Not Until You've Done Your Practice: The classic survival guide for kids who are learning a musical instrument, but hate practicing

This is a funny book. LOL stuff. The pictures are great and my 11 year old very musical child read it in one evening with a lot of giggles. THe main thrust is that it is not about time spent at the instrument, it is about outcomes. Defined outcomes. It would have to be said that most teachers now give absolutely abysmal instructions and his big book, the practice revolution discusses this. This little book sadly doesn't. But it removes the battle of being told by one's know-it-all mother how to do it (you can fall back on, the book says...) and it has a few ideas for challenges to make it fun.Its not rocket science. My first piano teacher acually did teach pretty much all that he mentions automatically but that was 40 years ago. Teachers now have less rigour and are obsessed with time not outcomes when and if they set any expectations. It is going to be a revelation to 98% of students that you should be able to play a section without error three times in a row. Even more of a revelation that you might go through 12 instruction cards, each without error, three times in a row before you give up for the day (on a well learnt piece). My teacher used the pennies moving from left to right and not til 10 of them got to the right in a row one after the other were the notes learnt properly for a bar, line, page or piece. His method is more fun and less rigorous but the same ideas!For a more serious musician it is a bit of a shock that he suggests 10 mins at a time three times a day. And this is in the first few pages so my child really fancied that idea. Lets face it, you are barely tuned, warmed up and ready to go by then. But this is aimed at your average Jo primary school bod who really wants to go and watch telly. Not someone who is working on a concerto for a big concert or orchestra piece who would presumably appreciate that you can use the ideas but need more time at a sitting.Overall, I liked it. I agree about outcome basis being better than time but I think you would struggle to reach any of his outcomes in a 10 min session so its a pity he starts off naming a time. His has a few suggestions that may seem barn door obvious (no distractions, peace and quiet, reasonable instrument, think slow then half it again, fiddle with rhythms for scales and arps etc etc) but believe me, this is not taught by vast numbers of teachers.I had to have words with our piano teacher (who gives lessons to the child alone unlike her other instrument where I sit in so I can write down what is required myself). She writes lots more now but it is still really vague and I end up having to try and interpret what the goal actually is for the week. I am going to give her a copy of the Practice Revolution for xmas! Why dont I change her instead? Cos daughter loves going and likes her.

Fabulously entertaining. Could not put it down. It was like a breath of fresh air and a real game changer in the way you think about practice and music.Have since bought it from Amazon for my Grandson 9 years old for christmas and have yet to see the results but will inform you later on how his progress goes after reading the book.I borrowed the book from the Conservatory Library, but wanted more in depth study of practicing so purchased "The Practice Revolution" which was advertised on the back cover of "Not until you've done your practice".Many thanks to the Author who has filled a very needed niche in music. Will tell all my friends about the book who have Grandchildren learning music. Another thing about the book is that it gives you a formula for approaching life and its obstacles in a more balanced and fun way. This book is not just about music practice.Do hope the author writes more books on this subject.!!!!!!!

As a music teacher myself I found this book full of many great ideas which I've immediately been able to put to good use. It's written on two levels, one that appeals to parents and another that is simple enough for younger students to grasp. I encourage music teachers, parents of young students and anyone having trouble with practicing to buy this book (and many of Phillip Johnston's other works).

The pictures are the best part. Also thumbs up for the sense of humor. Otherwise a wasted opportunity. I don't think it is necessary to spend $15.00 on a book that consists of 10-15 most trite and banal advices: practice slow; don't make mistakes; play hands separately; stay relaxed (1/2 of the book right there) And I am offering to you for free :-)The author uses a high-school trick--big print to cover for poverty of content. Example: 4(!) pages on "you should use correct fingering?!" Even there the author manages to offer an entirely erroneous advice: "you must remember that the fingering in the music has been worked out by some clever piano professors who were playing this piece before you were born." This is just wrong on so many levels. Almost all of the content focuses on a piano.There is a need for practicing guides for elementary music students. This isn't it.

I thought this book had some helpful suggestions in HOW to practice, which I have passed on to my students. it wasn't anything extremely new or different, but if the students read it in this book, then they realize that I'm just not making my ideas up! It also reminded me that they need breaks in order to concentrate better.

This book was quick to read. It was full of practice ideas to be applied to any instrument. What I was disappointed in was how to get a student (I am a teacher) to enjoy practicing when they really don't like to play an instrument- regardless of their skill. But other than that there were some great ideas.

This is written for kids, a funny comic is attached to each suggestion, keeping them interested. Can be used as a reference - kids can just open any page and go from there.

Great and practical ideas to encourage piano practice. Very easy to read. Humorous pictures throughout.

The book arrived! Thank you.

This is an incredibly useful book both for students and teachers. Being a piano teacher I find that encouraging practice is a vital part of teaching and this book is a real help with this. It gives plenty of ideas for practising and useful methods of learning pieces, improving technique, memorising, performing, and all aspects of playing the piano in a fun and easy to absorb way. For example, I have shown some of my students the section on why it is important to use the suggested fingering and it has made them laugh while [hopefully] showing them the wisdom of taking the advice. I would thoroughly recommend it.

Written with wit and inspiring ideas that we, as teachers, are continually advising, lesson after lesson. Reading from a book reinforces the importance of correct practice.