Practice
is the most important issue of studying an instrument or voice.
It can be the happy moment of a successful learning process or
the biggest sore point between parents and children. Practice
has a lot of meanings. It involves a regular time schedule and a
lot of repetitions in order to make the uncomfortable
comfortable and something difficult easy and fluid. It is
playing a tricky passage of a music composition several times
every day until it flows unconsciously. It is learning how to
read music, hold a violin and bow correctly, or sitting at the
piano without hunching the back. Concentrating, focusing on
small details and learning how to express through sound is also
part of this successful learning process. The goal of practicing
is to achieve the physical, intellectual and expressive skills
to make music come alive.
Practicing helps to develop an analytical mind, find learning
strategies, prioritize and use the time wisely.
The key for good practicing is to organize the session as a
daily routine. The main point is to keep the practicing time
regular and expect that some sessions might be less productive
than others, but make them enjoyable and fun. Of course, it is
not easy and there will be stress, strain and arguments.
Children need routine and boundaries. It is also important to
create a daily schedule that will allow your child to be
involved in other activities as well. Set a system, but do not
forget that it is fundamental and significant to be supportive
and encouraging. Having a reward system works very well with
students! It helps them build up self-confidence and a strong
sense of capacity.
Massimiliano Facchini and
Claudette Munné
Following is a testimonial from a parent:
Stick with it
Some children feel, and some parents promote, that everything
should be fun. Developing an interest or skill implies delayed
gratification. Don’t let your child be a dabbler. If he chooses
to play a musical instrument, recognize there are three stages
to proficiency and enjoyment: initial learning, several years of
practice, and then successful performance, say with a jazz band
in high school. Stage two - the years of practice - is not
always fun. The message should be not to quit, but there could
be a choice to cut back on the intensity of practice.
NYC PIA
Parents in Action
