Sure-Fire Practice Techniques Dr. Faythe Freese, Professor of Organ, The University of Alabama Lecture posted on www.faythefreese.com ‘Copyright Faythe Freese When Pablo Casals (then age 93) was asked why he continued to practice the cello three hours a day, ihe replied, “I’m beginning to notice some improvement.” Introduction: There are no short cuts to learning repertoire. ‘Music education research suggests that there are four components of self-regulated learning that are especially important for academic performance: a b. © a. ‘Metacognitive Strategies ‘Management and Control ‘Specific Cognitive Strategies Self-Efficacy Eternal Principles: Ser AVaeNe Keep practice fresh. Practice immediately after your lesson. ‘Avoid playing incorrect notes Build tempo. Practice at a steady tempo. Bracket troublespots and focus on these areas, ‘Take frequent breaks. Practice with registrations and pistons as soon as notes are learned. Practice on consecutive days, skipped practice cannot be made up. Practice away from the organ with the score. . Play your music for others. No distractions: Turn off your phone. Practice Management Plan: Set Goals. See Sample Organ Practice Checklist, Page 3. Getting Ready! Score Preparation: 1. Mark Fingering, 2. Mark Pedaling, Warm-up Your Hands and Feet! Daily! ‘Manual Scales on Piano and Organ. Pedal Scales. Arpeggios on Piano and Organ. Hanon, Czemy etc. Learning the Notes Hands Alone. Feet Alone. Hands Together. RH and Pedal Together. LH and Pedal Together. All Parts Together.Page 3 of 4 [Organ Practice Checklist aasaay sfisrig] aLiT Ha away AT ISTIay SPOT] 472A |Sonata in d minor , S.527 Vivace i [Check all that apply: |Practice Strategies Metronome Islow Practice IRhythms Different tempi |Backwards Practice inside Out Practice [Slow to Fast Practice x oublespot Isolation RR RS Progress made 1=None, [S=Excellent 4 3 2 5 JRate Concentration: 1=Poor, IS=Excellent lEach piece has its own checklist |Exercises/Etudes: |Manual Scales x x x x x ha x |Pedal Scales: ts x x x x x x larpegios a a Piano Practice LShours|45m —_|2hour [30m __|1hour__|1.5 hours|Page 4 of 4 Prelude in e minor, $.548 Backwards Practice ye Sat 3|\ Le 4g & 5 & Ppt 2+ de ll + Aba Sonata in d minor, $.527 Vivace Inside Out Practice a Sonata in d minor, S.527 Vivace Slow to Fast Practice i® Ht