There are so many things flying at us at any given moment and we are used to juggling multiple things at once as we go through our day. In your practice sessions, if you really want to fix an issue, pick ONE THING to focus on at a time. Things like... Tone quality Correct notes Rhythm Articulation Dynamics Vibrato Intonation Tone colour Precise technique Pick one thing. And then focus on that thing until it's as good as it's going to be today. Let's say you picked tone quali

Ok. So you've thought up all sorts of games, you're encouraging like crazy, you're allowing your child to take some control of what activity will happen next, and things still aren't going well? Here are a few more ideas! Change your practice time. Some kids really like to play after school, but can't focus before bed. Others would love to have an excuse to stay up just 20 minutes later but are too tired and hungry right after school. Some kids want to stay in bed as long

When I first started studying music, I was young enough that I ignored much of the practice advice that my teachers gave me. I just wanted to play. This worked for awhile, but then I ran smack up against a wall where, if I'd just listened in the first place... Having been down the "learn it the hard way" path, these are the bits of wisdom that I wish I'd been ready to listen to at the time they were passed on! Have a plan. Start with the hard bits. Get your rhythm right fro

Do you want to improve your rhythm? (Hint: the answer should always be YES!) Vic Firth has some great rhythm drills on their website. Check it out! http://vicfirth.com/webrhythms/ #rhythm #rhythmdrills #oneillflutestudio #rhythmforflutists #rhythmdrillsforflute #flutepracticetips #flutepractice

Do you ever think you're working way too hard for very little musical gain? Maybe it's how you're practicing. Here are a few ideas to try: Start by identifying the thing that is the most difficult in your piece. Isolate that tiny passage from the rest of the piece. Identify the exact problem you're having. Identify how to solve that problem. Work only on that specific problem and stay focused! Integrate your solved passage back into the piece. If you are smart about how you