Getting into a Practice Routine

Hi everyone,

In todays post I will be talking about getting yourself into a practice routine.

You have just started to learn a musical instrument, but you are a little unsure about how to get yourself into a practice routine. The important thing to remember is that it has to work for you and your individual circumstances; and don't pressure yourself for not thinking you are doing enough. You are doing enough, and you will progress and develop at your own rate.

Practice in Short Bursts

This is especially important when you are first starting out, as you are still getting used to your instrument. I would suggest starting off doing 10 minutes, followed by a break; and then come back to do another 10 minutes. Another thing I would suggest is build your practice up in 5 minute increments - 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes up to 30 minutes. Only do this when you feel like you are ready to build up, but do this slowly. 

Have a Different Focus for Each Practice Session

I'm not suggesting have an individual practice session for each individual area that you have got to cover. You might want to combine scales, arpeggios, and technique in one practice session; and pieces that you are working on in another practice session. Everyone is going to have different areas to focus on, so make sure that you adapt to your own personal practice needs.

Try & Get Yourself into a Routine

I personally practice on my days off, and my practice days usually consist of two practice sessions - one morning practice session and one in the afternoon. I usually aim for an hour of practice in the morning, and a couple of hours in the afternoon; again these timings aren't always possible. But I do keep the morning and afternoon practice sessions consistent. Consistency is definitely the key for getting yourself into a routine.

* I'm an intermediate flute learner, thats why my practice sessions are so long. I don't recommend doing this until you have built your strength and stamina on your instrument; and certainly wouldn't recommend it for someone whose just starting out, as this can have the opposite effect and can also lead to 'burn out'.

Slow & Steady

I would highly recommend slow practice, as this will enable you to start picking up on any mistakes. It's also a really good way for you to enable you to develop your aural skills, as well as getting you used to what your scales and arpeggios should sound like. Also, slow practice is also great for when you start learning new techniques and articulations on your instrument. 

Break Up Your Pieces

When learning new pieces just focus on small areas at a time, as this will make it so much easier for you to understand; and it also won't be as overwhelming for you. You can do this by focusing on a few bars of music at time, or just by working on a passage at time. You can even use this trick to work on areas that you are struggling with. It also comes in handy if you have tricky music passages with the added element of tricky finger placements.

When getting yourself into a practice routine you need to make sure that it works for you, and your current circumstances. Also, if you are a little unsure about getting yourself into a practice routine then I would suggest having a word with your music teacher and see what they suggest for you. Make sure that you mention your current circumstances at home, at least that they will be to give you a routine that caters to you and your circumstances.