Variable Practice – Making Lessons and Performances Easier

Variable Practice helps make your lessons and performances easier. Does your music seem harder for the lesson? I can’t count how many times per week a student says, “I had that perfect yesterday!” I always say that I believe them because it happens to me, too.

This is the science behind why you make more mistakes in your lessons or performances. They also have a way to fix it – Variable Practice!

Here are some additional ideas to do variable practice:
1. Staccato
2. Legato
3. Swing it
4. Arpeggiate the chords (piano only)
5. Do opposite dynamics than what are written
6. Move/Add Breath Marks
7. Practice in a different room (not with a standing instrument like a piano)

I know that I’ve been away from the blog for awhile due to some health issues. They’re wrapping up really soon so I can be more consistent in my writing. I saw this information come across my desk and I just had to share it with you!

Author: Tarah

I started playing flute in 1988 and piano in 1991. In 1996, my high school chose me to teach flute and piano to a partner grade school. I was chosen for a similar program in college. Tarah Schoell has always loved sharing her music and guiding others to learn new things. Because of this, she went to college to be a music teacher and has a B.S. in Elementary Education with a Concentrate in Music from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. Tarah uses her music education degree to teach from her flute and piano studio, play in various professional and community ensembles, and run a blog on practice techniques at thequarternotes.com. She is active in the Omaha Music Teacher’s Association because she likes to support her fellow music teachers and use the monthly continuing education opportunities.

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