-
Step 1
DITCH THE CLOCK. If you are concerned with trying to practice a certain amount of time, chances are, you will be constantly glancing at the clock and wondering if your practice is over yet. On the other hand, you may need to practice longer, and are limiting yourself by stopping when the times up. Forget about practicing a certain number of minutes each day. Instead, start with a different approach: set a goal, and don't stop until you have completed it.
-
Step 2
Begin with a warm-up. Your teacher likely assigns you a technic exercise, such as a scale, arpeggio, or simple piece. Spend no more than a couple of minutes working on this exercise (think of it as a warm up before exercising--it's important to do so, but not so important that you should spend the entire time on it).
-
Step 3
Play through your first piece, beginning to end (hands alone, if necessary). As you do, note the parts of the piece that you need to work on and parts that need added attention.
-
Step 4
After you have finished playing the piece, set a goal for yourself, based on what you noticed you need to work on. For example: today I am going to learn the first two lines of this piece, hands together. Set out to work on that goal and don't stop until you have completed it (this is why you have thrown out the clock!).
-
Step 5
Review what you learned, and move on to the next piece, repeating steps 3-4 until you have made it through your pieces. If you get exhausted, save the remaining pieces for another time or another day. It is not productive to overwork yourself, and you will go farther if you start fresh!
-
Step 6
End your practice by playing something you enjoy or know really well.
