Hi there! Here is a quick blog post to tell you about a project I’ve been creating and testing for over three years: an assignment notebook I call the Musician’s Practice Planner. I’m pleased to announce it is now available for order in hardcopy!
The Musician’s Practice Planner is an 88-week assignment book and practice log designed to make it easy for musicians and teachers to structure goal-oriented lessons and practice sessions. It comes in the form of a trade-sized (6×9 inches), spiral-bound notebook — just the right size to live on the piano rack, open and within sight while practicing.
Inside, there is an example page demonstrating how to use The Musician’s Practice Planner. The teacher writes the lesson date at the top. Each gray box on the page allows space to write each assignment item, such as warm-ups, method books, repertoire pieces, theory assignments, etc.
Beneath each gray box, there are lines for the teacher to notate specific practice goals for the student: such as problem areas in the piece, dimensions to focus on such as dynamics, shaping, articulation, or whatever the goals are for that week.
Along the right-hand side, there is a series of narrow columns for each day of the week. These are for the student to write a checkmark when they practice with each particular goal in mind. This encourages mindful practice.
At the bottom, there is a spot for the student to tally their practice quality out of five stars, and total the number of days they practiced. (I’ve never been one to ask students to track their practice time, but I do train my students to practice in a goal-oriented way and do appreciate seeing the number of days they’ve practiced!) The bottom margin provides space for the teacher to write any general notes.
The Musician’s Practice Planner comes with 88 weekly planning pages — enough for about two years of lessons. It’s a smart investment towards meaningful musical growth. Choose between three cover colors: blue, green, and yellow.
Early in my career as a piano teacher (starting 20 years ago!), I used blank, journal sized-notebooks as my assignment books for my students. Later, for a handful of years, I went digital and was using an assignment app. More recently, I have to say it feels good to be back to paper…and to be using a customized assignment format that works exactly the way I think and teach — which feels wonderful! I’ve been using my Musician’s Practice Planner particularly with my older piano students and have been finding it very useful.
If you have students who might benefit from an assignment structure that is goal-oriented and encourages mindful practice, I hope you’ll give the Musician’s Practice Planner a try!
Order now, and your books will be printed-on-demand and shipped to your home. For most locations, arrival time is typically between 2-3 weeks.
Bulk discount available. Learn more and order here.
Thanks for reading and supporting my small business! 🙂
