When all other practice tips for mastering a hard musical passage fail, like practice slowly, practice backwards or vary rhythm patterns, “Sleep On It” is a great valid recommendation! Neuroscience has proven it’s value. I have proved it’s worth personally over and over.

When practicing a musical instrument, you may run into deal breakers that make you so frustrated you want to quit! Have you practiced slowly, and still can’t come close to playing a difficult phrase? What can you do to lift yourself out of this misery? There are several options. Take the quiz in our previous practice tip blog. In the Practice Tip 12 blog, we discussed practicing rhythm patterns. If you are still needing help, read on.

Should you record yourself practicing an instrument?

I am terrified of recording myself practicing my flute, and I resist doing it, putting it off as long as I can. But I always record myself when I am nearing the end of learning a piece if I will be performing it. Once I get over the fear, and record it once, it becomes so exciting. I can fine tune my playing problems by myself. You (usually) improve with each recording.

What is the best way to learn to play by ear? Are some people naturally able to do this? What can you do to be able to play be ear?

How should you practice an instrument? What will inspire you to practice longer? Do you need to find a teacher that will teach your favorite music?

I have told this practicing story before, but I will tell it again because I don’t think anyone reads to the end of my blogs.

“…If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On...” For purposes of practicing, planning to playing music for others can inspire you to play. If you play for family or friends, it can be informal with mistakes and corrections. It is a great way to practice playing in front of people before a formal performance.

Why is it great to start classical music lessons for kids? The music repertoire covers a whole lot of technique. And one thing that is needed is to learn to love your metronome!

How do you choose a music school? How do you choose a music teacher? How long should you practice?

You might ask about learning music, “How can I become better at music?”, “How can I practice effectively?”, “How can I practice every day?” “How long should I practice?” This is a series about practicing to encourage and inspire. Although it is meant for children, adult music students will enjoy it too.

Music Scales - there are several reasons why it is great to warm up for practicing with scales and scale patterns. If you think of any that I missed, please write me.

What Motivates You to Practice?, including quiz for kids learning an instrument.