“Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”
―Plato
Link to NPS Band Registration: http://www3.newton.k12.ma.us/fine-arts/ElementaryBandOrchestraRegistration
The
Fine Arts Department of the Newton Public Schools offers students the
opportunity for private instrumental music lessons for students in
grades 5 – 12 through the Music Lesson Extension Program.
Link to MLEP program: http://www3.newton.k12.ma.us/mlep-music-lesson-extension-program
Students are expected to spend time at home practicing their instrument. I would suggest practicing for 20 minutes or more every other day to see the best results. The document below is a blank form for keeping track of at home practice. Students should submit their practice log weekly using the ONLINE PRACTICE LOG (located in the homework/practice tab). It is recommended that parents/guardians check-in with their child to help encourage progress.
practice_log_student_copy.pdf | |
File Size: | 104 kb |
File Type: |
Practice Tips:
Every good musician knows that regular practice is a must, but did you know that careless practice can actually make you worse? Before you tell your parent or you teacher that you have decided not to practice, think about the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and HOW of practice that will help you play better and enjoy music more.
Who? YOU! Good practice involves your mind, your body, your emotions, and the music. Your parent or teacher may be able to force you to spend time playing the notes, but only YOU can focus your mind and your feeling on the sounds you are producing, so that the music you play is beautiful and expressive.
What? Practice that progresses toward perfection will include:
How? This is a VERY important question! Many students practice by playing straight through a piece or other assignment (often as quickly as possible) as if they were at a recital, then go on to the next thing, no matter what happened. Money won't buy better playing, but well spent practice time will. Here are some hints for getting the most for your practice "dollar."
Every good musician knows that regular practice is a must, but did you know that careless practice can actually make you worse? Before you tell your parent or you teacher that you have decided not to practice, think about the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and HOW of practice that will help you play better and enjoy music more.
Who? YOU! Good practice involves your mind, your body, your emotions, and the music. Your parent or teacher may be able to force you to spend time playing the notes, but only YOU can focus your mind and your feeling on the sounds you are producing, so that the music you play is beautiful and expressive.
What? Practice that progresses toward perfection will include:
- Warm-ups
- Review of scales, etudes, or pieces you have already learned
- Your new assignment
- Something you really love playing, or just for fun (maybe even make up a piece on your own)
How? This is a VERY important question! Many students practice by playing straight through a piece or other assignment (often as quickly as possible) as if they were at a recital, then go on to the next thing, no matter what happened. Money won't buy better playing, but well spent practice time will. Here are some hints for getting the most for your practice "dollar."
- Set goals to try to accomplish in each practice session
- Be sure you know what the passage should sound like
- Work on the most challenging spots first
- Break the music down into small sections
(How do you eat an elephant? - One bite at a time!) - Repeat the passage many times AFTER you get it right
- Before you end each practice session, play the entire piece, and enjoy!