Orchestra Rocks!

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Tips for Successful Practicing!

Slow It Down—Play each section as slow as you can. Try for accuracy in getting every note exactly right. Speed it up once you’ve got it!

Chunks—Break down the music into small parts.  Start with just two notes. Once you get the two notes right, add one more, and then another, etc.

Pencil  Power—Write it in! Take the time to write note names or fingerings that might be challenging for you.

Repetition—Play each section through five times perfectly before going on. If you can’t play it five times perfectly, go back and start and number one and try again.

Keep It Simple—Break everything down into its smallest part. Go back to the basics and simplify the passage that you are working on. Don’t stress!

Sing—Sing the section that you are practicing out loud. Try to sing it with the note names.

Record Yourself—Record yourself on the computer, a phone, or tape. Listening to yourself on a recording is a great way to hear what is really coming out of your instrument.

Take A Break!— Go on to something that you do well then come back to the challenging section. If you are getting frustrated, take a short break and when you feel better practice the challenging section again.