Published:
2019-05-13
Updated:
2020-01-22
Learning Ukulele with Curt
Practice Principles
Getting the most out of your practice sessions.
Author(s): Curt Sheller Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Code: UL001
Main Category: Practice Main Instrument: Any
Categories: Chords
2026-08-23
Getting the most out of your practice sessions.
See Chuck Anderson's guest article titled: Practice, Play and Rules (Theory) - The Three Words
I agree with Chuck Anderson and would advocate not actually calling it practice — think of it as exploring. — Curt
- Set a long-term musical goal and keep a short-term musical goal in mind every time you practice.
- Pay attention to your shortcomings rather than your advantages. Focus only on things that are pertinent to your long-term musical objectives (Principle No. 1).
- Set a short-term goal before each practice session. You shouldn't compare the end of one session to the beginning of another.
- Don't practice what you know; practice what you don't. When you practice, if it sounds good, it means you know how to do it.
- It's not really practice if you can play well and without making any mistakes. It's best to save that for the performance and rehearsals.
- Practice thoroughly, ensuring that you do not miss a single note or beat. When in doubt, beat the note or double-check it. Then double-check it again.
- Instead of playing songs all the way through, work on parts or pieces of them. Reserve the entire song for rehearsals prior to performances (refer to point 4).
- Place your instrument or, if you sing, your music on a music stand somewhere you will see it every day. Your voice is your instrument; it is always with you and available for practice at any time.
- It is advisable to dedicate at least 10 minutes to your practice each day. Not having any sessions at all is better than having short ones. Don't give up if you miss days. Simply resume your regular schedule. Engage in musical activities that do not necessitate your instrument when you are not performing.
- Refrain from performing the same tasks in the same sequence as the previous day. Examine every possible variation.
End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!
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