Practicing
Make the Most of Your Practice Routine
Productively Practice Your Instrument
All musicians are united in the need for regular practice, whatever their instrument or skill level. Between rehearsals, performances, teaching lessons, and other adult responsibilities, classical musicians do not always have as much time to practice as they would like. Yet a longer practice is not always a better practice. Managing your practice well can ensure your routine makes the best use possible of what time you have. The Practicing section contains guidance on practicing your instrument more efficiently and effectively. Get advice on how to practice your instrument from the best classical musicians around the world.
Here you will find a variety of strategies related to practicing your instrument. Get inspired as successful musicians share their tips and tricks for learning new or difficult music, getting organized, tracking progress, analyzing music, memorization, and more. Additionally, through this page Music Master Lab shares the best recommendations on how to prepare for specific events, such as recitals, orchestra auditions, or recordings. Whether you are trying to tweak your regular routine, struggling with a difficult piece, or training for a tough audition, these articles will reveal everything needed to ensure you practice your instrument wisely and well.
![Practicing - image Frederic-Chiu-Playing-Piano-300x200 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Frederic-Chiu-Playing-Piano-300x200.jpg)
![Frederic Chiu](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Frederic-Chiu_HeadShot_Reduced-128x128.jpeg)
The Relationship Between Mental and Physical Practice
While I do Mental work and Emotional work, I still do physical practice. Everybody will require a different amount of basic, fundamental physical work. And
![Practicing - image S.Moore-photo-300x300 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/S.Moore-photo-300x300.jpg)
![Shantanique Moore](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Shnatanique_Headshot_Small-128x128.jpeg)
Orchestral Audition Advice
Each audition you take offers an opportunity for learning and growth. While you do not have control over the outcome of an audition, you do
![Practicing - image Shantanique4-300x202 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Shantanique4-300x202.jpg)
![Shantanique Moore](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Shnatanique_Headshot_Small-128x128.jpeg)
Practice Methods for Orchestral Auditions.
On average, a good practice session for me will be about three to four hours of work, broken up in chunks. I spend about 45
![eiffel tower, paris, cityscape](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/eiffel-tower-paris-cityscape-918993-200x300.jpg)
![Frederic Chiu](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Frederic-Chiu_HeadShot_Reduced-128x128.jpeg)
Mental and Emotional Practice as a Way of Extending Your Practice Efficiency
My approach to mental practicing began during a personal crisis. Right after school, I went to Paris, thinking I would be there for a year
![Practicing - image Edisher2_Edited-300x200 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Edisher2_Edited-300x200.jpg)
![Edisher Savitski](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Edisher_HeadShot-128x128.jpeg)
What Privileging the Learning Process Looks Like in the Practice Room.
How much a person should practice depends on their personal, physical needs. Some people don’t require much practice, and they were just born like that.
![Practicing - image Edisher_Edited-300x200 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Edisher_Edited-300x200.jpg)
![Edisher Savitski](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Edisher_HeadShot-128x128.jpeg)
How Focusing on the Process of Learning Shaped My Approach to a Challenging Piece.
Reorienting your practice to the process of learning music and becoming a better musician could be more important than the performance itself. Classical musicians perhaps
![Practicing - image Edisher6-300x300 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Edisher6-300x300.jpg)
![Edisher Savitski](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Edisher_HeadShot-128x128.jpeg)
Learn How to Practice Your Instrument Focusing On the Process.
