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
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 talent that 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.
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 update this site on a regular basis as I find new music practice techniques, games and software that may be useful to help make your practice more effective. Subscribe to the RSS feed to be informed as soon as there is more great new content!
Hot off the press
My first ebook about Music Practice is now available! It is called Practice Makes Perfect. Check it out in the Books page while you are browsing the site!
 Also check out my Lesson Notes and Practice Targets book. Using Lesson Notes and Practice Targets teaches music students how to make better use of their practice time by working with students and helping them discover how to practice effectively. Click here for more information on the Lesson Notes and Practice Targets book
Efficient Practice
Effective practice is efficient practice. It’s not about how much practice you do, it is about how smart your practice is. Achieve more in less time!
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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!
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Scales Practice
Is scales practice important? YES! But most people don't know why or how to practice scales! Here is the answer!
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Perfect Practice
Get new practice tips each month with the Perfect Practice e-zine
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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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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.
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Set your musical goals
Knowing your musical goals is one of the most important steps in achieving them. If you don't know where you are heading, how can you expect to get there? Find out how important practice goals are.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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The Practice Blog
A music practice resource for students, teachers, parents and anybody involved in music with news, reviews and tips on practice
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Music Practice Software
There is plenty of software to support your music practice, even though it isn't advertised as music practice software as such. Here are some reviews of the best software for music practice
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Music Practice Charts
Using music practice charts to plan and record information helps you make more effective progress. Download music practice charts here.
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Contact me
contact form
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Site Search
Essential Music Practice is the best place for tips and advice on music practice. Search the site here.
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Licensing ebooks
Submit your information here if you are interested in licensing ebooks from Essential Music Practice.
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Simon Horsey
Simon Horsey built the Essential Music Practice site to help music students develop the music practice skills needed to make faster, more effective progress.
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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.
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