Practice Makes Perfect

Practice Makes Perfect by Randy Torno - Music Lessons Source.com

1) Try and set aside the same time each day to practice and make the decision that these will be practice sessions, as opposed to times when you just pick up the instrument and play for fun (however even playing for fun avoid repeating mistakes - see #6).

2) Try and practice every day.... even 10 minutes daily is better than 2 hours once a week.

3) If you inhabit a child or dog-free environment don't keep your instrument in its case. Buy an instrument stand or prop it in a corner where you are likely to see it and stop and play it for a few minutes.

4) Concentrate each session on just one mechanical problem at a time. Right hand today, left hand tomorrow, memorize a tune the next day etc.

5) Be critical of your own playing and don't just accept the fact that it sounds bad because you are a beginner. That's why you are practicing. If a note keeps buzzing stop and figure out why, and what you need to do to correct it. It is always a mechanical problem.

6) NEVER continue playing something incorrectly in hopes that some day you will get better and then you will be able to play it perfectly. This will only reinforce the bad habit and you will continue to stumble over it for the rest of your playing days. That's why it is so important to get a good instructor and to practice correct technique from the start.

7) If a phrase or passage is giving you trouble, isolate it, and break it down to its smallest components - one finger at a time if necessary. After you master the small components, start to build longer sequences.
8) Play slowly, stay in tempo and work on linking the sequences together so they flow musically. Music is not a speed contest.

9) When it is time for you to finish your practice session make sure that the last thing you play before putting the instrument away is played perfectly. Never put it away in frustration or anger at not being able to play the way you want.

10) Don't set unrealistic goals for yourself...you are learning a mechanical skill...it will take as long as it takes. And remember, unless you have a physical problem, you can learn these mechanical skills if you repeat them often enough.

Keep on Pickin'

Angie's Banjo.com