Regular and consistent practicing is the key to establishing skills that help musicians on their musical journey. However, sometimes it is easier said than done, as returning to the practice room day after day takes perseverance and determination. Therefore, practicing takes a great deal of effort.
Certain habits are essential to creating routines that help aspiring musicians attain the desired results from practicing their instruments.
Several things must be considered when a student studying music wants to practice, and here are five things to be mindful of if you are learning or looking to become a musician.
Schedule Your Practice Time
Devote Your Full Attention in the Practice Room
Check Your Posture and Positioning
Listen to Your Intonation
Practice Slowly
Schedule Your Practice Time
The first thing to do is think of a time in your schedule to allow for practice—a set time during the day when you can turn focused attention to your playing. Even though, at some point, your level of playing, needs, and work you are doing will dictate the time you spend in the music studio. Still, deciding on a time frame, especially for beginners: thirty minutes, forty-five minutes, or one hour of practicing time in one's daily schedule is essential.
In the early stage, it is crucial to consult a teacher, professor, or coach on the practice time needed to achieve the required minutes or hours for your instrument.
Also, it is helpful to remember not to overdo practicing. That means putting in more hours than your body is ready to handle those long hours so you do not develop unwanted pains in your hands, arms, and whatever problems might arise by playing your chosen instrument.
Therefore, think about your schedule and allow time for practice.
Devote Your Full Attention in the Practice Room
Shut out all worries and concerns and focus only on your playing.
Make sure you have taken care of your important issues, people you need to contact for whatever reason, and appointments so that you can focus on practicing. There is nothing more distracting and non-constructive than having to go to your practice room, begin playing, and then have to stop several times as you try to focus on your work.
Check Your Posture
Look out for your posture and positioning on your particular instrument. That is, check how you are holding your instrument. Are your hands correctly placed in case of cello playing, for example, on the fingerboard? Or are you holding the bow correctly? Make sure to do that as per your teacher's instructions. The correct posture and positioning on any instrument can dramatically help you achieve your goals. Should your teacher comment on posture, that you need to correct something during your practice hours, try to follow their instruction as best as you can and thus have your body be accustomed to good habits.
Sometimes, wrong postures and movements bring out pain in the hands or body. It is always best to follow the appropriate instructions and implement them during your practice times to avoid unnecessary issues. Should you experience any pain, you should stop playing and consult your instructor. It would help if you allowed the pain to disappear before you resume practicing.
Listen to Your Intonation
Listen to your intonation if you don't play piano or a similar instrument where the keys readily sound the tone for you. Exercise good listening skills, and correct your intonation errors when they occur. Refrain from continuing your playing and consequently allow yourself to learn the wrong thing. If you need clarification on the notes of a new piece, for instance, listen and play them one at a time so you can correct them.
Practice Slowly
Sometimes, beginning students want to play the pieces in tempo immediately. That way of working is only helpful if you have mastered the piece. Therefore, when working on a new piece, practice slowly. And practice more slowly as you work out all your technical issues. As with solving technical problems, be patient. Doing so will also help you check the correct positioning of your instrument at the same time.
This week, set aside time for your practice. Be fully present as you work out your intonation and technical issues by practicing slowly and dealing with the problems firsthand. At the same time, check your posture and positioning according to your teacher's instructions, depending on the instrument you are playing.
Happy Practicing!
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