Tips for Tip-Top Practice

LOTHIAN SUZUKI GROUP

The Suzuki Approach

Tips for Tip-Top Practice

How are you getting on? Here is a checklist, in order of priority. All of these points need to be maintained, but some of the most important ones can be overlooked.

1. Listen to the CD everyday

Have it on in the background: meal times, school runs, during other quiet activities (failure to do this turns learning the pieces accurately into hard work and will result in the following: -

• difficulty in memorising notes of new tunes

• incorrect rhythm – a big giveaway!

• forgetting repeats – another big giveaway!)

2. Twinkles, Scales, Arpeggios and other technical studies

The Twinkles form the basis of the Suzuki method and have a bearing on every piece you will ever learn! Likewise, when ready, scales and arpeggios form the backbone of more advanced piano skills.

3. Practise Everyday (But eat first!)

Dr. Suzuki said only practise on the days you eat! Put aside a special time each day to do your practice. Aim to keep a routine and stick to it, but don’t practice on an empty stomach!

4. Practice: Supervised versus Unsupervised

The parent takes on an active role in home practice. The child should not be merely told to go off and do their own practice (in this case there is no point in following the Suzuki method – traditional piano lessons tend not to require a parent to take part in practice sessions). Ensure your child practises with a parent or both parents if they are involved in the lessons, otherwise meaningful practice will not occur. Keen practicers can also be encouraged to play by themselves, but not as a substitute for supervised sessions. Older children, teenagers for example, should be able to take more responsibility for themselves in this respect.

5. Make notes during Lessons

Details covered with your Suzuki teacher in lessons can get easily overlooked during the week. Making notes to refer to ensures high quality practice. Again, teenagers can take on more responsibility here and make their own notes.

(PLEASE NOTE: parents are “off duty” from teaching in lessons. Giving instructions alongside the teacher to your child at these times only causes confusion and frustration. Making notes is the parent’s role at the lessons; points for discussion can be raised with the teacher, preferably at the end of the lesson).

6. The 3 “S”s of Practice

Slowly, separately and in sections. Middles and endings of pieces often need more attention. Quality is more important then quantity. Bad habits, once learned, become very fluent bad habits!

7. Bring Variety to your Practice

For younger children: use lucky dips, practice cards (menus), practice project sheets, games, charts, motivational stickers and intersperse practice with other activities; - make it lively and fun! Aim to practice everything daily: Twinkles, scales, new pieces, review pieces, sight-reading and aural, when appropriate.

8. Two Ways to Practise

1. Practise to learn: Stop and repeat until things are right (see the 3 “S”s of Practice). Always review old pieces; play together first then take apart and re-appraise.

2. Only practise performing pieces you know well. (These pieces should also still be practised as review – see Step 1).

9. Quit on a High

Always finish a practice session with something easy that you know well. Parents – always praise younger ones! Older pupils give yourselves a pat on the back!

Above all, enjoy your practice.

Good luck!