Practice Tip #3

3x

When you see this abbreviation in your child's book or notebook, it means more than simply to practice the song three times.  I have instructed your child to practice the song, or more likely a section (or sections) of the song until he/she is able to play that section three times in a row without error!  Most students stop practicing when they get it right once.  But getting it right once isn't enough; it might have been just good luck!

When I ask students to do this for me in lessons, it is amazing how often they are able to play a passage once or twice without error, but then they make a mistake on the third time.  What do I tell them to do?  Start over!  Keep playing that passage until the get it right 3 times in a row!  Additionally, I recommend they practice this way daily.  They need to be able to get it right 3 times in a row on Monday, and on Tuesday, etc.

This is a great practice technique for the child who seems to practice their songs very quickly at home.  You might suggest: Why don't you try to play that song 3 times without a mistake? Can you do that?

If your child is really struggling with something, they should first try to play just the Right Hand alone 3 times without error, then the Left Hand alone 3 times without error.  If they are able to get that accomplished, then they should try playing Hands Together again.

Let me know if you have questions and happy practicing!

Practice Tip #2

The Wheel of Practice

This practice technique is related Hands Alone, Hands Together.  Students are instructed to first practice their song Hands Alone.  When they are comfortable with each part, then they may practice with both hands.  Then the student must evaluate themselves.  Did I play that well?  If not, go back and practice Hands Alone again.  Were there any difficult sections? Practice those sections Hands Alone again.  Then try it HT again and re-evaluate.  Go back to HA if needed, then HT again...over and over, around and around - like a wheel!  (This may need to be done daily.  Just because they get the section or song HT one day doesn't mean it will automatically go well HT the next day!)

Parents, how can you help?  If you hear a lot of mistakes and notice that your child is playing the song Hands Together, you could gently suggest: Why don't you try that song Hands Alone again?  Or say: That part doesn't seem to be going well, what would Mrs. Songer tell you to do here?

Or if your child has finished practicing rather quickly, you might say: Why don't you go back and practice that harder spot Hands Alone and Hands Together like Mrs. Songer suggested.

Practice Tip #1

Hands Alone, Hands Together

I encourage ALL students (not just beginners) to play through their songs Hands Alone before attempting to play the songs with both hands.  You might see the following abbreviations written in their books or notebook: HA - Hands Alone, HT - Hands Together, RH - Right Hand, and LH - Left Hand.

In some cases, once a song has been learned Hands Together, there is no need to play Hands Alone any longer (especially in Levels 1 & 2).  But, sometimes I may instruct students to play their songs Hands Alone and Hands Together every day!

I may give more specific instructions such as: HA for 2 days, then HT.  The student should practice that song Hands Alone for 2 days and then Hands Together for the remainder of the week.  Sometimes, one hand has a more difficult part.  I might give instructions like: RH first, then HT.  The student should practice the Right Hand first and then both hands.

Does your child finish practicing quickly?  Ask them: Did you play your songs Hands Alone first?  Is your child struggling with a song?  Suggest: Why don't you try that song Hands Alone again.

Let me know if you have any questions.