Interlude: Don’t Say Practice
- tape recorder: Not essential, but very helpful. Hearing
yourself recorded is much different than hearing yourself while
playing, and you’ll be surprised how many mistakes you hear that
you weren’t aware of while you recorded. The tape recorder tells
no lies. - instrument stand: Not essential, but useful. If you leave your
instrument out you’ll pick it up and play more often. My guitars,
trumpet and flute are always out on their stands.
The Ideal Session
The Best Time
Directly after a lesson is the very best time to practice. When all that new
information is fresh in your head, take the time to go over it again on
your own. If there is something you don’t understand, write down any
questions or problems you may have so your teacher can explain them in
your next lesson.Warm-up
This is a short part. Use it to make sure your instrument works properly,
is tuned, and you have all you need for the coming session (valve oil,
music, extra strings, reeds, pencil, etc.).
Depending on your instrument, there are several things you want to keep
in mind. Generally speaking, keep things in the low register of your
instrument and do exercises to get you fingers, your wind, and your brain
warmed up.Exercises
If a playing session is a meal, this section is the broccoli. It may not taste
very good (unless you like lots of cheese), but it’s good for you. Do the
exercises for your instrument religiously—it will pay off. Dessert is
coming up.