The 3-2-1 Practice Method
/One way to organize your, or your student’s, practice time is to try the 3-2-1 Practice Method:
The 3-2-1 Method:
Practice 3 six-minute sections.
Play through 2 full pieces 2 times each.
Pick 1 piece to play for an audience.
Here’s what that can look like:
Start their practice time with pieces that are not yet finished. Pick a section of music (usually 4-8 measures) to focus on for 6 minutes/section and work towards a greater level of accuracy (notes, rhythms, and musical markings), evenness (smooth out pauses and slow down areas that rush), and confidence (multiple repetitions of that section, like 4-6 good reps, will increase confidence).
Repeat Number 1 for at least 2 more pieces, or a different section of the first piece. Find another piece of music that needs section work, pick a 4-8 measure section to work on, and spend 6 minutes increasing accuracy, evenness, and confidence.
When you play through 2 pieces 2 times each, the first time through, play it with music, down tempo (slower than performance tempo), and firm fingers - all the while, seeking to increase accuracy, evenness, and confidence. The second time through, close your binder and try playing at, or close to, performance tempo (just not faster than performance tempo).
Finish their practice time with Memorized pieces. In the last 5 minutes of your practice session, treat it like class performance time: pick a piece or two to play for an audience, record yourself, or play like you're in front of an audience and you get one shot to play your piece.
Try this 3-2-1 Practice Method since every pianist should have pieces they don’t know yet, pieces they’re working on, and pieces they have memorized!
