Posted on September 30, 2013 by Andy John

This is the oldest question.  The first response I give is “practice as much as you can”.  It’s almost always true.

Young students (5-8yo) should think about 15 minutes a day.  Consistency is the key for any progress.

Older students (9-13) should consider a half hour a day.

Serious students of the instrument, meaning those who are wanting to be in a band, or are in a band, should practice as much as they can.  When I was in college I was expected to practice three hours a day.  I didn’t.  I didn’t get much better.  But when I got out of college and on my own I was practicing from 8-12 hours a day.  I realized there was nothing I couldn’t play with that kind of dedication.  I kept it up for about 4 years.

Adults with children and busy schedules need to practice and this is where it gets harder.  Keeping your instrument out where you can grab it makes a big difference.  Some of my students keep it at work because family life is distracting.  Some of my students have a den they practice in where they are given some time and privacy from goings-on.  The answer still is to practice as much as you can.

If you are just simply not practicing because your life is too busy then decide if you want to do it or not.  Maybe quit something else to allow yourself the time.  There is nothing worse than beating yourself up because you’re not practicing.