How to Practise
This year my studio has a record number of young people under the age of 11. This is my great luck, as this age is so fun to teach and develop.
The hardest part of being 11 (or 9, or 10) is knowing how to practise, and for how long.
Therefore, this blog post was born to help those who are 11 and under, and, to help their parents.
What I know based on my personal reading and research is that the bulk of what you learn happens up to the age of 11. This is frightening, when you think about it! This does not mean you cease to learn past this age, but the rate at which you absorb and assimilate information decreases.
So, the more material you cover before age 11, the better. Work sequentially, but start early and cover as much as you can at this time.
Practise should be a daily habit, just like brushing your teeth. It is often necessary that parents supervise and encourage practise by setting aside a times(s) student and parent agree on to practise every day.
Work on a good quality piano. This is important.
Best are several short practise segments interspersed throughout the day. If you can not do this, at least take short breaks during your work.
Warm up with something simple, like technical exercises or scales, and then practise the WORST thing first, be it the worst piece, the worst spot, a brand new piece, or the most difficult section.
Finish with the piece you know the best, or have the most work completed on.
Set practise goals per day and per week and strive to meet these goals. Even if you don't meet your expectations, you will come closer than if you did not set those goals.
Set goals per year to move you forward in your learning.
Play lots and lots and lots of different music of any genre to expose yourself to as many technical and musical ideas as you can, and, to expand your reading ability.
How long should you practise?
This is a tough question.
At this age, the answer is anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 hour a day, depending on your attention and exact age.
For most students, anything less than 20 minutes will not get you far.
Ideally, a minimum weekly average of 150 minutes a week is a good starting point. Remember to use this time dailyt, don't just cram practise 1 or 2 days of the week. You will accomplish less by practising in this latter manner.
Increase your practise amount inch by inch, to reach your desired practise goal. For example, move from 10 minutes to 15 minutes, and later to 20 minutes.
Most important is the QUALITY of your practise. Remember, 20 minutes of concentrated work is better than 30 minutes of playing last years' favourites and music not assigned at the lesson. By all means do this, but AFTER you have covered everything assigned.
Keep track of your practice minutes every day/week, and enjoy a reward every week for your hard work! Parents and students may think of their own method of reward to keep things exciting!
Finally, don't wait for your teacher to dictate every little thing you do! Be independent and move on to the next piece on your own, memorize, or cover the scale on your list not yet assigned. Pick a new piece, start the next section, finish the last page.......... you get the idea.
Above all, have fun, be positive, enjoy the moment, and love the fact that you can move your fingers and create music!!
Age Minimum Recommended Time
5 15 minutes
6 15 minutes
7 20 minutes
8 20 minutes
9 30 minutes
10 30 minutes
11 40 minutes
12 45-60 minutes-
rowsellpiano
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