Many times students of all ages and experience lack proper practice habits,
they never achieve there goals because of this fact
I would like to mention some of the most important points.
The following applies to all instruments.
When a student first starts learning an instrument it can take from 2 to 3 months to develop a practice discipline. What that means is parents will many times say “my child doesn’t practice enough” or “I don’t want to pay for lessons if they are not going to practice every day”.
The point here is that until a student develops a practice habit –
THEY WILL NOT NATURALLY PRACTICE EVERY DAY!!!!
Until it is developed with weekly lessons, positive encouragement and time!
I capitalize this because so many students believe that this should be a nature habit that every one has. Parents many times stop themselves or their child from lessons without allowing them the time to grow into a good music student!
This takes great patience, personal discipline and commitment to allow for this habit to develop and then become part of the student’s daily life routine!
Just the same way you learn to read, write, play sports, eat a proper diet and exercise.
Most people forget how much time and reinforcement was given to them in the early stages of reading, writing and so forth. After you have a good habit generally your forget how much time ad effort went in to acquiring it!
So before you give up on your child or your self – remember the six month rule.
Most things in life like sports, proper diet, working out – takes about six months to start becoming a habit. Make a realistic goal for the student to practice undisturbed for a minimum of twenty minutes two to four times a week – that is a great start. Then within a couple of months expand practice time to 30 minutes a session.
After 3 to 6 months work towards focus practicing of 30 to 60 minutes five days a week.
I find with younger students it is better to practice in 15 minute intervals.
Remember it is more important to practice with your hands and body in the proper position then to do more time sloppy and rushed. Our brains act as a recorder so when we go extremely slowly and accurately we produce the desired results. Rushing thought any exercise does very little to create great technique. That why it is necessary to have an instructor that is aware of proper practice techniques and makes sure continually that the students develops them!
Thanks for reading!
And don’t forget to apply these principles.
All materials for personal use only.
Vince Lauria Sun and Earth Music
Copyright © 2011