HOW to PRACTICE?

Amelia had a good question so I thought I'd make a post out of it to help others.

She asked: "How do you practice".

Mr K. wants to give you some tips and pointers on how to practice, as well as what really good musicians do to become better. (Its a secret that only great musicians know).

The biggest secret (most people do not know) is to practice VERY SLOWLY. VERY SLOWLY is better than SUPER FAST. Practicing fast will make you sloppy, and you cannot memorize as easilly. Practicing slowly will help you memorize notes, and fingerings, as well as melodies and techniques that will later turn you into a rock star.

Heres some tips and tricks:

1. Practice slowly (mentioned above)
2. Find a quiet place to practice where you will not be distracted by the TV, or brothers or sisters
3. Choose a song or excersize to work on
4. ALWAYS tap your foot. If you do not you will never find the secret to keeping time
5. Start with the first note, and play until you make a mistake, then go back to the beginning and repeat... Work on the hardest parts of the song first. Dont always play what you know well. Always work on the hardest stuff. This will make you so much better.
6. Listen to yourself, is your sound pleasant? Try a softer breath... see the difference?
7. Practicing everyday is way more important than practicing a lot only one or two days a week.
Its weird but true. 20 minutes everyday is better than 5 hours once a week.
8. Purchase a metronome to help you keep time
9. Always ask Mr. K for extra help.
10. Keep a positive attitude. Never give up. try try again. Dont let the instrument defeat you. You are unstoppable. Be the best, work hard and show the world what you can do!

Flute players: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc80_M9eH7A&feature=PlayList&p=E9744BCB3493F15A&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=9

Clarinet players: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KDa3i51qXk&feature=PlayList&p=F92DAECCFD38FC61&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=32

Alto Sax: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQC1ak9xmGk&feature=PlayList&p=BBC3B35AF8937AAA&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=13

Trumpet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oUi7mGVxss
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_INaCr8rd-E&feature=PlayList&p=F90A0C09AE74BC5F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=48

Trombone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPA_7ceIFKA
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suYtr60H_Ik

Percussion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AElVyfjSHIo&feature=PlayList&p=4ABD8A55FE89B210&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=8
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaAETCL57Qc


PRACTICE!!!