Practice Tips
- Find somewhere quiet. This seems too obvious for words, but not only will you be far less likely to be distracted, but entering a special practice area, whether it's a certain room or just a corner of the living room, will help prepare you mentally for this very particular kind of work. Make sure your area has good light!
- Consider setting a timer. Once you've unpacked your instrument, set a timer. Once it goes off, you can decide that you are done for the day, or if you want to, you can continue practicing for a little while longer - sometimes, the hardest part of practicing is taking out your instrument!
- Have your supplies nearby. Keep a pencil sharpener and an eraser within arm's reach, along with a pencil to mark up your music. Simple, right? But those little things are easy to forget, and if you have to go searching for them, add up to a big waste of time.
- Write in your music. Write your note names or finger numbers in your music (in pencil!).
- Practice smarter, not necessarily longer. You'll probably accomplish more if you have a specific goal. Say you are having trouble learning two very tricky measures. Set your timer for a short period, and then work just on one problem in as many ways as you can — break it down into even smaller and more manageable bits, go super slow, try to play the passage backwards, change the rhythm or bowing, do it pizzicato, whatever.
- Don't always start at the beginning every time. Break your music down in smaller chunks. For example, you could practice one measure over and over until you are good at it, and then go to the next measure. You could even play note by note if necessary.
- Practice away from your instrument. Many musicians use visualization in the same way that athletes do: They run through their music without touching their instruments. Try bringing your music along with you (either on paper or a mobile device) when you know you'll have some downtime, such as during a car or train ride, and read through the piece silently.
- Reward hard work — in positive ways — to help your brain automate good habits. If you worked hard to learn something, reward yourself by playing something that is easy and that you are good at!
STEPS for PRACTICING A NEW SONG
1. Say your note names
2. Pizzicato
3. Air bow
4. Play the song