Teaching students how to practice can be one of the most valuable assets you can give a young musician. Just practicing and rehearsing a passage repeatedly may never achieve the results a student desires.

Instead one must be patient, and play a small passage of music SLOWLY and CORRECTLY. After the first two notes are played correctly, add one more note, in rhythm. Play it several times in a row before adding another note. Continue in this pattern until the passage is played correctly. However, do not speed up the passage; play the passage several days in a row at exactly the same tempo.

You can practice all at once or perform several shorter ten minute sessions. Set small goals for yourself, and this way you will possess a sense of accomplishment at the end of your practicing. Play for your friends and family. They will be a good audience for you after you have mastered your new music from band class. Making music is fun, and the more you practice your band instrument, the easier it will become.