ABBY GRUSH ~ MUSIC LESSONS

Practice Tips

HOW TO PRACTICE:  suggested practice schedule for each time you practice

1.)  TUNE.  (piano players may skip this step - hopefully your piano is in tune!)  Tune your instrument. Take   your time, listen carefully to each tone.

2.)  WARM UP.   Warm up your fingers with a simple “warm-up exercise” (your instructor has shown you at least one of these).  Wind instruments warm-up by playing long tones.  Always start slowly to avoid strain and injuries.

3.)  SCALES.   (depending on level - beginning or younger students may not have scales to practice)

1. Review old scales

2. Work on new scale(s).  Say or sing note names outloud while you play (wind players: name notes first, then play).  LISTEN to what you are playing!

4.)  WORK ON NEW MATERIAL.

            1. Clap and count rhythm.

            2. Break longer songs or progressions into small sections.

            3. Start slowly at first, then gradually increase tempo.

            4. Repeat!  Repeat!  Repeat!  Play it again! 

5.) REVIEW.   Play some of your favorite songs / exercises from past lessons for review and for fun.

Spend as much time as you need on each item.  Some days you may want to focus more on specific things, such as scales, or chord progressions, or review, etc. 

Ideal practice time for beginners:  (depends on level - more advanced students should increase time)

Teens and adults:  1/2 hour per day AT LEAST three to four times per week.

Younger students:  10-20 minutes per day AT LEAST three times per week.

REMEMBER!  It is better to play for shorter lengths of time on as many days as possible, than to play for a long time on just one or two days.   Also, it is better to play for a short amount of time than to not play at all! The QUALITY of your practice time is more important than the quantity.

General Practice Tips:

- Wash your hands before you play.   If you play a wind instrument, also brush your teeth before playing.  Do   you need to trim your fingernails? This would be a good time to do it!

- Find a “distraction-free” spot for practicing.  Turn off the t.v. and stereo (unless of course you are learning to play along with a song from a recording). 

- Be sure you are holding your instrument properly.  For piano/keyboard players and drummers, be sure you are sitting at the correct height to be able to comfortably reach keys/drums without straining or slouching.

- Before trying a new song, first clap and count the rhythm, then clap rhythm and sing/say the note names.

- Repeat new material several times each time you play.  Repeat! 

- Always keep a steady beat while you play:  use a metronome, rhythm on electric keyboard, or tap your foot.

- IF YOU FEEL FRUSTRATED, TAKE A BREAK OR MOVE ON TO A DIFFERENT SONG OR EXERCISE.

- Don’t forget to BREATHE and RELAX. 

- When you are finished playing for the day, carefully put away your instrument:

Electric Keyboard players:  turn off power.

Wind players:  take apart and clean your instrument, store it in your case.

Guitar players:  wipe down strings with a soft cloth.  Put guitar away in its case, or on guitar stand, or in a safe and secure place if you do not have case or stand.  Electric guitar players unplug and put away cord, turn off amplifier.

Everyone: keep all your books and music together in one place (with your instrument is a good idea!)