Learning Music is a never-ending process. It’s not about going from point A to point B; after all, you will eventually get there because music
![Practicing - image Frederic-Chiu_At-the-Piano-300x200 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Frederic-Chiu_At-the-Piano-300x200.jpg)
![Frederic Chiu](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Frederic-Chiu_HeadShot_Reduced-128x128.jpeg)
Towards an Emotionally Satisfying Practice
Satisfaction is a very important concept that I try to get across when I do master classes and work with students. If you are struggling
![woman, meditating, buddhism](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/woman-meditating-buddhism-865021-300x200.jpg)
![Frederic Chiu](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Frederic-Chiu_HeadShot_Reduced-128x128.jpeg)
Meditation and Free-Association in Mental Practicing
Once you’ve put a lot of information into your brain, we all know some of it sticks, some it doesn’t, and some of it sticks
![Practicing - image Article_SoundOnPiano_Photo-300x206 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Article_SoundOnPiano_Photo-300x206.jpg)
![Alexander Korsantia](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Korsantia_HEadShot-128x128.jpg)
Improving Sound Quality on the Piano
How do I work on sound quality on the piano? My first response is to say: I don’t know. That’s probably how many of my
![Practicing - image on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frederic-Chiu_HeadShot2_Reduced-300x200.jpeg)
![Frederic Chiu](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Frederic-Chiu_HeadShot_Reduced-128x128.jpeg)
Mental and Emotional Practicing Relating to Memorization
I find that building emotional associations helps with memorization. Let’s say I’m working on a piece and it’s on the verge of being memorized, and
![piano, instrument, keys](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/piano-instrument-keys-2415395-300x200.jpg)
![Daniele Petralia](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Face_cropped-128x128.jpeg)
Improving Sound Quality on Piano with Students.
It’s important to me that my students are introduced to the music of Chopin and composers of his generation early because modern piano technique starts
![piano, pianist, stage](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/piano-pianist-stage-302122-e1594427528276-300x232.jpg)
![Daniele Petralia](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Face_cropped-128x128.jpeg)
How I Worked to Improve my Tone Quality on the Piano.
When I graduated from conservatory, I realized I was unhappy with my sound on the piano. After much contemplation and discussion, I observed that my
![Practicing - image on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Face1-300x203.jpeg)
![Daniele Petralia](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Face_cropped-128x128.jpeg)
Facilitating Personal Growth for Musicians.
When I was finishing my conservatory degree at 18, I felt that something was wrong. Until that moment, although I did not recognize it at
![Practicing - image Frederic-Chiu_MentalPracticing-300x201 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frederic-Chiu_MentalPracticing-300x201.jpg)
![Frederic Chiu](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Frederic-Chiu_HeadShot_Reduced-128x128.jpeg)
Mental Practicing and Analysis
When I sit down with a score of a new piece I am learning, my mental practice is divided into two basic parts. First, I
![Practicing - image ORiordan_Profile-200x300 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ORiordan_Profile-200x300.jpg)
![Úna O](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ORiordan-headshot_small-128x128.jpeg)
Orchestral Audition Tips
For string players, when we are in college and grad school, orchestral excerpts are seen as somewhat auxiliary — we are busy learning all the
![music, cello, treble clef](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/music-cello-treble-clef-4661526-300x200.jpg)
![Úna O](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ORiordan-headshot_small-128x128.jpeg)
Strategies for Learning New Music and Measuring Progress
Outside of my orchestra gig, I perform in a fun contemporary music group called New Music Detroit. I love digging into freshly-written music by today’s
![violin, wood, classic](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/violin-wood-classic-3176028-200x300.jpg)
![Úna O](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ORiordan-headshot_small-128x128.jpeg)
How to Practice Cello Efficiently
Practice Slowly. It is the number one rule of practicing. It may seem counterintuitive, but if you really want to learn how to practice cello
![music, jazz, flute](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/music-jazz-flute-3090204-300x200.jpg)
![Alyssa Primeau](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Alyssa-Primeau-Headshot_cropped-128x128.jpeg)
Practicing Fundamentals on the Flute.
Over time, I’ve learned how important practicing fundamental exercises (long tones, scales, études, etc.) can be to my musical well-being. Anyone trying to practice flute
![Practicing - image Raplh_PhotoArticle2_cropped_Blurred-300x205 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Raplh_PhotoArticle2_cropped_Blurred-300x205.jpg)
![Ralph Skiano](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Ralph_HeadShot_BW-128x128.jpg)
Getting Back in Shape for Clarinetists
Taking a break from practicing can be a healthy thing to do for many reasons, but getting back into great shape can sometimes be discouraging
![Practicing - image on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Photo_3-reduced-300x200.jpeg)
![Jeff Zook](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Photo_Profile-128x128.jpg)
How to Memorize Music Quickly
If you want to work on memorization, start by listening to the piece every moment you have. Put on a recording when you first get
![Practicing - image on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Photo_4-reduced-300x250.jpeg)
![Jeff Zook](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Photo_Profile-128x128.jpg)
Making Memorization Part of Your Practice Routine
“You’ll never make a mistake if you never make a mistake.”- Julius Baker, a former principal flute at the NY Philharmonic and Juilliard faculty member.
