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2. Warm-Up. You wouldn't go on a 5 mile run without stretching and getting your muscles ready, would you? Your fingers, arms, back, and shoulders are preparing to do a great workout. You need to prepare them for warm-ups. This includes playing warming up and also stretching.

3. Take breaks! Play for 15 minutes then stretch and get a drink then practice for another 15 minutes. Practice deliberately, accomplish something (or move closer to accomplishing it).

4. Chunk your music. Don't go through the entire piece 4 or 5 times. Take the 8 bars or 2 notes that are difficult and work them. Chunk it down to 2 bars, or just 2 notes. While you're doing this do it SLOWLY!!

5. You'll get frustrated, that's ok. Move past it, think about why you were getting frustrated, then ask the teacher! Only work on a section for about 10 minutes of deliberate practice. Move on, then come back to it.

6. Ask questions! Ask Ms. Demaree or your private teacher questions about why something is happening, how it happens or how to change it. Be curious.