Effective music practice
is the key to success

As musicians we are always told that 'music practice is the key to success on any instrument'...but nobody ever tells us how to practice. We are told that 'Practice makes perfect'...but nobody ever tells us how! In fact, practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect! This site is about how to improve your practice techniques.

In 15 years of teaching music I have noticed it is the students who know how to practice effectively that make the most progress...and they are not necessarily the students who practice for the longest. They are the students who have an effective music practice technique. This site gives you the essential music practice techniques you need to progress more effectively and efficiently. It teaches you how to practice music, guiding you towards making faster progress in less time whether you are doing piano practice, violin, clarinet, flute, guitar... or any other musical instrument practice. The advice and techniques on this site apply to all instruments. By reading through and applying the advice you will have more efficient and effective practice

Why do some people seem to do less music practice than you?

If you ever wondered how some people seem to learn pieces and scales quicker than you, how they improvise and sight read effortlessly and still seem to do less work than you the answer is they know how to practice music

Many people talk about ‘talented’ musicians... but it is tenacity not talentthat wins the day. Browse the site now to find new and exciting techniques and tips on practicing music to help you start making more progress in less time!

“If I don’t practice the way I should,
then I won’t play the way I know I can”
Ivan Lendl - champion tennis player

The information on this website guides you towards achieving your musical goals efficiently, whether they are fame and fortune in the Classical or Pop world, becoming the next great film composer or being able to play for a local church or community group. This site helps you refine your goals and carry them through. You will find downloadable sheets and information on general music practice techniques as well as advice for practicing specific instruments.

Taking my own advice

Recently I actually had to take much of the practice advice on the site and practice what I preach as I started learning the bass guitar! I was surprised at how much my practise technique differed from my time as a young learner and I do wish I had known some of these techniques then. I'm sure it would have help avoid quite a few arguments with my parents.

I am also taking a course in Cinematic Orchestration with Hollywood composer and orchestrator, Charles Fernandez, and as I worked through the examples it struck me that I have always said that composition improves with practice, but now I am actually seeing (and hearing) the proof!

And in amongst all this talk of technique please remember the most important thing when we play is to enjoy playing. If we aren’t enjoying playing, how can we expect others to enjoy listening to us?

Enjoy browsing the site and good luck with your practice and your playing. If there is anything practice related you think I could help you with please use the Contact form and let me know. I'll do my best to help!

Simon Horsey

I am currently working on a complete revamp of the site and some new material plus I am getting back to sending out the Perfect Practice newsletter again with helpful practice hints so if you aren't already subscribed sign up now.

Expert Practice Secrets

Frustrated with your practice? Read Practice Makes Perfect and hack the 10,000 hour rule. Cut your practice time by up to 25%! Make faster progress, learn pieces and scales faster, memorize more easily, and much more. "If you play an instrument you need this book!"

Recent Articles

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1. How To Speed Up Scales and Improve Accuracy

   Oct 13, 24 04:23 AM

   How to speed up scales is something many people want to know, but speed should also come with accuracy. Read on to find out how to do both.

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2. From an opera singer, on her death bed to Leonard Bernstein

   Jan 29, 24 03:36 PM

   I enjoy reading the music more than hearing it. From an opera singer, on her death bed to Leonard Bernstein

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3. unknown

   Jan 29, 24 02:52 PM

   Not happy with your tone? Practice more.

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How To Practice Music

The page from which to download the free ebook How to practice: 5 habits to help you make more progress.

Efficient Practice

Effective practice is efficient practice. It’s not about how <i>much</i> practice you do, it is about how <i>smart</i> your practice is. Achieve more in less time!

Music practice games

One of the best ways to make faster progress is to play games. We all like to play games and music practice games give us something to aim for that we all enjoy... Winning!

Scales Practice

Is scales practice important? YES! But most people don't know why or <i>how</i> to practice scales! Here is the answer!

Music Practice Books

General music practice books on how to practice as well as books focusing on specific areas of practice such as sight reading, group practice, improvisation and memorization.

Performance Anxiety

Dealing with performance anxiety is something many musicians have to do every time they perform. Learn how to deal with music performance problems.

New Online Course Helps Make Your Practice Perfect

Learn how to hack your music practice with a new online course, because we all want to learn more in less time, no matter what the instrument or style.

Use a metronome

A metronome is a must have when practicing. Not, as many people think to make sure you are keeping up when playing fast... but to make sure you are keeping time when playing SLOW!

Music Practice Software

There is plenty of software to support your music practice, even though it isn't advertised as <i>music practice software</i> as such. Here are some reviews of the best software for music practice

Digital Audio Recorder

Recording practice is very beneficial, and while a high quality digital audio recorder isn't necessary it is certainly very useful. This page contains information and reviews of a variety of models.

Music Practice Charts

Using music practice charts to plan and record information helps you make more effective progress. Download music practice charts here.

Transcribe Music

Being able to transcribe music is an important skill, especially for composers and jazz musicians. Here is a guide on how to transcribe music and reviews of music transcription software.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice Makes Perfect is the book that teaches you <i>how to practice</i>. This book is all you need to stop working hard and start working <b>smart</b>.

Lesson Notes and Practice Targets

The way your music lesson notes are recorded during music lessons can have a great effect on whether you achieve your practice targets each week. Essential reading for all music teachers and students.

Sheet Music

There is more sheet music available than ever before both online and in traditional printed formats. Here is some information on the best places to buy and download free sheet music.

Quotes About Music, Quotes By Musicians, Quotes About Practice

A little extra inspiration often goes a long way and I hope some of these quotes about music inspire you. There are also links to other pages with quotes by musicians and quotes about music practice.

Kids and Practice

Kids and practice sometimes don't mix. They say they want to learn, but they never practice! Here's some advice to help encourage them.

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