Helpful Practice Tips
1. Students 1st grade to 6th should practice 30-45 minutes everyday! Older students should practice an hour or more each day.
2. Practice IS NOT playing through your pieces once and then rushing off to play video games. Real practice is working on difficult sections, fingering, rhythm and expression.
3. If you are having trouble with reading, stop and figure out what the notes are. DO NOT guess or try to play the piece by ear. This approach to playing only leads to slow progress and frustration.
4. If reading is an issue for you, then spend more time on theory and sight-reading. Sight-reading is playing something that you’ve never seen before. This approach greatly improves ones reading and note recognition.
5. Good posture is essential in ones practice habits. Be sure to sit up straight, keep wrists level and place the right heel firmly on the floor when pedaling.
6. Scales, and other exercises should be practiced first! They are essential in developing strength, flexibility, coordination and speed.
7. Theory must be done BEFORE the lesson. If it is not completed, it may be finished during the lesson.
8. Please remember to bring all of your books to your lesson. Keep your books in one place during the week, so they don’t get misplaced or lost.
9. Good practice habits are so important to your progress and success. Learning the piano isn’t easy. In fact, it is the most difficult instrument to master. Anything worth learning takes time and old-fashioned hard work. Remember practice is free, so please take full advantage of it!
10. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk to me during the lesson, by email or phone. I am always available to help and encourage you in whatever area you need. Keep working hard!