Practice Philosophy
I have received a lot of questions regarding home practice. Individual practice at home is an integral part of a student's development on an instrument. The older the student, usually the more advanced they are. The more advanced groups play more advanced music, and as a result require more practice.
A general Guideline:
4th & 5th grade - Four times a week for fifteen minutes.
Intermediate - Four times a week for twenty to thirty minutes.
Advanced - Four to five times a week for thirty to fourty minutes.
I realize that some will say this is too much and some will say it's not enough. If your young musician practices more than this, don't let me stand the way! For some four to five times a week is unrealistic during a sports season or when added to other homework or dance classes, piano lessons, church meetings, chores at home, etc. To these people I say do your best to practice as much as possible when the sports season is over or after you have finished the big science project or book report. If you could even practice five minuites a day, three times a week during a busy period it is a lot better than nothing. You would be amazed at what can be accomplished in five minutes.
How does a parent make their child practice? One way is to tell them that they have to do it - period! Another way that I have had success with at home with my own daughter is to say to her "Why don't you play me something on the piano or on the clarinet? I really like it when you play music for me." This helps a child feel that playing music is a special thing to be shared with others (which it is.) It also takes away the feeling of it being a chore and makes a child want to practice because they want you to like what they are playing. You will also find that your child may start to practice with no outside motivation. It is the ultimate goal for our young muiscians to be intrinsically motivated to practice. I know that all parents love to hear their children play, even when it sounds like a goose being choked to death (usually in beginning bands.) Don't worry, it gets better and better with time. It is wonderful when students know that they are doing something special. And no matter what the band director does, it is the parents who are the ones with the power to make their children feel this way.
How does the band director inspire kids to practice? Two words - PLAYING TESTS! When the students know that they will have to play all by themselves in front of their peers, most of them get quite nervous and want to do their best. It is not my inention to torture students, but I feel strongly that this tool forces kids to grow, not only as instrumentalists but as people. Once a child has become accustomed to playing tests or chair tests, they are able to walk into any audition, job interview, or dentist's office with a little more confidence.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am open to any suggestions you might have have. Feel free to conatct me by e-mail or phone.
Russ Granillo |
