Each individual student will progress at his or her own rate. Consistent, disciplined practice is necessary for laying a solid foundation for assimilating music skills. It is very important to practice in an environment absent of all possible distractions such as television, radio and other music/noise-making devices. Some individuals can concentrate only in silence, while others can focus better with a little background noise -- whatever works best.
The student should practice in such a manner that he or she should be thoroughly prepared for the next lesson. Perfection is not expected or demanded, but preparation is essential. An excellent summation is, "Quality not quantity." It is better to be confident with one or two measures or lines than to have an entire page or song played with many mistakes. In this way, though progress may be slow, both teacher and student may be encouraged that the diligence will pay off in the end.
The amount of practice time will vary greatly on the skill level, concentration, desire, and free time of each student. For beginning students, 20 to 30 minutes a day for 5 or 6 days is adequate. For those students at a higher skill level, one hour a day may be the minimum.
The student is responsible for diligence in his or her practice habits. While the teacher is present to give instruction and aid in providing help, the responsibility is upon the individual efforts of each student for his or her success. In other words, it is almost impossible for the teacher, meeting once a week, to cause the musical success of a student who does not practice in his or her own time. The teacher is provided to help guide the student in his or her endeavors, much like the headlights on a vehicle. The student is the whole remaining parts of the car -- the engine, gas, etc. -- the teacher provides instruction and guidance for what the student already possesses, the ability to become a fine musician.
