Daily, focused practice is crucial to a student’s growth as a musician. Practice times vary according to the length of time a particular student has been taking lessons:

• Less than one year: 20 minutes each day
• One to two years: 30 minutes each day
• Three to five years: 45 minutes each day
• Six or more years: 45 minutes to an hour each day

Much focus is often put on the length of practice time, but the quality of practice is just as important. Observing the following principals can double the effectiveness of your practice time:

• Read the directions written in the music and by the teacher before playing
• Fully engage your mind on the music
• Work out new pieces and difficult sections slowly
• Look for patterns in the music
• Use a metronome when appropriate
• Listen to yourself while you play or record yourself and listen to the recordings and make improvements