Practice Records

* Click the link to view a practice log!!!  Practice Record

Commonly asked questions about practice records : 

Q: How much practicing should I do? A: Remember - you should have three 40 minute practice sessions a week. If you cannot find 40 minutes during which you can practice, you may spread out the time across multiple days!  If you practice more than 40 minutes per session, thats great!!!!  Write it down on your practice sheet!!!!

Q: What are excerpts from rehearsal? A: The excerpts from rehearsal are excerpts that I tell you during class. This is one of the reasons why you need your own folder in class every day. Make sure you practice the excerpts during your practice sessions.

Q: Can I practice pieces other than what we play in school orchestra? A: Yes!!! When you practice other music, that counts too!!! Please make sure though, that our orchestra music is also included in your practicing. 

Remember to have a parent/guardian sign your practice record before you hand it in!!!

Do's and Don'ts of Practicing

•  Do select small selections from each piece that is challenging. The small section should only be around four measures. Then practice that small section a couple of times until you feel that you have mastered it.

•  Don’t play through the whole piece numerous times. By using this “method” to practice, your brain and fingers are not absorbing any new information.

•  Do practice at a regular speed. If you are really struggling then slow the tempo down even more!! Slowing the tempo down will help your brain and fingers catch up to where you want to be in your playing.

•  Don’t practice the pieces at top speed. Usually when people practice pieces quickly, they learn the selection incorrect.

•  Do come to class with questions . If you have trouble remembering what your questions are then practice with a notebook next to your music and write down your questions. I would be more then happy to answer your questions and help you learn a new concept and/or technique.

•  Don’t struggle and struggle without asking for help. I arrive at school at 7AM every day and can stay after school on Friday afternoons, just let me know in advance.

•  Hint: If you are having trouble playing in certain keys (i.e. playing in E flat where you are playing with low ones and fours), play the corresponding scale to help teach your fingers where to go. If you need to, write yourself notes in the music, with pencil, to remind you of the different fingerings.