“Consistent practice is the key to success!”

 

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Tips for Playing at Home:

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1. Schedule your playing times to be a part of your daily routine.

2. Choose a place where you will not be distracted.

3. Set your music book/music binder at eye-level so that you can see the music and have great position.

4. Violinists and Violists play best standing up. Standing up while playing encourages the best technique and body position. If you sit down, use an armless chair that is the proper height (feet touch the ground).

5. Cellists should play with an armless chair that is the proper height (feet touch the ground).

6. Have a great attitude! Relax and enjoy playing your instrument. The result will be better. If you become frustrated with a new skill or song, take a break and play an old song you enjoy.

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Playing with Success:

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1. Make a plan before playing your instrument.

2. Review the songs assigned during class to plan your playing time.

3. To play songs assigned in class, use the following strategies to help:

   1. Divide the line or lines of music into three or four measure groupings.

   2. Play each grouping five times before moving onto the next grouping.

   3. When you have finished each group of measures, play through the entire song.

   4. Return and mark those places that need extra attention so you can focus on them during the next time you play your instrument.

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Playing Time:

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1. Be consistent with playing your instrument. Split up your playing time into four sessions throughout the week.

2. In general, you should play a minimum of four days per week.

   1. 4th grade beginning strings: minimum of 15 minutes per day (60 minutes each week)

   2. 5th grade intermediate strings: minimum of 15 – 20 minutes per day (60 – 80 minutes each week)

3. 6th grade advanced strings: minimum of 15 – 20 minutes per day (60 – 80 minutes each week)