Practice tips for my band/orchestra/guitar students...

Michael Rais
Nov 7
4 min read

After meeting with many of you during parent-teacher conferences, several parents asked for guidance on what an effective home practice routine looks like. I’m happy to share some sample practice plans that outline what a 15-, 30-, 45-, or 60-minute practice session could look like for our band, orchestra, and guitar students.

It’s important to remember that practice doesn’t need to be long to be productive. Start small — even 10–15 minutes a day makes a difference. As students build endurance and confidence, that time can gradually increase. By the second year of playing, most 8th-grade students should aim for 30–60 minutes of focused practice a few days each week.

Practicing is also a very personal process — every student has different needs and goals. Some may focus on note reading or rhythm, while others might need to strengthen tone production, intonation, or scales. The sample plans are meant as a guide and can easily be adjusted to fit your child’s progress and attention span.

Tips for Parents

Create a consistent schedule: Encourage your child to practice at the same time each day, just like homework.
Set up a quiet practice space: A well-lit, comfortable area free from distractions helps students focus.
Use the online tools: Students have access to MusicFirst and their method book recordings to play along with at home.
Encourage short goals: Instead of “practice your whole song,” try “work on measures 12–20 until the rhythm feels smooth.”
Celebrate effort: Progress takes time! Acknowledge your student’s persistence and improvement along the way.

Consistent, focused practice leads to confidence, better sound, and a stronger sense of musical independence. Thank you for supporting your child’s musical growth at home — it truly makes a difference in our ensembles. 🎺 BAND PRACTICE PLANS

Books: Habits of a Successful Musician Warm-ups:

Concert Band → McAllister Set 2
Symphonic Band → McAllister Set 4 Tools: MusicFirst, online recordings/play-alongs

15-Minute Practice

2 min – Breathing & Stretching Relax, take slow breaths, roll shoulders, set posture.
3 min – Warm-Up McAllister Set 2 or 4 (long tones, lip slurs, stick control).
8 min – Concert Music Choose one short section. Count/clap rhythms, then play slowly.
2 min – Reflection Ask yourself: What improved today? What needs more work?

30-Minute Practice

5 min – Warm-Up Tone + articulation + scale from Habits book.
10 min – Method Book Two exercises: one tone, one rhythm. Play with track.
12 min – Concert Music Work tricky measures slowly, then run the section.
3 min – Reflection Listen back or jot quick notes in a log.

45-Minute Practice

10 min – Warm-Up Routine McAllister set + lip slurs/scales.
10 min – Technique Study Chromatic scale, articulation, or dynamic control.
20 min – Concert Music Phrase-by-phrase work, tuning and blend focus.
5 min – Run-Through Play one full piece at performance tempo.

60-Minute Practice

10 min – Warm-Up Routine McAllister + Habits tone and articulation.
10 min – Scales Major/minor scales at concert tempo.
25 min – Concert Music Split time among pieces; fix problem spots.
10 min – Method Book/Bonus Study Play along with recordings or MusicFirst.
5 min – Reflection Record, listen, and plan next focus.

🎻 ORCHESTRA PRACTICE PLANS

Books: String Basics Book 1 (Concert Orchestra) | Book 2 (Chamber Orchestra) Warm-ups: Tuning, bowing exercises, long tones, open-string tone work Tools: MusicFirst, online String Basics recordings

15-Minute Practice

3 min – Tuning Check each string carefully.
4 min – Bowing/Tone Long open-string bows, straight path, steady sound.
6 min – Concert Music Focus on 4–8 measure sections; clap/count first.
2 min – Reflection Listen for clear tone and in-tune notes.

30-Minute Practice

5 min – Tune & Tone Tune, then open-string long bows.
10 min – Technique Study Left-hand patterns or bowing studies from String Basics.
12 min – Concert Music Slow tricky rhythms and bowings, then full tempo.
3 min – Reflection Play with tracks; check balance and pitch.

45-Minute Practice

8 min – Tuning & Long Tones Straight bowing, relaxed motion.
10 min – Scales/Études One- or two-octave scale, focus on finger spacing.
20 min – Concert Music Practice transitions and dynamics.
7 min – Run-Through Play one full piece, listening for blend and style.

60-Minute Practice

10 min – Tune & Warm-Up Tone production on open strings and slow bows.
10 min – Scales/Arpeggios Keys related to current pieces.
25 min – Concert Music Divide time evenly among pieces; refine bowings and shifts.
10 min – String Basics Study One review exercise with recording.
5 min – Reflection Record or journal progress.

🎸 GUITAR PRACTICE PLANS

Book: Habits for a Successful Guitar Musician Focus: Finger patterns, scales, chords, and songs from class Tools: MusicFirst play-alongs & video resources

15-Minute Practice

3 min – Finger Warm-Up Chromatic or 1-2-3-4 patterns.
4 min – Chords Review G, C, D, Am transitions.
6 min – Method Book Study One short exercise or class song with recording.
2 min – Reflection Check tone and smooth changes.

30-Minute Practice

5 min – Warm-Up Finger patterns + simple scale.
10 min – Chord Practice Play clean transitions and rhythm patterns.
10 min – Method Book Studies/Songs Work on one study and one song with track.
5 min – Reflection Record yourself, check tempo and tone.

45-Minute Practice

10 min – Warm-Up Finger independence + scale studies (PIMA).
10 min – Chords/Progressions Add new shapes or power chords.
20 min – Method Book Studies/Songs Focus on smooth transitions, right-hand technique.
5 min – Reflection Play a full song for yourself or a family member.

60-Minute Practice

10 min – Warm-Up Routine Finger patterns and scales.
10 min – Chord/Technique Review Practice arpeggios and clean tone.
25 min – Method Book Work + Songs Choose two studies and one class song; play with recordings.
10 min – Listening/Play-Along Use MusicFirst tracks or backing videos.
5 min – Reflection Record and self-evaluate tone, rhythm, and note accuracy.