On practising

Learning an instrument is of lifelong, life-enhancing benefit, and enriches other areas of academic study. Unfortunately, students may find that their academic studies leave them little time to practise. We are often asked how much practice young musicians should put in. It is difficult to be specific on this issue. Beginners should try to get the flute out of the case (or open the piano most days, if not every day. The quality of practice is more important than its duration; as long as students feel they are improving, they will keep practising. Encouragement is a vital part of teaching, so we always try and emphasise the positive rather than the negative.

A perceived lack of practice may lead to parents suspending lessons. However, it should be born in mind that progress on an instrument on an instrument cannot be represented by a straight line on a graph, and will not correlate exactly with the amout of practice done. It is possible to practise and not get better; it is also possible not to practise and get better.

Some students, at all levels, may make rapid progress while appearing to practise very little. Everyone needs to practise, but some people don't need to practise as much as others. These able and lucky people are in a minority, however: see life, music and everything.

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