General Practice Plans

Plan A

Use this plan when you already know the piece or it is easy.



1. Look through the whole piece before playing.

--Notice dynamics and techniques.

--Notice the starting position and key for each part.

--Notice the rhythm and tempo.

2. Play the whole piece as if performing in public, no stopping.

3. Play the whole piece again, this time stopping any time you make a mistake.

--Play each spot 3 times correctly.

--After the third time, go on to the next mistake or the end of the piece.

4. Play at least one part of the piece differently than you usually play it. For example, play at least one part very slowly.



Plan B

Use this plan when you are first learning a piece or have a lot of mistakes to fix.

1. Play each part

--Very slowly, no mistakes.

--Faster, no mistakes.

--Without looking at the music, no mistakes.

2. Play the whole piece the best you can, any tempo.