If you want to be successful at your instrument you must practice, practice,
practice, practice! I ask that you practice 100 minutes a week. 20 minutes
a day, 5
days a week = 100 minutes.
*Practice charts are used for a homework grade and checked weekly in lessons.
100 minutes is a 100%, 80 minutes is an 80%, 50 minutes is a 50%, etc.
Practice charts must be signed by a parent and can be found in the back of
the Accent on Achievement Book. I also have extra practice charts if you
run out of room or loose yours. I will accept minutes written on a piece of
paper signed by a parent.
PRACTICE TIPS:
When you practice, always strive for the best sound/tone possible. Use good
posture and practice in front of a mirror sometimes.
Practice at a regular time each day. Before or after dinner is an excellent
time.
Warm-up first and then practice your weekly assignment.
Use a metronome!
Remember: Practice makes PERMANENT. Practice for results, not a time
limit. If you practice the right way, then it will be perfect!
Always use a music stand and use good posture.
Keep a record of your practice time on your practice chart and make sure it
is signed by a parent each week!
HOW TO PRACTICE:
Practice the scales we learned in class first, this is an excellent way to
warm-up. Warm-ups are a great way to build and strengthen your embouchure
and muscles (chops). Play scales at a mezzo-piano dynamic level slowly!
Each note
should be held for 4 beats (whole notes).
Now that you are warmed up, you can focus your energies on your music and
weekly assignment. Practice exercises you were assigned from your method
book (Accent On Achievement). Practice it slowly first, then gradually
build up the speed until you can play it three times in a row at the proper
speed. Practice the parts that are difficult or spots you are having
trouble with. Don't just practice the easy stuff!
Finish your practice by working on the songs we are playing in band.
If you do all these things, you will have great success on your instrument.
