Let's face it, we all know that music lessons are incredible right? Getting to work 30-60 minutes one on one with your teacher each week can make you feel ready to take on the world. For most of us, it's the time to show off what we've been learning and really shine in front of our teachers... but how much of that do we take with us into the week? Whether it's forgetting what was discussed, being overwhelmed by new music, or
Find your "Perfect Practice" space
It might not be obvious at first, but one of the most influential things in a practice session is your environment. Conservatories and music schools have private rooms with open space and minimal distractions so each student can be focused and alert during their lessons. But just like how a positive space can
"Is it an open space? Closed?" "Do I feel inspired where I'm working right now?" "Will the noise bother any people around me or is this area private?" These are all important questions to ask yourself before you begin. Not every musician is the same so be sure to find the spot that works best for you. Whether it's in your room, the garage, at your school, or even outside, your "Perfect Practice" space will set you up for success!
Create Practice Goals
Starting practice on your own can be a daunting task for beginner musicians, but it doesn't have to be disheartening! Warming up, choosing a piece to begin with, breaking down the tricky parts; it can seem overwhelming at first but there are ways to make it easier to handle. Every time you sit down to practice, say out loud to yourself what you want to accomplish in that session. It could be playing through that one really fast piano part, or even so much as going over your scales to make sure they're in good shape.
Not even world-class musicians can master a piece in only one practice session, so you shouldn't stress out over something like that either! By laying out a game plan and setting small goals for yourself, it becomes much easier to tackle those pieces you've been mulling over for what seems like forever!
Record Yourself
This is one of those things that nearly all musicians fear the most... *shudder* listening to yourself play. Now now, don't go clicking out of this article just yet, hear me out okay? One of the most effective ways to improve your sound is by listening to your sessions and picking out the things you liked or want to do differently. You can also do this for your lessons in case there was something you might've forgotten and wanted to practice during the week (but make sure you get the teacher's permission first 😁)
By having a record of lessons/practice sessions you can hear how much you've been improving over time. Who knows, you might even like how you sound on the recording!
Develop a Routine (and stick to it)
One of the most important things to consider when learning a new skill is consistency. Making sure you practice on the days you don't have lessons is just as important as coming in for the lessons themselves. The reason music schools have you take weekly lessons is so you can get used to the idea of a regular, musical schedule that you can take home to recreate in your practice sessions during the week. I know it's 2020 and we all lead busy lives, but it really is important to make a habit out of routine practice. It doesn't have to be anything as absurd forcing yourself to practice 5 hours a day, it can be something as small as blocking out 15 minutes to look over your music and
BREATHE
We've talked a lot about practicing on this list. Like...a LOT. But as important as it is to make sure you're practicing it's equally important to find time to let yourself relax. Music is a workout for the mind and like all other workouts its important to give your body a chance to catch its breath. So the next time you find yourself hunched over a piano, panicking about learning that new Chopin etude your teacher gave you last week just remember! Take a step back, fix yourself a cup of coffee, and remember that it's okay to have a little you time. Then once you're all settled you can get right back into practicing, just make sure you don't get too distracted and wind up not wanting to practice anymore, that's a trap I've fallen into far too often
Put those practice skills to use!
You might be asking yourself "this is all great information... but how am I going to put all this information if I don't have the space to do so?" Well, look no further than our very own music rooms themselves! Those of you who are already taking lessons with us know how nice it is to play in these rooms, but not many people know that you can also rent them out for practice when they're not being used by teachers!
For more information or to book your "perfect practice" today, be sure to visit the Room Rental tab on our website!
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