|
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
By: Renee Bordner NWE Music Studio Director 2021 is finally here! I think the entire world is thrilled that 2020 is behind us!
Originally, I had envisioned my word of the year for 2020 to be "grace" or "present" which I truly tried to adopt as my focus. However in mid March "grace" and "being present" were replaced with "survival", "pivot" "perseverance" and "enough already"! For 2021, what will our word of the year be? Will it be "empower", "evolve", "resilience" or something else? I am not sure yet. I do know that whatever 2021 ends up being known for globally, there will be music. There is music all around us all of the time. Knowing that we will always have music is comforting and encouraging. As you start your 2021 New Year Resolutions be sure to include music in some way. Best wishes to you and yours in the new year! |
Categories
All
Archives
December 2023
|
RSS Feed
About UsNote-worthy Experiences Music Studio®, located at 75 Witherell Drive Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776 provides private in-home and online/virtual music lessons in the Boston MetroWest area of Massachusetts.
We also offer private and group lessons at Nashoba Brooks School, Newton Country Day School, and the First Parish of Sudbury. Contact Renee Bordner at 978.443.0480 or [email protected]. Not a member of our studio yet? Join our mailing list to receive news and updates! All Copyrights Reserved (c) 2015-2025
|
What Our Students Are SayingOur Privacy Policy |
|