Helpful Hints for Successful Practice: Part I

There seem to be as many different ways to practice as there are people who play. Try not to feel you have to practice a certain way. What is important is that you find a way that works best for you. The following are some helpful hints for you to consider when structuring your own practice routine.

• Find a quiet location for practice.
  
• Try to plan a regular practice time.
  
• Set reasonable goals.
  
• Practice in a well-lighted area.
  
• Provide the proper tools and accessories for yourself: comfortable chair, music stand, tuning device, metronome, foot stool, pencil, etc.
  
• Keep your instrument readily available. If possible, place it in a musical instrument stand next to your practice chair. You may find that you will pick it up more often.
  
• ENJOY YOURSELF!!

• Set clear boundaries between different aspects of your practice:
  --Warm-up exercises
  --Reach and stretch exercises
  --Scales
  --Arpeggios
  --Chords
  --Lesson material
  --Repertoire
  
• You may not be able to cover everything in one day, so spread it out over a few days.
  
• Remember--set reasonable goals!
  
• If you cannot concentrate, do NOT force it.
  
• Keep a "practice record" chart.

Read more thoughts on practice!