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You have begun an exciting part of your music education. Playing a band instrument can be very rewarding,
but it is also a great challenge. The excitement of a new adventure is enough to provide positive motivation for the first
several weeks of the musical experience. Often students who are very excited about playing an instrument discover that in
order to be skilled at it, practicing is necessary. Once the initial enthusiasm wears off, it is important to develop discipline
and skills that makes home practice a natural part of the day’s routine and to guarantee a successful and personally
gratifying experience.
Practicing your instrument is homework for band. This is how musicians learn their music, improve
their skills, and develop confidence in themselves and their abilities. Practice is the key to success in music. There are
no shortcuts.
For beginner students, the method book “Essential Elements 2000 Plus” contains a DVD and
a play-along CD. The DVD/CD disc has a short video that demonstrates how to assemble the instrument properly, how to
hold it, how to produce the first tones, and how to maintain the instrument. In addition, the method book on pages 2 and 3
has clear drawings and written descriptions about the instrument.
Beginner students are expected to make a commitment of practicing a minimum of 15 minutes per day, 4-5 times
a week, and Fifth Grade Band students are expected to practice 5-6 times a week, a minimum of 20 minutes per day. All students
will keep track of their weekly practice time by recording it on a practice chart. Remember - PRACTING IS HOMEWORK!
Here are some guidelines to help you practice:
- Make practicing a part of your daily routine. The most effective way to accomplish good practicing habits
is to develop a consistent practice time and place and always follow it. Find a special area in the home and a specific time
designated for practicing. For example, practice right after school, before or after dinner or right before bedtime.
- Use a music stand to practice. You can either stand or sit down while you are practing. Don't sit on your
bed or floor. If you don't have a music stand, put your instrument case on a sturdy table and prop your music in the case.
- If you miss a day, practice a little more the next day to make it up. However, don't put it off the
entire week's practice in one long practice session. You won't learn as much, plus you will get really tired! Consistency
is the key!
- Practice for short periods of time. Do not practice beyond your attention span.
- Break up the practice time into small components. Practice each song or musical passages several times. If
there is a tricky spot in the music, work on it slowly, and then gradually increase your speed.
- Get together with a friend and practice together.
- Play for a family member to show off your musical talent!
- Remember to write down practice time on the practice chart provided and have a parent/guardian sign
the chart before coming to lessons.
- By doing practicing, this will help establish good practice habits to become a better musician and it will
help reinforce the materials learned during lessons and band rehearsals.
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