Bassoon
    • Percussion|Drums
    • Piano
    • Violin|Viola
    • Voice
  • NWE Events
    • 2023 Winter Holiday Recital
    • 2023 Note-worthypalooza
    • Songwriting/Composing Competition
    • Piano Guild
  • Resources
    • Consulting
    • Blog
    • Explore an Instrument
    • NWE Policies/Photo Release and Student Information Form
    • Instrument Sales&Rentals/Piano Moving&Tuning
    • Music Resources
    • Instrumental Angels
  • Contact Us

How much should a student practice?

1/22/2021

0 Comments

 
By: Renee Bordner
NWE Music Studio Director
One of the frequently asked questions from parents and instructors, is about how much a child should practice their music assignments.

I prefer to have students start with a simple formula. Each student is asked to play each assigned piece four times throughout the week. I encourage students to make their goal of playing each piece a total of twenty times in between the weekly lessons.  Students are usually successful if they make tally marks on the music or in their assignment notebooks.  This visible tracking system creates an easy opportunity for us to discuss how the practice went throughout the week with the student, parents, caregiver and myself.

In order to keep the practice interesting for our beginner students, I ask them to focus on one element each of the four times they play each piece.  The first time, students are encouraged to play the piece through focusing on the correct notes. The second time they are asked to focus on the rhythm and counting out loud or with a metronome (an app can be used). I ask students to focus on dynamics and any articulations the third time through.  The fourth time can be a lot of fun for some students and that is when I ask students to sing along while playing.  If the piece does not have lyrics, I encourage students to create them!

This system works well with beginner students who need structure in getting started with a solid practice routine.  Once a student can consistently achieve the above recommendations, then it is simple to increase the frequency and length of each practice session.  The process helps students break down the various elements of music into smaller steps.  When a student is in the habit of breaking the music into sections, it is very easy for a student to independently analyze what he or she should practice in a piece.

If your student or you have any questions about setting up a solid practice routine, please feel free to contact me for additional ideas.

Best wishes and have fun practicing!
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    December 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018

    Categories

    All
    Berklee
    College
    Community
    Competitions
    COVID 19
    Guitar
    Lessons
    Music Creativity
    Music Goals
    Music Instruments
    Music Lessons
    National Piano Guild
    Piano Lessons
    Practice|Homework
    Recitals
    Recommendations
    Resources
    Virtual Music Lessons

    RSS Feed

      Contact Us

    Submit

About Us

Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio LLC, located in 75 Witherell Drive Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776, provides private in-home and online/virtual lessons in the Boston MetroWest, including but not limited to Acton, Boston, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Newton, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, and Weston. Contact Renee Bordner at 978.443.0480 or rbordner@note-worthyexperiences.com

​Not a member of our studio yet? Join our mailing list to receive news and updates!
All Copyrights Reserved (c) 2015-2023

What Our Students Are Saying

READ REVIEWS

Our Privacy Policy

  • Our Music Studio
    • About Us >
      • Behind the Scenes
      • Testimonials
      • In the News
      • FAQs
    • Tuition and Payment
    • Teacher Features
    • Teaching Opportunities
  • Music Lessons
    • Meet Our Teachers
    • Bass
    • Brass
    • Cello
    • Clarinet|Saxophone
    • Flute|Piccolo
    • Guitar|Ukulele
    • Harp
    • Oboe|Bassoon
    • Percussion|Drums
    • Piano
    • Violin|Viola
    • Voice
  • NWE Events
    • 2023 Winter Holiday Recital
    • 2023 Note-worthypalooza
    • Songwriting/Composing Competition
    • Piano Guild
  • Resources
    • Consulting
    • Blog
    • Explore an Instrument
    • NWE Policies/Photo Release and Student Information Form
    • Instrument Sales&Rentals/Piano Moving&Tuning
    • Music Resources
    • Instrumental Angels
  • Contact Us