Practice 1

(part 1 of 8 from the article How to Practice)

Where should we practice?

Obviously, practice happens in the room where the instrument is.  (Violinists have a little more choice here!)  There’s more to the practice environment than just that, however.  The instrument is part of the “where,” but a good practice location also needs to include your music, your notebook, and a chair for the parent to sit in.  Pianists need a footstool and cushions for the bench so they are seated with the proper posture.  Violinists need a shoulder rest (and eventually a music stand).  Your practice environment should be someplace that isn’t getting a lot of traffic and interruptions—turn off the phone, ask siblings to stay in a different room, and focus on the student.