Hi everyone, Joel Kennedy here with Kennedy Violins. Today, I want to dive into a topic that can transform how you approach your violin practice: structuring your practice session. Over the years, I've seen many players—beginners and seasoned musicians alike—spend hours practicing without seeing much improvement. Why? Because they weren't structuring their practice sessions effectively.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a framework to structure your practice, covering key elements to make your time productive and enjoyable. Let’s get started!

Why Structure Matters

Before we dive into the details, it’s essential to understand why structure is critical. Think of practice as a recipe: if you follow it step by step, you’re more likely to create something amazing. But if you throw random ingredients together without a plan, you might end up with a mess.

Structured practice ensures:

• Focus: You know exactly what you’re working on and why.
• Efficiency: You make the most of your time by targeting specific skills.
• Consistency: You build habits that lead to long-term improvement.

Two Essentials for Every Practice Session

1. Have a Goal
   Before you even pick up your violin, decide what you want to accomplish. Are you working on a specific piece, improving a technique, or simply playing for fun? Having a clear goal will give your practice direction. Even if you’re just playing for enjoyment, remember that your brain absorbs everything you do—good or bad. So, aim to play accurately, even when having fun.

2. Use a Metronome
   A metronome is your best friend. It helps with timing, consistency, and coordination. Whether you’re working on scales, exercises, or pieces, practicing with a metronome builds a solid foundation. Over time, this consistency will improve your overall playing, from string crossings to finger placement and bow synchronization.

The Three Components of a Practice Session

For most players, especially those in the Suzuki Book 2 or 3 range, a practice session can be broken into three parts:

1. Warm-Up

Warm-ups are like stretching before a workout—they prepare your muscles and mind. Start with scales, focusing on slow, deliberate movements, and gradually increase speed. Here’s a simple progression:

• Whole notes (4 beats per note)
• Half notes (2 beats per note)
• Quarter notes
• Eighth notes
• Triplets
• Sixteenth notes

Use your metronome to keep a steady tempo, and repeat each rhythm pattern a few times. For variety, try one-octave, two-octave, or three-octave scales. For more information about warming up, check out our article about warming up. 

2. Exercises or Études

This is where you focus on developing specific techniques. Choose an exercise that aligns with your goals, such as:

• Shifting: Practice moving between positions smoothly.
• Vibrato: Work on creating a controlled, even vibrato.
• Spiccato: Refine your bowing for a crisp, off-the-string stroke.

Always practice exercises with a metronome. Start slowly to ensure accuracy, then gradually increase speed as you improve.

3. Pieces

The final part of your session is dedicated to repertoire. Whether you’re learning a new piece or refining an old one, structure is key. Here’s how:

1. Break it into sections: Divide the piece into manageable chunks. For example, you might split a Suzuki piece into three sections.
2. Learn the notes: Focus on one section at a time, playing slowly to ensure accuracy.
3. Add bowings and rhythm: Once you know the notes, incorporate the correct bowings and rhythms.
4. Speed it up: Use your metronome to gradually increase the tempo until you reach your goal speed.

---

A Sample Practice Plan

Let’s put it all together into a 30–45 minute session:

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

   • Scales with metronome, progressing from slow to fast.

2. Exercises (10–15 minutes)

   • Choose one or two techniques to work on, such as shifting or vibrato.

3. Pieces (15–20 minutes)

   • Focus on one section of a piece, gradually building speed and accuracy.

If you have more time, extend each section or add a second piece to your practice.

---

Tips for Success

• Be Patient: Improvement takes time. Celebrate small victories and trust the process.
• Stay Consistent: Practice regularly, even if it’s only for a short time each day.
• Reflect: After each session, take a moment to evaluate what went well and what you can improve next time.

---

Final Thoughts

Structured practice isn’t about rigidity; it’s about creating a framework that helps you grow as a musician. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, this approach will set you up for success.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to play more—it’s to play better. So, grab your violin, set your goals, and practice with purpose. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to reach out. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Kennedy Violins YouTube channel for more tips and tutorials.

Happy practicing!