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Woodshed Practice Regimen

Musicians who follow an organized and strict practice routine are able to make greater progress than those whose practice sessions are disorganized. Practice sessions should take place every day (at least six times a week) at about the same time of day. The following practice schedule illustrates how one might organize their practice time.

45-minute/60-minute practice schedule*

10/12 minutes: Warm-Up

  • Technical Warm-Ups ("Right and Left-Hand "Chop Builders")
  • Scales
  • Arpeggios
  • Re-connect with the instrument
  • Etc.

5/8 minutes: Old Material/Old Solos
  • Solos or etudes from previous lessons
  • Confidence builders
  • Continue to re-connect with the instrument

25-30 minutes: New Material
  • New solos or etudes
  • New concepts and techniques
  • Basically what the teacher (or yourself) assigned as the lesson
  • Practice, don't play

5-10 minutes: Old Material/Cool Down
  • Old solos or etudes
  • Something fun and easy
  • Build confidence back up
  • Relaxing

*For a 30-minute practice schedule simply cut the 60-minute times in half. For a two-hour or more practice schedule increase the times of each section accordingly.



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