![Practicing - image on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SharonSparrowCropped-300x300.jpeg)
![Sharon Sparrow](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SharonHeadShot-128x128.jpg)
Practicing Is an Art in Itself.
I tell my students all the time – the absolute biggest waste of time is practicing what you can already play. Even if you are
![Practicing - image Carion_CloseUp_side_Reduced-300x200 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Carion_CloseUp_side_Reduced-300x200.jpg)
![CARION Wind Quintet](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Carion_CloseUp_Avatar-128x128.jpeg)
Wind Quintet Blend
We work on blend extensively in our ensemble. In a string quartet or a brass quintet all musicians produce sound in a similar way. A
![Practicing - image Carion_Front3_MS-300x200 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Carion_Front3_MS-300x200.jpg)
![CARION Wind Quintet](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Carion_CloseUp_Avatar-128x128.jpeg)
Rehearsing as a Wind Quintet
It is very difficult to maintain a regular rehearsal schedule because we live in three different countries. We try to keep our concert schedule constant
![Practicing - image Carion_Front_M-300x177 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Carion_Front_M-300x177.jpg)
![CARION Wind Quintet](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Carion_CloseUp_Avatar-128x128.jpeg)
How to memorize instrumental music
Carion Woodwind Quintet performs all their repertoire from memory. The physical movements they are known for help with memorization, as do the visual cues of
![Practicing - image Amanda2_cropped-300x247 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Amanda2_cropped-300x247.jpg)
![Amanda Blakie](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Amanda_headshot-128x128.jpg)
A New Practice Method: Learning Backwards
In my previous article I mentioned the listening and research phase developed by Rob Knopper and Noa Kageyama’s Audition Hacker Bootcamp, which proved extremely helpful
![Practicing - image Amanda1_cropped-266x300 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Amanda1_cropped-266x300.jpg)
![Amanda Blakie](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Amanda_headshot-128x128.jpg)
A New Practice Method: Research
Recently, I tried a new preparation technique for preparing orchestral excerpts for auditions. This method was developed by the Audition Hacker Bootcamp spearheaded by Rob
![Practicing - image Alex_Performance-300x200 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Alex_Performance-300x200.jpg)
![Alex Kinmonth](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Alex_Head-128x128.jpg)
Learning New Pieces
Start practicing far ahead before performances. First I start with listening to recordings of the work. I want to have more reasonable expectations before I
![Practicing - image BoneConductionHeadphones_mainPhoto-300x202 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BoneConductionHeadphones_mainPhoto-300x202.jpg)
![Rudolf Ozolins](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Rudolf_Photo_reduced-128x128.jpeg)
Open Ear Headphones for practicing with a recording.
During this Coronavirus outbreak a lot of musicians are struggling without the ability to play with each other and enjoy music in a chamber setting.
![Efficient Practicing Template](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/smart-watch1-1-267x300.png)
![Francesca Leo](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FrancescaLeo-128x128.jpeg)
Efficient Practicing Template
Efficient Practicing Strategies: Create a repertoire list with deadlines Assess repertoire difficulty and prioritize newest/most difficult pieces Create a detailed daily practice schedule based on
![Efficient Practicing Routine](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/2violinist-300x236.jpg)
![Francesca Leo](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FrancescaLeo-128x128.jpeg)
Creating an Efficient Practicing Routine That Works
“Never practice more than three or four hours a day. No one can concentrate longer than that, and you must spend the rest of your
![Embracing Imperfection](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Hands-on-Flute_2-300x218.jpg)
![Francesca Leo](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FrancescaLeo-128x128.jpeg)
Embracing Imperfection: Learning Standard Repertoire through the Alexander Technique.
An average estimation of the time it takes to master your craft is 10,000 hours. This time can be measured through individual practice, spending time
![Practicing - image Flutist-300x200 on https://musicmasterlab.com](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Flutist-300x200.jpg)
![Rudolf Ozolins](https://musicmasterlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Rudolf_Photo_reduced-128x128.jpeg)
Your Brain: A Computer Without “Delete”
Not long ago I was accompanying a flute lesson taught by Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s assistant principal Flutist Sharon Sparrow. She was talking to one of