"PRACTICE ONLY ON THE DAYS THAT YOU EAT"
When to Practice
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Stick to a daily routine that you, your family, and your friends will respect
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Practice at approximately the same time every day in 30-minute intervals
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Practice at a time when you are mentally and physically alert
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Practice at a time when there are no distractions
Where to Practice
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Practice in a place free from TV, phone, stereo, other people, etc.
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Practice in a place where you can hear yourself play (like a bathroom!)
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Practice in a place where you feel comfortable
Equipment
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For good posture, use a chair with a straight back and no arms
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Use a music stand; also for good posture
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Use a mirror to view hand body and embouchure position
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Use a metronome to develop good rhythmic coordination
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Rely on a cassette recorder to hear what you really sound like
What to Practice
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Start with warm-ups: long tones, lip slurs, scales, etc.
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Play through your band music: concert music, method book, etc.
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Work on your private lesson music as assigned by your teacher
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Learn and refine your solo & ensemble music
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Do sight reading; use any music you can find
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Choose other music you like (only after everything else is finished)