How to Practice a Musical Instrument - Music Performance

Are you learning a musical instrument? Here are our top 10 tips on how best to practice. Technical and musical issues are covered, and advice is offered on approaches to warm-ups, how to break down the process, how to organise supporting musical skills, and how to build interpretations. Many people play, without knowing how to practice effectively. This music performance lesson is designed to point you in the right direction.

🕘 Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to how to practice a musical instrument
0:48 - How long should you practice?
3:17 - Starting with warm-up exercises
5:27 - Playing vs practicing
12:25 - Working slowly
16:00 - Music is more than just notes
19:29 - Listen to great performances
23:41 - Spend time sight reading
26:59 - Developing aural skills
28:30 - Make time for theory
30:12 - Be a perfectionist

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[MusicMattersGB]

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[ciaranalexander]

"Don't practice until you get it right... Practice until you can't get it wrong..."

[adamy.]

13:01
"Speed is the last
Exactly! Playing slow has been called the 'adult' tempo. I, myself, went through an obnoxious phase when I first started playing an instrument, and fortunately later in life I finally understood the concept of playing/practicing slower. Since then, learning something new has not only been easier but a lot more fun.

[pranavmakhijani]

That was a Music Ted Talk. Really good . Thanks for making this one.

[laidman]

These 10 tips are VERY useful. I've been attempting to teach myself classical piano since October 2020 with the help of Youtube. I've got the self-discipline but that doesn't always help if you don't know which direction to go in. I've bookmarked your course for future perusal. Thank you for what you've given me here.

[ltneck]

I think this is one of your most useful lessons Gareth!

[miwir]

Wishing our favorite music teacher a very happy new year!

[beholdiamglamdringsbane]

Your handwriting is fantastic. I should apply some of these tips to that. Thanks for the great advice.

[daisyduke]

U r an amazing teacher. I’m a 76 yr old trying to self teach on the accordion. (When I played the trombone I learned to play it well and was asked to travel with an orchestra) my heart was set on an accordion since age 4 but got stuffed with a trombone as a 12 yr old!! (Definitely a monetary thing!!) my capabilities on some things are fine but have had to learn many things! ie: identity notes by reading them...instead of “this note is 4th position etc! I still pick up a music book and recite the name of the notes of the piece out loud!! I know...it sounds crazy!! It helps my identification process...it’s amazing what one will do out of desperation to self teach on an accordion!!

[carlossanz]

I love the way you teach... and your accent is perfect for me (I use English as a second language with a lot of difficulites).
Please, go on! This channel is a blessing.

[Sarkamler]

Thank you very much for your invaluable insights! Each rule is a golden one.

[CodyHazelleMusic]

The six times rule... I'm at the point where I will sometimes play something perfectly ten or fifteen times in a row and inevitably when I play it in context a mistake will happen haha. I'm also working on my sight-reading every day and you are totally right. Learning piano music is so much easier and faster now as a result.

[unworthyServant]

Thank you! This is how I’ll start my year! With structure to my practice.

[edzielinski]

Excellent. I thought 30 minutes to cover 10 tips was a lot. Nope. Every minute of this video is packed with great advice and very specific guidance. I wish I could have had a teacher like this when I was 9 or 10 - I might have practiced a lot more. 👍

[Leohongkong]

Very useful tips and advices. Thank you Gareth.

[oleguernogues]

Excellent video. Thanks for the tips and sharing your valuable experience

[ciaranalexander]

3. Special Measures... Powerful tip🔥🔥🔥...

[Robertbrucelockhart]

Gareth, I can’t tell you how encouraged I am by the fact that you don’t beat us disciples over the head with the DREADED METRONOME!

[cherylwoodford]

I’d be very interested in hearing your next 30 practice tips!

[ronaldm]

Thank you relaxing me when it comes to practicing. I feel like I’m running out of time all the time and that I must record it whatever and rush into the piece as if it’s work.Thank you.