What is the best way to practice?

We recommend that our students split their practice session into 3 equal parts that can be distributed throughout the day (sometimes that helps with motivating practice!)

The first part should always be scales, arpeggios and chords. Always practice scales with 2 octaves using 4th finger on the 7th (or 8th) fret. Don't skimp! Practice different picking patterns with each scale (we recommend quarter notes, 8th notes, triplets, tremolo). That part should at least be 12 minutes, maybe more if there's time, but at least 12 minutes.

The second part should always be new material. Whether you're learning bluegrass or roots/folk music or classical, new material is what stimulates our minds and makes us hunger for more. We recommend practicing the tunes note by note initially, using a pencil to make notes on the sheet - pencil is great because you can erase it later. For example, take Red Haired Boy: the first measure is 2 quarter notes and 4 eighth notes. Go slowly and sound out the notes you don't know. Once you can play that measure easily, move on to the next measure. Repeat.

The last part of the practice should always be review of known material. You should put tabs in the books you use to easily find old tunes you've learned, or photocopy them and make your own 3 ring binder of tunes. Either way, the faster you can get to those old tunes, the better/more successful your practice will be. In addition to using this time to review old tunes, we recommend using it to sight read new tunes (if you're learning by ear, this doesn't apply to you).

Finally, we encourage you to play as often as you can with family members and friends who also play instruments. No matter how "simple" the music is, there is an exponential benefit to playing music with other people, especially with adults. If you'd like to learn more about this, check out "Why Do People Sing" by Joseph Jordania.

Comments

Rediscover Your Love for Music with Mandolin and Fiddle Lessons

Are you ready to reignite your passion for music or perhaps embark on a new musical journey? Look no further! At Sweet Music Studio, we offer specialized mandolin and fiddle lessons that cater to enthusiasts of bluegrass and traditional Irish music. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore these vibrant genres or an experienced musician aiming to hone your skills, Adam Sweet's lessons are designed to meet your needs. Why Choose Mandolin and Fiddle? The mandolin and fiddle are two of the most expressive and versatile instruments in the world of music. The mandolin's bright, ringing tones can effortlessly bring to life the lively spirit of bluegrass. On the other hand, the fiddle's rich, emotive sound has been the heart and soul of traditional Irish music for centuries. Learning to play these instruments can be a deeply rewarding experience, offering a unique way to connect with the music and culture they represent. About Adam Sweet Adam Sweet brings decades of experience a...

Social Media Killed Music Education

The rise of social media has brought unprecedented access to knowledge and resources, but for music teachers, it has created a set of challenges that complicate the art of teaching. Platforms designed to connect people and share information are now pervasive, shaping students’ expectations and perceptions of learning, particularly in music. While some benefits exist, such as wider exposure to different musical styles and instant access to tutorials, the ways in which social media has impacted teaching music go beyond mere access to content. Instead, it has introduced obstacles that threaten the integrity of music education itself, affecting students' commitment, patience, and the depth of their learning experience. One of the primary ways social media has negatively impacted music teaching is by fostering a culture of instant gratification. Music students are exposed to endless videos of professionals and influencers displaying highly polished performances, often without context re...

We're So Back! In-Person Lessons Return to Granby, MA

Private Lessons and Group Classes are now in-person again at our location in Granby, Massachusetts! We still offer remote lessons as a convenience for students who are more than 25 minutes away from our location, or inclement weather, but as most students (and our teachers!) prefer in person lessons, they are really the best way to get the most out of your lesson experience. Here's how to start: Fill out the registration form on this page . Don't forget to include your optimal lesson time. We are available 1-7pm, Monday - Friday. Some teachers may be available on the weekends, so please ask. Plan to arrive at the studio at least ten minutes before your lesson starts. You may sit in your car, or if the weather is warm enough, on the sun porch prior to your lesson. We will start promptly at the agreed-upon time. If you are late, there may be a problem, so please don't put your teacher through that. Schedules are tight because we try to fit everyon...

Sweet Music

Search This Blog