Practice, Practice, PRACTICE!

Being a virtuoso on any instrument doesn't come naturally - even the best musicians in the world practice for many hours to create their best performances. Studies have show that practicing for an appropriate amount of time based on a student's age and skill level produces the best development of skill. Believe it or not, it IS possible to practice too much, and cramming NEVER works the way we think it will. 

Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your practice time:

• Keep track of the time you spend practicing in your Practice Log. You will be given a log book where we can track your progress and write notes. Bring it to every lesson!
• Plan a practice time that fits into your schedule so that you are consistent and can't make an excuse not to spend time at the keys.
• Total daily practice time should be about 10-15 minutes long for ages 4-8; 15-30 minutes for ages 9-13, and 30 minutes or longer for ages 14 and up. These recommended times are based on skill level and attention span and may vary based on the student. It is OK to break up practice sessions into smaller chunks for certain skills. Your teacher will let you know how to plan your time accordingly. 
• Create a distraction free environment. Practicing while your older sister is on the phone and Mom is watching TV in the same room is not going to give you the same results as being in a quiet space where you can hear yourself play. It also helps to not have a lot of people around. You make mistakes when you practice, right? Feeling self-conscious about those mistakes while others are listening isn't fun, but practicing should be! Consider putting your keyboard in your room or other private space so you can feel free and creative! (Headphones also help!)

One of MFM student's favorite features is the Sticker Store! You can earn stickers for filling out your Practice Log, coming to lessons prepared with your books, and earning extra credit during your lessons! Use your stickers to decorate your Practice Log or stick them on your nose - either way, your hard work will earn you some fun prizes!