Practice Time: The Pizza Method of Time Management for RCM Piano Students

What to practice, how to practice, how much to practice, when to practice can be sources of anxiety to students preparing for a piano exam. To succeed one must spend time on each area of study.

1. Repertoire
2. Etudes
3. Theory
4. Sightreading
5. Technique
6. Ear Training.

This short blog focuses on working at the piano. 

Try dividing up your time on the piano bench as indicated in the drawing; give equal time to each area. Now if you are like me, your attention span is long as a puppy's. No worries, jump around. But keep track of your time in each area. 

1. Technique includes the assigned scales, chords, arpeggios, and etudes. Remember to use your metronome!
2. Sightreading includes rhythmic as well as written exercises from your "Four Star" books. 
3. Review at least one piece of completed repertoire. I suggest reviewing a different piece in every practice session to keep your repertoire performance ready.
4. New work, the heart of practice. Remember to listen to a professional recording before starting. We all need a fresh impression before beginning. Try to fix at least one passage in each practice session. 

Good luck

David