Steps To Practise

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  1. Set your goal for the week/day/session.
    • The goal should be realistic.
    • Do not take too much on yourself.
  2. Practice every day.
    • Consistent daily practice is key for developing muscle strength, coordination and memory. 
  3. It is good to practise at least 2 times a day; once in the morning and once in the evening.
  4. Practise at a time when you feel relaxed and peaceful.
    • Do not be in a hurry while practising.
  5. Practise for about 20 minutes, then take a break for about 2-5 minutes.
    • Do not take breaks more often.
  6. Avoid distractions like mobile phones and other electronics.
    • It is better to use books or printed sheets rather than mobile/tablet/laptop/desktop.
  7. Do not make assumptions while learning a new piece/section.
    • It is difficult to unlearn and then relearn.
    • Make sure you understand well what you play.
  8. For Guitar, Violin and other stringed instruments – tune it every day and before every practice session.
  9. Check the key signature, time signature, clef, notes, fingers, timing, tempo, dynamics, symbols and any other instruction given before you start playing.
  10. Divide the piece into smaller portions.
    • For example, if the piece has 16 bars, divide it into 4 portions of 4 bars each, or 8 portions of 2 bars each.
    • It is best to keep the portion small and doable.
  11. For piano pieces requiring both hands – practise with the right hand first, then with the left hand, and then with both hands together.
  12. Practise the piece cumulatively.
    • For example, play bars 1 and 2 first, then 3 and 4, then from 1 to 4 together. Then play bars 5 and 6, then from 1 to 6, and so on.
  13. Repeat, repeat, repeat!
    • Practise each portion until you are able to play it correctly at least 5-10 times consecutively.
    • Spend more time on certain bars/sections if you find them to be difficult.
  14. If you have unintended gaps in your playing, stop and restart.
    • Playing without gaps does not mean that you need to play fast.
    • It is absolutely possible to play slowly without gaps.
  15. Once you are able to play without mistakes, use the metronome to learn to play on the correct timing.
    • You can use metronome with clicks only or with counts also.
    • Say the counts out aloud for 1-2 bars before starting the piece.
    • Make sure you are able to play exactly on the clicks.
    • If you feel that you are playing off-beat, stop and restart.
    • Playing with the metronome can be stressful at times. If you feel stressed, pause the metronome for some time.
  16. Play slowly at first. Do not rush.
    • Increase the tempo gradually until you reach the desired tempo.
    • For example, if the piece is supposed to be played at 120 BPM, start at 60 BPM, and increment by 5 or 10 BPM when you feel capable.
  17. If you make a mistake, stop playing immediately, and analyse the mistake thoroughly.
    • Do not ignore the mistake and continue playing.
    • Understand what went wrong and why, and how to not make the same mistake again.
  18. Memorize as much as you can.
    • Playing from memory is far better and faster than reading the notes while playing.
    • Memorize the notes, fingers, lyrics, etc..
  19. If you feel overwhelmed, take a break.
    • Do not show your frustration on the instrument or on others, or even yourself.
    • Sometimes, it is fine to take more time than usual to learn a piece/section.
  20. Find innovative ways to make your practice more enjoyable, interesting and efficient as possible.