It’s no secret that the more you practice at something, the easier it becomes and the better you get at the task. The same is true for music. That’s why we encourage you to practice everyday. We want you to get the most out of your time here with us and our teachers. Here’s our Top Eight Ways You Can Excel at Practicing.

1. Practice Everyday.
   Simply put the more you practice, the better you’ll get! We recommend practicing everyday for 30 minutes. This solidifies what you learn in class, it improves your muscle memory, and helps you advance musically at a faster pace. If you miss a practice one day, don’t stress but consider adding 5 minutes to another at-home practice.

2. Don’t Forget to Warm-Up.
   Whether you play violin, guitar, drums or sing, warming up your fingers/voice is super important. You wouldn’t consider running without stretching first or doing a play without memorizing your lines, right? The same is true of music lessons! Do vocal warm-ups, stretch out your fingers, arms, and shoulders. Loosen up before you practice!

3. Choose A Practice-Friendly Spot.
   Your practice space should be a place where you can get comfortable and where you have very little distraction. It’s hard to practice with a computer screen in front of you taunting you with videos of cats doing silly things! Additionally, you want to practice in a place that is comfortable for you. Consider the lighting, temperature, and even your seat choice when choosing the right practice spot. The more comfortable you are in a place, the more likely you are to practice longer and more often!

4. Take Your Time.
   We all learn at different speeds, in different ways, and with different methods. What works well for Joe might not work for Susie at all, and THAT’S OK! It takes time and commitment to learn a new instrument so give yourself that time. Our teacher will go at the pace that works for you, and your at-home practicing should too. Don’t race through a piece or a drill, take your time and really understand why it is you’re doing it. If you don’t, you could very well miss out on the beauty of music.

5. Be Open & Honest With Your Teacher.
   We ALL have busy lives and schedules. We ALL learn differently. That’s what makes us awesomely unique. If you are not being open and honest with your teacher about how often you are practicing at home, sharing areas that you’re struggling with, or flat out not talking with them at all then you are only hurting yourself. Your teacher is your friend! They are their to help you and guide you on your musical journey.

6. Respect Your Instrument.
   You should think of your instrument as your kid sibling or your adorable puppy. Would you leave your little sister or your little puppy outside, or in a place where she could get hurt? Of course not! Think of your instrument the same way – always make sure it’s put up and away in it’s case. Keep it tuned. And if ever you think it’s “sick,” always have it checked out immediately.

7. Set Goals for Yourself.
   Giving yourself a goal to work towards is a fantastic way to stay motivated when practicing. Ask your teacher for help with this and work as a team to set goals and milestones for your practice. That could be mastering a certain technique, being able to map chords, or even pinpoint notes with ear-training! And don’t forget to reward yourself for hitting those goals!

8. Have FUN!
   Music is so much fun! Whether you are working on a classical, jazz, rock or pop piece, it can be an awesome experience! Don’t be afraid to add your own flare to a piece, to play it a little differently, or be goofy while you play it. As long as you’re remembering your techniques when you’re practicing, ham it up!