- Set your goal for this practice session. Do I need to build stamina? Work a difficult leap? Master some stylistic issue or rhythmic passage? Am I struggling with a fast passage or run? Once you have identified what you want to accomplish then…..
- Warm-up
- Play through your piece. Note where you are struggling – whether it be with unsure notes, struggling for notes, lack of ability/prowess/energy on a note or a passage, word, stylistic, rhythm, or interpretation issues.
- Once through the piece, Jot the trouble sections down – use measure numbers, words, or page numbers to indicate where the trouble spots are. Hang on to these notes for your next practice session and/or lesson!
- Begin to break down the piece into the trouble sections- just work those areas individually- for instance a small three measure section- and incorporate the tips you have learned at your lessons to master a trouble spot. Once you can play that section successfully, repeat it multiple times. (I find that is the charm to strengthen muscle memory!) Move on to the next trouble section.
- Evaluate – Have I accomplished the goal/s I set for this practice session? Determine this by….
- Finish this practice session with a final run-through of your piece incorporating your new mastery. Once you have completed working on the trouble spots – or as many as you can conquer during that session. Save your notes for your next practice session.
In truth, for most players, the hours you spend practicing do not count as much as how effectively you practice.
