IS IT WORTH IT
Why do we practice? I'm sure there are many reasons but high on the list is, To Perform. Sharing our love of music and the instrument we play by performing to an audience. What a wonderful experience.
Practice is a key ingredient to a musician's success. This statement can apply to the mastering of any skill. Once a person accepts that practice is important two all-important questions arise. Why music? and What standard do I want to achieve? Once you decide, practice becomes an exciting journey. A time to explore your capabilities and enjoy the vast musical opportunities that is on offer.
REALITY CHECK
When your real and for the most part well-meaning practice does not correspond to your aims, conflict arises. If your goal is to play your instrument on the world stage as a professional on 1 hour a week practice. Sorry, It won't happen. Yes, your enthusiasm and raw talent will be seen and applauded but after that it is your desire and determination that will win out.
So when it comes to practice it is not your parents, your tutor or anyone that is the driving force. They can and will advise, support and encourage you on your journey but to coin a phrase, "If its got to be, Its up to me" Robert H. Schuller. So there it is, find the reason and go for it. Congratulations for choosing music to be a part of your life's journey, wherever that may take you.
MAKING IT WORK
The next section is devoted to the principles of Practice and how to get the most out of you time. There will be examples and information from some of the most successful musicians throughout history to help and guide us. The important thing to remember is that you don't want to waist you time, or anybody else for that matter. We all lead busy lives so whatever time we devote to our instrument must be valuable.
A GOOD PRACTICE
1. Select a quiet spot where you can concentrate without interruption.
2. Set up your practice location to allow good posture.
3. Good practice is regular, every day is ideal. Short sessions to begin, then increasing the time as your advance.
TIME AND PRACTICE
How long should a practice be? Of cause it will be influenced by your aims and how quickly you want to achieve them. The more you do the quicker you learn and progress. As a guideline a student who wants to learn at a comfortable pace should achieve these progressive levels of skill.
First Year - 15 - 20 minutes each day - * Grade 1 or 2
Second Year - 20 - 30 minutes each day - Grade 2 or 3
Third year - 40 - 50 minutes each day - Grade 3
Fourth Year - 50 - 60 minutes each day - Grade 4
Fifth Year - 60 - 80 minutes each day - Grade 5
These are general and only guidelines as each person may do more or less and achieve appropriately if they wish. The real difference for most students is their comittment to regular practice. Don't have the hit and miss approach - won't work. You are better to practice 3 times a week with 20 minutes sessions rather than one time at 60 minutes.
* The term "Grade" is used to assitaine levels of competence in either the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) or Trinity College, London Syllabii. Online information exists for both organisations by clicking on the links.
WHAT TO PRACTICE
What you practice will change as you progress. However, the practice remains focused on the balanced development across a number of skills particular to an instrument and the individual. That is where your tutor comes in. They recognise a course of study for progression and assists in the recognition and rectification of imbalances in playing outcomes. A balanced practice routine session could and for my part should include:
A. A regular warm up to ensure you are physically ready to play. (Long notes, simple tunes, fingering exercises, basic flexibility exercises) 10%
B. Exercises and/or studies designed to improve technique. (Tone, Flexibility, Co-ordination, Endurance, Range, Advanced Techniques) 50%
C. Performance pieces for band, solo and/or examination pieces. 30%
D. All players should warm down to relax exercised muscles. (Low notes, simple tunes) 10%
RATIONALE
There is a number of ways to create a balanced practice routine. The above approach has worked for me over my playing career. I encourage all students to find a practice routine that works for them. I suggest they use this one and consult with their tutor or mentor to ensure a balanced development program is maintained.
Throughout this next section I will use sport as an analogy for explanation. I use this because it is a common element in our lives today, whether we like sport or not we generally understand its process.
Playing a musical instrument is physical. Yes we use muscles that must be strengthened, coordinated and controlled for long periods of playing. Consider a symphony lasting 90 minutes, a true marathon for players or a rock concert lasting 3 hours. For the brass player facial, diaphramic, upper torso muscles come into extensive use during playing.
WARM UPS We understand a sportsperson must warm up before extensive training sessions and certainly before playing games. So to the musician and for the same reason that is to prepare the body for high level activity thereby reducing the risk of strain or damage. Brass warm ups do just that. Re-establishing the basic rudiments of playing by using simple focused exercises.
TECHNICAL STUDIES These exercises are a brass players gym work. Designed to build endurance, tone, technique, coordination and musicality. There are countless tutor books that focus on the development these skills.