Home Practice
How to Practice at HomeAt this stage, students should simply be playing as much as possible. It doesn't really matter what they play as long as they are playing! If a student only wants to play "Hot Cross Buns" 25 times each day, at least they are building playing muscles and ENJOYING themselves. Eventually, they will get bored or want a challenge and that is when they can really take ownership for their progress.
That said, students will enjoy their band experience more if they are making (and noticing!) progress, and that will only happen with some good, old-fashioned hard work. A general guideline for steady progress is a minimum of 4 different days each week for at least 15 minutes. At first, it is literally too difficult to play a wind instrument for that much time! Instead, they should work for as many times as possible in short 5 minute sessions. Once endurance builds up, students should work towards that minimum goal and then keep going. Ideally, a practice space should be closed off from other household members (and pets!) and have an adjustable music stand, a good chair (if students choose to practice seated), and plenty of light to read. Many students find it helpful to divide up homework and practice, making one a break for the other depending on what is more rewarding or challenging each day. If the student is comfortable, a parent or other family member may want to play their own instrument with the student or simply ask to listen in. Always ask if a student would like your help before offering. (A great quote from our 2nd percussion lesson a few years back... a student asked another if they could put away another student's music stand. The response? "No, I want to learn to do it myself." That student will learn so much with that attitude!) Keep in mind that this is ELEMENTARY band. These are kids. As parents, we can have the best intent when demanding consistent practice. But if music is not enjoyable, it becomes just another academic chore. I myself have 2 children, now well beyond their elementary school years, who have played using the Suzuki method for many years, and I admit that some weeks there are several days that instruments don't get played. I have learned that it's okay if breaks are taken: sometimes it's after these breaks when the next big jump in ability takes place! The most important thing is that students are pleased with the "big picture" experience. Each day might be up or down, but if students are able to see how far they've come and/or are proud of small accomplishments, their self-efficacy will spur them on to a greater sense of ownership in their musical growth. Happy practicing! |
Band BookWe are using a new book this year: Sound Innovations. I hope to post links to their resources here as soon as they are available to me.
Weekly Assignments
Beginning Lessons
Mrs. Penn will set up each instrument's Home Practice Organizer, which will be updated after each lesson with that week's assignment as well as all previous lesson. This will be shared with each student via our Google classroom. Beginning Full Band (These will posted in our Google classroom once full band starts in JANUARY.) *Please visit the Beginning Band page for info about joining full band. Advanced Full Band These are posted in our Google classroom. |