In order to have a good practice session, you need to have the right tools. Here are five things you need in your practice area.
1) A Working Instrument-This seems like a no-brainer, but if you do not have a working instrument, you will not be able to practice. Make sure that you instrument is in good working order, tuned, is plugged in, has batteries, whatever it needs, make sure it works. Also helpful, keep it clean. Wipe it down, clean it out, cover it or put it back in it's case when you're done with it. It's much more pleasant to come to a clean instrument.
2)Your Music- Again, pretty obvious. Whatever books or sheet music you using in your lessons, have easy access to it in your practice area. Whether they are just sitting on the music stand or in a basket nearby or in your instrument case, keep them there and easy to get to. Don't waste your practice time looking for your music.
3) A Pencil - Be ready to write notes to yourself in your music, track your practice time, or write down questions to ask your teacher. A pencil is really invaluable and there's no reason not to have one handy.
4) A Metronome - Use it for rhythm exercises, keeping the steady beat in your songs, and bringing your pieces up to tempo. If you have a keyboard, it is probably built in. Otherwise, you can get the old school clicking kind, digital ones, or use an app on your phone (if you can control yourself and stay focused on your practicing).
5) Your Assignment- Or goals for the practice session. Have it written out what you are trying to accomplish whether that day or that week. Break it down into pieces so you can check off when you accomplish them. It will help keep you motivated, and save you the embarrassment of showing up to your lesson having forgotten part of what you were supposed to practice.
So, there you have it. Five things to keep in your practice area. What have you found to be most useful?
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