PRACTICING TIPS
*Choose a quiet place to practice that is free of distractions.
*Use a metal folding stand for practicing. It promotes good upright posture. Never practice on a bed or a couch because you will acquire bad
posture and bad playing habits. It is recommended to practice standing up.
*It is not how long you practice but how well you practice. Consistent practice for at least 30 minutes is necessary
for improvement and yes... this means...PRACTICE EVERY DAY!! It is recommended to practice at the
same time every day, perhaps before school or right when you come home from school.
Don't wait for the time
when you are tired. Make practicing a daily habit where you find yourself. It is a valuable and precious time shared
between you and your instrument.
*Use all your senses. Listen - Feel - Observe and Listen again!
You are welcome to smell the
finger notes too as long as you are always LISTENING!
*Be organized in your practice. You may follow the following routine:
-Open strings/double stops
-Scales...pick one key and stick to it for a week
-Orchestra repertoire (whole-part-whole)
Whole: Pick a tempo that you can comfortably perfom the whole piece. While performing, be very aware of problematic spots in the
music.
Part:Work diligently on those spots that you found problematic. Get yourself a metronome. Practice gradually from a very
slow tempo (listening, feeling, observing, and smelling too) to a tempo sligtly faster than the one written on the music.
Work with different rhythms to allow yourfingers and your mind to gain flexibility. With or without metronome...PRACTICE MUSICALLY!!
Think and play musically, the technique will come along
Whole:Put together the spots you worked on with the rest of the piece. Alow yourself to perform the piece at the
end of your practice.
Imagine that you have an audience in front of you. Be critical of yourself...tomorrow will be a new
day and you will be a better player and perhaps a better person.
Enjoyment will come sooner or later
when you feel and know
that you can play anything you
want and
that you are happy and make people happy
with your music
*Use a full-length mirror. It will give you a vantage point of view that allowes you to observe, model, and monitor your
playing (bow parallel to bridge, elbow height, low shoulder blades, upright body position, straight wrist,.etc.)
Focused organized practice + Consistensy + Time = Excellent Player
PRACTICE RECORD SHEET(Print)
MY PRACTICE SCHEDULE (printable version)
MY PRACTICE ROUTINE
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| The Secret of Practice
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| Practice Techniques |
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