Agnes’s Guide to

Making Practice Time More Effective

Practice at the same time every day:

This is actually more important than how long you practice! Not only does coming to the piano at the same time every day put music into your lifestyle, but it prepares your system to learn. Your psychology and neurology organizes itself to take in information at this time, and practice becomes easier and more effective.

Practice 15-20 minutes per day, 5-7 times per week:

You’ll notice that if you try to practice twice as much one day and then skip another, you’ll learn much more slowly. Daily repetition ensures that learning occurs at a deep level. When we sleep, our brains consolidate the information we processed during the day. Consistent daily practice in small amounts ensures a strong foundation to be built upon - it is essential for success!

Control the events:

When you are learning a piece for the first time, it is imperative that you go very slowly, and prepare each finger to play the next note before actually depressing the key. Go S-L-O-W-L-Y! The more slowly you go, the more quickly you will progress. I promise that practice doesn’t make perfect - unless it is ‘perfect practice’! This means: take as long as you need to think about what note you will play next BEFORE you depress the piano key, so that you play every note correctly, every time. You will be amazed at the results!

Use all your learning techniques:

1. Speak instructions out loud while you practice

2. Sing or hum along while you play

3. Stay aware of patterns within a piece

4. Explain the reference instructions to yourself or a friend

5. Put the patterns into your fingers

6. Practice patterns on your lap or practice board

7. Watch the appropriate parts of the DVD & listen to the CD

8. Have fun! Smile; Laugh; Perform for your friends!