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