The Importance of Practicing

We can't stress enough how important practicing is. Much of the leaning and progress in becoming a pianist actually occurs in practicing time at home.

All students are encourage to practice daily. A half hour is a good round number for beginner students, but if that is too long, a lighter formula is twice the age of the student in minutes - a 7 year old student, for example, should practice for at least 14 minutes.

Effective practicing is the key. The teacher will develop a logical progression of pieces for practice at home. Each student can build their strength as a player by following the assignment book each week. In addition, listening critically to one's own playing is a key factor in challenging oneself to make progress a little more each day.

It is helpful to choose the specific time each day when piano practicing will happen at home. Some households find it is most effective right after school, or just before dinner, or even first thing in the morning.