Let's Focus on Practice!

February 26, 2009

I just finished reading the orchestra students' third quarter goals and making an extensive list of ideas to incorporate into both our large group and small group instruction. One goal that came up numerous times on goal sheets of both 7th and 8th grade students was practicing more often.

Practice is never fun but is necessary for so much of what we do, whether we are learning to play a musical instrument, figuring out the quirks of a new software program, or practicing for our first driver's license exam. Practice is the nuts and bolts foundation that makes the actual "doing" easier, more successful, and more enjoyable. Practicing is certainly not my favorite thing to do, but I know that I need to spend the time on my Madison Symphony music in order to be a strong contributor to the concert performance. When I know the music well, I also enjoy performing it so much more.

Starting this week during our small group instruction time, I will be giving students a booklet that they can use to write down what they need to practice for the week. Each student may have different pieces and different sections of pieces listed, since each student has unique skills and various levels of ability on their instrument. Students can choose to focus on their orchestra music or on some of the new skills they are learning: shifting, thumb position, learning to read music in a new clef, practicing a new bow articulation, vibrato, etc. Students can choose to write down how much they practice or they can merely use this booklet to help them focus on short term goals for their practicing.

I hope that this will help students think about practicing more and I also hope that this tool will help parents support their young musician's practice habits. I encourage students to at least take their instruments and music home on the weekends since students often have a bigger block of free time on weekends. Perhaps parents can help students set aside three 10 minutes blocks during the week or weekend to practice. Small amounts of practice can add up to big results!

Mrs. Buehl