I heard it when I was a young piano and flute student, and I’m sure you did: “Practice makes perfect!” The old adage has plagued generations of would-be musicians who begrudgingly pluck the piano keys, blow the trumpets, or cut the strings on a protesting violin. Of course, any professional musician will say that quality practice time is the key to success…with an emphasis on the word QUALITY. The average music student will spend half an hour a week under the supervision of a teacher, but skills and techniques are acquired over the remainder of the week as the student repeats assigned exercises. As a music teacher, I have had more than one student return to the next lesson with a quickly solidified bad habit, which we then have to work to undo before progressing. To ensure progress, musicians need to be self-aware while practicing. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1.) Sit/stand up straight. Mom was right! Make sure her feet are flat and he is sitting on the edge of her chair. Or if you’re standing, balance your weight evenly with your feet slightly apart. Keep your spine straight and your shoulders relaxed. This improves everything: respiratory support, tone, hand position, etc. And best of all, you’re avoiding unnecessary headaches and tension aches.
2.) Practice slowly. This is harder for new players who are itching to finish that first song. But pitch, intonation (pitch), rhythmic precision, and control (breathing or bowing) all develop during slow practice. If slow isn’t right, it won’t get better with speed!
3.) Get a mirror. Watch yourself play scales or memorized warm-up exercises for small flaws you may not see or feel.
4.) Take notes during your lesson. Be sure to write down specific comments your teacher makes repeatedly: is he telling you every couple of minutes to straighten your wrist? You may have a bad habit developing.
5.) Write yourself a note. If you know you have a bad habit that could be forming, write yourself a big reminder and stick it on your easel at home. While it’s wonderful to lose yourself in the music, try not to lose sight of your basic technique.
Whatever your instrument, consider these suggestions as you begin your practice session. Remember: a few careful minutes can save you hours of frustration in the future!
