a resource for parents and students

Choose a sensible time

 

It's a good to set a particular time each day to practise. The BEST time is in the morning before school. Most of you could get up 5 or 10 minutes earlier each day and practise then. That way it's done and out of the way in the morning as part of your daily routine. So it won't interfere with your homework or that very important TV programme. The worst time to practise is in the evening after a bath or a shower. You need your finger tips to harden up to make it more comfortable to press down the strings. Hot water will have the opposite effect and soften them.

 

Getting stuck

 

If you're getting stuck on a particular section of the music, DON'T keep going back to the beginning. Sort out the problem by playing smaller sections and making sure they are right before you continue. Get it right 2 or 3 times before you move on. Play very slowly to give yourself time to count and think about the notes you are playing.

 

How much practice should you do?

 

As a beginner, you need only practise a few minutes every day - but every day is the key! As you get more advanced and are working towards exams, you should be practising between 10 and 20 minutes every day. That's every day!

 

Finger nails

 

Try and remember that you need longer nails on your right hand - so don't let anyone cut them too short. You need them to pluck the strings because it makes a much nicer sound than using your fingers. Your left hand, however needs to have shorter nails so that you can press down on the strings as easily as possible.