How to practice

What is practice?  Practice is the process by which slowly, over time, day after day, increasing and repeating what you know, you develop your ability and enjoyment of playing an instrument.

Here is my definition of a good practice session.  At the end of the session, however long it is, whether it's five minutes or an hour, ask yourself these three simple questions.

What have I learned?

What have I improved?

What have I enjoyed?

If you have three positive answers for these questions, then your practice was a great success, and you can feel relaxed that you've done all you need for the day.  

Every day is a new opportunity to increase your ability and enjoyment of playing - it doesn't just happen overnight.  It is not by great exertion but by the accumulation of many small steps that we all progress - so remember these three things, and you will surprise yourself by how fast your playing moves forward.