by Susanna Perkins

Created on: July 21, 2009

Music is the food of love, it can soothe the savage breast, and practicing - or listening to someone else practice - can drive you crazy. As a musician (piano, guitar, violin) and the mother of four other musicians in various stages of accomplishment (singing, trumpet, violin, piano, guitar, lute, recorder), I've done my own share of practicing, teaching and coaching.

Contrary to popular belief, practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect. Most brand-new students are excited about practicing, but sooner or later - usually about the time you realize that the sounds you're producing are nothing at all like what you heard at the concert - practicing becomes something you need to plan.

1. Set up a comfortable practice area. If the piano's your instrument, you won't have a lot of options, but with almost any other instrument, you can choose a spot that works for you. Find an area without a lot of distractions - the middle of the kitchen is not a good choice - and where you are relaxed and comfortable.

2. Practice consistently. Ideally, you should practice every day. Since this is not practical for most of us, figure out a five-day schedule that works for you and stick to it. This doesn't mean you have to practice at the same time every day. If you have a regular commitment every Wednesday evening, make that a non-practice day and practice on Saturday morning instead. Just be consistent from one week to the next. Establish practice times when you won't be interrupted.

3. Tailor your practice sessions to your own personality. Some people thrive on routine, while others need variety. If you're a routine lover, establish one within your practice sessions as well. Start with scales and exercises, then work on your new piece while you're still fresh and use the end of your practice time to polish an old piece. If you love variety, mix it up. Start with scales one day, and an older piece the next. Just make sure each practice session includes all the elements you need to work on.

4. Separate the new techniques. If you are taking lessons or following an established curriculum for your instrument, most new pieces will introduce a new technique. Depending on your instrument this might be using half bows and whole bows, playing some notes staccato and some legato or double-tonguing. Practice the technique alone, playing the same note or just a few notes of the scale while you really focus on the bow or the finger action.

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