My teachers tell me to practice, practice, practice!
sax_kids
(I'm not really sure how to do it, though...)


Here are some good tips for learning how to practice, but more importantly, how to be a better musician:



  1. Take your instrument home with you to practice the same day you have your lesson.  Everything you learned will be fresh in your mind.
  2. Make sure you have a place at home where you can practice without being disturbed too much...and where you will not be disturbing others. 
  3. Get a music stand from Ms. Howard or Mr. Reeve!
  4. When you start your practice session spend the first 5 minutes playing a slow scale or warm-up exercise.  This will help get your mind, mouth and/or fingers in the mood to concentrate.
  5. Have a pencil handy in case you want to write down a fingering or a question for your music teacher.  (Even grown-up, professional musicians do this!)
  6. Whole - Part ( x 5) - Whole:  When you practice a song, play it all the way through at least once.  Then pick out some trouble spots and practice those over and over until they feel and sound better.  Then play the whole song again.  You'll notice the improvement!
  7. Write down the day and time of your lesson and tape it to your refrigerator.  Also, ask your family to help you remember.
  8. Bring your instrument and folder (with the music in it) to your lesson.
  9. Be on time for your lesson.
  10.  Do it all over again!
Being a good musician is no secret.  It takes work, but once you get into the habit of practicing effectively (see the 10 steps above) you will forget about the work and just have fun making music.

GOOD LUCK and GOOD PRACTICING!