Practice Inspiration

September 5, 2024

Set A Practice Schedule -- by Flory Godinez

Just as a soccer team has a set schedule of practicing, the time for daily music practice must be planned and put into the student’s schedule. For the youngest students, the parents decide when to practice. Older students should be asked for their input. This is important. When older students are consulted and listened to they have a feeling of ownership of their practice. Some students use a practice chart where they mark the amount of time and specific tasks completed. Some families prefer a method with less structure. Regardless of the method, a daily pattern of practicing must be established. At the end of a concert, my teacher, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, would lead a stage filled with children in repeating after him:

“Thank you mother and father for providing

and caring for me. I appreciate all that you do

for me. And remember you only need to feed

me on the days that I practice.”

Dr. Suzuki would then laugh but he stressed in comical way the importance of daily practice.