As a team of active private music teachers, we’re always looking for ways to help our beginner students practice more effectively—and enjoy the process too. One of our favorite music practice structure tips is a simple routine we call: Something Old, Something New, Something Fast, Something Slow.
This structure isn’t just catchy—it’s incredibly effective. By organizing each practice session into these four categories, students stay engaged, focused, and motivated. Whether your child is just starting out or gaining confidence, this method brings both balance and progress to their music journey.
Why Practice Structure Matters for Beginners
Unstructured practice can lead to boredom, frustration, or just playing the same thing over and over. A well-balanced practice routine helps students:
- Improve technical skills
- Retain and reinforce what they’ve already learned
- Build confidence with new material
- Develop tempo control and rhythmic accuracy
This 4-part framework keeps things fresh and fun while covering all the essentials of a well-rounded musician.
How To Use the “Old, New, Fast, Slow” Practice Formula
Here’s how we break it down for our students:
1. Something Old
Play a piece or exercise you already know. This warms up your fingers and reinforces muscle memory.
2. Something New
Spend focused time on new material introduced in your last lesson. Go slowly and carefully, making sure you understand the notes, rhythm, and fingerings.
3. Something Fast
Play a piece up to tempo or review a scale at speed—this sharpens agility and keeps practice exciting.
4. Something Slow
Take a section of music and play it deliberately slow. This helps improve tone, technique, and accuracy.
This method can be adapted to any level, instrument, or age—and it makes practice feel less like a chore and more like a game.
For more strategies like this, check out our blog on how to encourage kids to practice music at home.
Need more expert insight? This PBS article on music practice and discipline dives into why structured routines like this help students succeed.
FAQ: Music Practice Structure Tips
Q: How long should my child practice using this method?
Even 20–30 minutes a day works well. Spend 5–10 minutes on each section, depending on your level.
Q: Can we switch the order of the sections?
Absolutely! This method is flexible. Some students like to end with something familiar to boost confidence.
Q: Does this apply to all instruments?
Yes! Whether it’s piano, guitar, violin, or voice, this approach supports solid and balanced practice habits.
+1 for teaching students music they’re familiar with and want to play. It seems so obvious – yet we all know people who gave up on music lessons because they were forced to start out with tunes that weren’t part of their schema. My $0.02, as an amateur musician myself.