1. Be sure you can play the notes - do you know all their names? Are you singing in your mind while you are playing? Are you following the fingerings?

2. Bow confusing spots on your finger (separate the problems and solve them one by one.) Be sure you have noticed the articulation - dots, lines, accents etc.

3. Rhythm - have you counted the tricky parts out loud? Are you counting while you are playing?

4. Use Metronome! Yes, on every piece!

5. Dynamics - observe the dynamics including the crescendo and decrescendo markings. A color chart is helpful.

6. Musicality- Do you have a story for your piece, or have you thought about the feelings for each section?

7. Technical issues - have you practiced difficult spots 10X in a row with no oops? Have you practiced shifts with guide notes? Have you checked to see if your bow might be the problem instead of your left hand?

8. Memorizing - Can you sing the piece from beginning to end? Can you play it in your mind without the music? Have you sorted out the form (what is the same, what is different etc)?

9. Practice performing the piece from beginning to end without stopping. This should be done many times until it is consistent. If you can't play with no oops at home, you certainly can't do it in a lesson or in a performance.

10. Really listen to yourself and decide if you are really playing your best. Have you solved all the problems you can on your own? Are you playing in tune? Are you making your most beautiful sound?

11. Do you know the meaning of the direction words? Look them up and learn them! Then apply them to your piece.

12. Practice at home the same way we practice in your lesson.

13. Remember, these are YOUR lessons. Make the most of your lesson and practice time. 3 minutes spent setting goals and planning your practice at the beginning of your week will really pay off in progress.

14. If you have a problem or question, ask it at the beginning of your lesson, not at the end.

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