HOW TO PRACTICE

• Decide what you need to work on (identify your strengths & weaknesses)

• Make a game plan on how to get it done

• Start with mapping out 1 hour of practice time

• Multiply it by the number of hours you have to practice

• Your 10-15 minutes of long tones should NOT be included in the hour

example practice hour

15 minutes – Scales (w/metronome)

15 minutes – Transcribe Solo

15 minutes – Pattern Memorization (ii/V/I’s)

15 minutes – Play tunes/freely improvise – YOUR time to explore

It is essential to use a metronome when you practice. We are ALL responsible for keeping the time, not the drummer or the bass player…everyone.

Practice slowly and take breaks when you feel tired or overly distracted. A good rule is to take a 5 minute break every hour. Don’t confuse activity with progress.

You’ll get out of your practice what you put into it.

Keep a practice log of what you have been working on. Be specific!

Work hard and stay focused…Self discipline is essential for growth.

There are 168 hours in a week. If you have a one hour lesson weekly, you are still on your own for 167 hours. It’s up to you how good you get.