Practicing
General Guidelines
The recommended amount of daily practice is discussed at the student’s first lesson. This is usually the same length as the student’s lesson.
Parents who are requested to attend lessons should also practice with their child.
All students should practice every day. Daily practice sessions help students progress faster. Ensemble rehearsals are not a substitute for individual daily practice.
Students should plan to practice at the same time everyday. If the same time doesn’t work everyday, they should create a schedule. A few minutes of focused practice is better than skipping a day.
Lesson notes should be reviewed at the beginning of each practice session. It is helpful for students to review and make additional notes after their lesson.
Focus on improvement and problem-solving during practice, not the time remaining. Mental engagement during practice, not endless repetition, helps determine student success.
Violin and viola students who have been taught to tune their instruments should always tune at the beginning of each practice session. Please do not practice on an out-of-tune instrument.
Special Note for Violin & Viola Students
Music Theory
Students with music theory workbook assignments are encouraged to complete a small portion of their assignment each day. This helps keep material fresh in the student’s mind. Questions about assignments should be asked before the next lesson.
My goal is to answer all student questions by the end of each lesson. However, there may be times when extra help is needed before the next lesson. Please email any questions. This encourages good communication and allows the student to progress. If I can’t help the student through email, I’m aware of the issue and can help at the next lesson.
Questions Outside of Scheduled Lesson Time
Some teachers regularly assign students to listen to recordings. There will be times that I may do this, but only for a short time and with a specific purpose. Students should not depend on recordings to learn assigned music.
In place of regularly assigned listening, students are encouraged to listen to all types of music and attend concerts. More advanced students are encouraged to listen to other works by the same composer.
KVNO, a radio station on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, is recommended for listening to Classical music. (Link will open in a new window.) Performances from orchestras around the world, along with many other fine programs are broadcast.