P is for Practice

by Marshunda Smith

Many people would like to play a musical instrument, but they really don’t know what goes into making the beautiful sounds that come out of an instrument. It’s simple. It just takes practice!

However, the hard part about practicing is actually sitting down and doing it. It’s very hard to sit still (especially if you are new to the instrument) and give 15 or 30 minutes to your instrument of choice. You want everything to be perfect right as you first blow wind through the clarinet, or run the bow against an A string. But no! Instead, you sound like confused geese quacking, or the sound one makes when running fingers down a chalkboard. After the terrible attack of the confused geese episode, you’re ready to pack it up and move on.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” This is very true of learning an instrument. You can not play beautifully by simply wanting it. You have to strive to do what is necessary to make a beautiful sound. Romans had to first lay down the foundation on which their city was to be built. If no foundation had been laid, then Rome would have already sunk into the earth. When music teachers show us how to hold the instrument correctly, sit properly, and show us the very basic hand positions, they are setting OUR foundation. If they did not show us this, then we would be subject to not getting the best sound out of our instrument, and many body aches as we practice and perform. Your teachers know this because they have had to go through the same thing as you.

So now, how can one practice? My suggestion is to practice at least an hour a day. If you are the fidgety type, not all in one sitting. How about fifteen minutes here, there, etc? You must get used to practicing, just like you have to get used to driving a car, doing algebra, and playing videos games. Practice makes perfect. Set out time in your day to ONLY practice. If someone can find time to play video games for two hours, then I know they can find time for one hour of practicing their instrument!

Here are some helpful steps in overcoming attacking the geese quacking and sounds of nails on chalkboard:

P is for preparation & practice. This is what one has to do to achieve the goal.
R is for routine, rhythm, repeat and resolve. Get into a daily routine of practicing. Also, repeat measures of music that are hard, and don’t leave it until you’ve resolved problem.
A is for analyze. Analyze your time that you have to practice, and make the best use of that time. Also, analyze what your teacher wants you to do, and ask questions if you do not fully understand.
C is for concerto. This is what you could play if you practice hard and do as your teacher says!
T is for try, try again. No one is perfect. Even your teacher! We make mistakes as well, however, what makes us good is that we learn from our mistakes and correct them as we go.
I is for initiative. Take the initiative to want to do and be good, as well as ask your teacher questions about things that you do not understand. (Your teacher won’t get mad if you ask questions)
C is for commitment. Committing at least 1 hour a day to practicing.
E is for the excitement that you, your teacher and your family will have when you play a hard piece perfectly!