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How To Practice

The document provides a recommended daily practice routine for reed instrument players to maximize their results. The routine includes: 1) Warming up with long tones for 10-20 minutes, 2) Practicing scales for 30-90 minutes with breaks every 30 minutes, 3) Working on technique exercises from method books, practicing each until flawless, 4) Sight reading for developing that skill with recording, 5) Improvising after completing the first four components as the fun part of the routine. The full routine is recommended to be tracked and recorded over 90 days to monitor progress.

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Wendell Brooks
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62 views

How To Practice

The document provides a recommended daily practice routine for reed instrument players to maximize their results. The routine includes: 1) Warming up with long tones for 10-20 minutes, 2) Practicing scales for 30-90 minutes with breaks every 30 minutes, 3) Working on technique exercises from method books, practicing each until flawless, 4) Sight reading for developing that skill with recording, 5) Improvising after completing the first four components as the fun part of the routine. The full routine is recommended to be tracked and recorded over 90 days to monitor progress.

Uploaded by

Wendell Brooks
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How To Practice For Maximum Results Rules of Engagement

Result-vi 1. to follow as a consequence of a particular action, condition, or event. 2. to produce a particular outcome noun 1. something that follows as a consequence of a particular action, condition, or event. It isnt how much or how long you practice, its what you actually accomplish while you practice. In order to get the most out your practice sessions, it is important to have a routine (an organized sequence of actions performed consistently) that you follow every day. A good starting practice routine for a reed player is as follows: 1.) WARM-UP- Start blowing warm air in your instrument. Next, begin playing long tones. I think it best to begin in the mid range of the instrument, and then work downwards. Start with 8 counts at 60 bpm (beats per minute) and work towards 20 to 24 counts. (Time should be 10 to 20 minutes.) TAKE A 5 MINUTE BREAK. 2.) SCALES- Scales should be practiced every day, in all forms, and in all keys. From beginner to professional, scales help you to develop better technique, and among other things, help you to improvise better, as well as train the ear. (More on that later), Scales should be practiced ascending/descending stepwise, thirds, diatonic triads, diatonic sevenths, diatonic ninths, diatonic 13th chords. (Time should be 30-90 minutes). 5 MINUTE BREAK AFTER EACH 30 MINUTE SEGMENT. 3.) TECHNIQUE-Practice with a method book. For the saxophonist, a good entry-level book with good exercises remains Paul De Villes Universal Method for Saxophone. If you want to learn altissimo fingerings, a good book to assist is Ted Nashs STUDIES IN HIGH HARMONICS. For flutists, the BERBIGUIER METHOD is excellent, and clarinetists should all have at least one of the various KLOSE method books. Practice each exercise, and dont move on to the next until it can be played flawlessly. 4.) SIGHT-READING- This is a skill that every musician requires, regardless of style. To develop it, get a book strictly for this purpose. There is a book called SIGHT-READING, and there are also other books available on the subject. Follow the basic sight-reading principles, read the piece down, and record it, mistakes and all. Next, REHEARSE the piece, and record the rehearsed version. Put it away. (Always begin sight-reading practice with the piece you worked on the day before, and ALWAYS record. By the time you complete the book or set of pieces, you should have pretty good sight-reading chops. 5 MINUTE BREAK. 5.) IMPROVISATION- This is the fun part of the routine, and something you get to do AFTER completing the first 4 components. Just take a piece of music, and see what you can come up with. Try playing quarter notes instead of an 8 th notes, whole notes instead of half notes, etc. Make up your own melodies. Record this also. Eventually, you may surprise yourself with what you come up with. Keep your practice tapes, and always date them. Track your progress for 90 days. You will be amazed at how much youve improved.

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