This section is for when all students are playing from their method books in earnest. You may want to return to this link at the appropriate time.
In an effort to make it easier for your child to identify notes, maintain proper posture, have accurate fingerings and improve their tone quality, I taught them a three step practice method called:
1.Say it.
2.Say it with Fingering
3.Play it.
Students are to start on step one which is to just say the notes in proper rhythmic time. With step two they are to bring their instrument to their mouths maintaining proper posture and say the notes in rhythm, but also changing their fingerings at the appropriate time. Step Three:Play the piece.
IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THIS TECHNIQUE
*Students must set a tempo for all steps.
*One should not move from one step to another until that step is mastered.
*Apply the technique consistently until they “make it” to step 3, at that point they just play (please keep in mind for some pieces it may take several days to make it to the play it step).
*Finally, I always encourage students to isolate problem spots with a pencil and drill until mastered.
Your child can demonstrate how to practice in this fashion and I model it for them at every lesson; however some kids may need to be reminded when they go home to practice in the aforementioned manner.And this is why I am writing to you; all I ask is that you not only remind your children to practice but to do so using the three step method. Lastly, a question parents often ask me is: “How long should my child be practicing?” At this point in time, your child should be playing a minimum of 20 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week.And if your child misses a day or so for whatever the reason I always say just go back to your normal routine. In other words one should NOT try and “make-up” a practice session by doing 40 minutes the following day.