How Many Hours a Day Should You Practice?
2 hours? 4 hours? 8 hours? 12 hours?
How much is enough?
Is there such a thing as practicing too much?
Is there an optimal number of hours that one should practice?
Have you fainted yet?
In the last few weeks, I have been surprised that some of you practice less than 10 minutes a day. You think I couldn't guess? I wish that you could see the results from students who do have a good practice routine. I know who they are. It might surprise you to know that if you want to get better at anything, you have to try lots of ideas to make it better.
Here are some crazy thoughts to try:
1. Put a kitchen timer on the piano and set it for 15 minutes. Practice ONE song. Start at the beginning and play till you make a mistake. Start over. Keep doing that for 15 minutes.
2. Day 2 repeat that first song and add your second assignment. Are you up to 20 minutes or still at 15?
3. Declare the day, Crazy day. Play your songs in costume. Play from the end to the beginning (that is difficult)
4. Have a recital in your house. Invite your family. Serve refreshments. Ask them what they enjoyed.
5. Put a bowl or jar on the piano and for every song you can play totally perfect, give yourself a tip.
If you have no goal, there is no point to work hard. Set a goal and try to achieve it.
We are going to a retirement home this month. What will you play? Are you prepared or do you plan an excuse? Your piece does not have to be long. If you love it, then play it.
How much is enough?
Is there such a thing as practicing too much?
Is there an optimal number of hours that one should practice?
Have you fainted yet?
In the last few weeks, I have been surprised that some of you practice less than 10 minutes a day. You think I couldn't guess? I wish that you could see the results from students who do have a good practice routine. I know who they are. It might surprise you to know that if you want to get better at anything, you have to try lots of ideas to make it better.
Here are some crazy thoughts to try:
1. Put a kitchen timer on the piano and set it for 15 minutes. Practice ONE song. Start at the beginning and play till you make a mistake. Start over. Keep doing that for 15 minutes.
2. Day 2 repeat that first song and add your second assignment. Are you up to 20 minutes or still at 15?
3. Declare the day, Crazy day. Play your songs in costume. Play from the end to the beginning (that is difficult)
4. Have a recital in your house. Invite your family. Serve refreshments. Ask them what they enjoyed.
5. Put a bowl or jar on the piano and for every song you can play totally perfect, give yourself a tip.
If you have no goal, there is no point to work hard. Set a goal and try to achieve it.
We are going to a retirement home this month. What will you play? Are you prepared or do you plan an excuse? Your piece does not have to be long. If you love it, then play it.
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