Practice Tips & Guidelines

Beginning a new instrument is an exciting time for both parents and children, and it is important to develop positive practice routines. Regular practice is essential for growth on a musical instrument. The goal is 5 days a week; 20-45 minutes each day for beginner to intermediate students, 60-minutes or more per day for more advanced students.

Here are a few helpful tips about practice:
  • Set up a musical/practice area in your home where your child can comfortable set up his or her instrument, have their music stand, tuner and metronome. This can prove to be essential in developing healthy practice habits. 
  • Discourage interruptions during your child’s practice time, so that they are aware that you value the work they are putting into their flute playing. It may be necessary to intercept siblings and phone calls during this time. 
  • If your child has goals of practicing more than 20 minutes per day, several short sessions are preferable to one long session. Fatigue and lack of concentration tend to set in if sessions are too long.  Schedule more than one session and at various times of the day (early morning, afternoon, evening).  Review lesson material at each session. Keep sessions fun and engaging. If your child begins to lose focus, return at a later time.  
  • Encourage your child to perform for you, your family and friends. Be sure your child fills in their practice log after every session (don’t wait until the end of the week to do this!). This helps both your child and me to track  progress, questions and problem areas that may arise.
Important Dates:
8/25/14: Fall Lessons Begin