This is a small list of a few items I would recommend to all musicians:
1. Metronome
A metronome is essential tool for a musician to ensure correcting timing and tempo. I would recommend downloading 'Metrotime' from the App store for free: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/metronome/id416443133?mt=8
2. Tuner
If you want to make sure you are in tune, a tuner is an essential item. I would recommend the 'Trevor James Chromatic Clip-on tuner': http://thetrumpetplayer.blogspot.com/2013/09/trevor-james-jmt-9006c-tuner-review.html or download 'Cleartune' for £2.49 from the App store: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/cleartune-chromatic-tuner/id286799607?mt=8
3. Music Stand
Get a folding stand to take to rehearsals and I would recommend a more durable orchestral stand for home use - especially if you are using the Arban! Check out K&M stands: http://www.k-m.de/en
4. Practise Book
If you have lessons, then I would definitely recommend getting some sort of practise book. This means that you teacher can write down important things for you to practise. If you don't have lessons then a practise book is still useful the right down things you have practised and what you need to focus on next session.
5. Pegs
If you are a member of ensembles, or busk then pegs are a must for outdoor gigs/concerts to prevent those sheets from flying off into the audience. (They are also useful for keeping the Arban on your stand!)
6. Lots of Sheet Music
Try and have a collection of many different styles of music - useful for sight reading practise too!
7. Recordings of Your Favourite Musicians
Listening to musicians that inspire you can real help to motivate you.
8. An Instrument Stand
I like to keep my trumpet out on its stand all the time. I find that it really motivates me to practise and makes it easier just to pick up and play. Find a suitable sturdy stand that is going to keep your instrument safe. Here is a review of a couple of trumpet stands: http://www.thetrumpetplayer.blogspot.com/2013/01/trumpet-stands.html
Showing posts with label practise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label practise. Show all posts
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Friday, 17 May 2013
Encouraging Your Child to Practice
Encouraging students to practice is challenging. To many youngsters practicing is a 'chore'. Parents often don't help the matter much by forcing their child to practice - making it seem like even more of a chore.
I myself didn't practice much when I was alot younger but when I saw the true benefits of practicing and the pure enjoyment that I got from playing, I started to practice more and more.
Tips to parents:
1. Don't force, encourage.
Try not to 'make' your child practice, this immediately takes away the enjoyment and makes it feel more like a chore. Instead encourage them to practice, "can you play that piece to me? I would really like to hear it!" and make your child see the benefit that practicing has "that is sounding loads better!"
2. Find ensembles for them to play in.
Try and enrol your child in a band or an orchestra, this will develop there playing in addition to traditional practice sessions. This will begin to make playing more and more enjoyable for your child.
3. Give your child a wide arrange of sheet music.
A wide arrange of music, away from exam syllabuses will make practicing a lot more enjoyable. Children love to be able to play there favourite film tunes or pop songs on their instrument.
4. Encourage your child to listen to other players.
Take your child to concerts (not ones that will be 'boring' to a child) and show your child what they could be like one day, if they practised. This is something which definitely helped me to reach my true potential.
Ask your child's teacher to explain a practice routine to your child, things they should be doing every time they play, and how long for. Make sure your teacher tells your child what they want them to work on each week, if you have to supply them with a 'practice book' to write in.
Finally, don't force your child to play an instrument if they really aren't enjoying it. Music is never going to be fun if it is forced upon you.
I myself didn't practice much when I was alot younger but when I saw the true benefits of practicing and the pure enjoyment that I got from playing, I started to practice more and more.
Tips to parents:
1. Don't force, encourage.
Try not to 'make' your child practice, this immediately takes away the enjoyment and makes it feel more like a chore. Instead encourage them to practice, "can you play that piece to me? I would really like to hear it!" and make your child see the benefit that practicing has "that is sounding loads better!"
2. Find ensembles for them to play in.
Try and enrol your child in a band or an orchestra, this will develop there playing in addition to traditional practice sessions. This will begin to make playing more and more enjoyable for your child.
3. Give your child a wide arrange of sheet music.
A wide arrange of music, away from exam syllabuses will make practicing a lot more enjoyable. Children love to be able to play there favourite film tunes or pop songs on their instrument.
4. Encourage your child to listen to other players.
Take your child to concerts (not ones that will be 'boring' to a child) and show your child what they could be like one day, if they practised. This is something which definitely helped me to reach my true potential.
Ask your child's teacher to explain a practice routine to your child, things they should be doing every time they play, and how long for. Make sure your teacher tells your child what they want them to work on each week, if you have to supply them with a 'practice book' to write in.
Finally, don't force your child to play an instrument if they really aren't enjoying it. Music is never going to be fun if it is forced upon you.
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