How long do you practise piano and when do you usually practise? I've been learning piano for about 4 years now. Some people suggested that I should take breaks in between practising. Any suggestions?

I would love to practise for hours at a time but I can only manage about an hour a day- 30 mins morning, 30 mins evening- once I've done my schoolwork and everything, I have no time...
I guess it's not enough for Grade 8, which I'm now working for...
I'm trying to sort it out, but it isn't working!

I often practice for about 2 hours in the evening, although that isn't just for exams: it includes practicing for any concerts or just playing over things i enjoy playing. I dont always have time to practice as much, but othertimes i practice for longer.

You shouldn't just play for hours and hours without stopping for a break because you will lose your concentration and will not play as well. If you find that your hands start to get sore you should stop for a while as well. If your hands get sore after a short time, it is probably because you need to practice your scales more!!!! I find when ive been on holiday and haven't played for two weeks, when i get back it is harder to play fast things (eg trills and semiquavers at fast speeds etc.) and my hand gets sore quite quickly so i practice my scales more which helps to make your fingers more supple and gets your hands used to it again.

Hi

I aim to practice for at least an hour in the evenings, although it usually turns out longer since I enjoy it so much!

Caroline

I always practice too much piano! I try to do about 30 mins a day (thats all I have time for) and i end up doing about 2 hours! With horn (my 1st instrument) the pain stops you from going on longer than you should, and forces you to take breaks. Unfortunately, i could play the piano for ages and ages, at the expense of my school work usually!

QUOTE

30 mins morning, 30 mins evening- once I've done my schoolwork and everything, I have no time...

I can't really practise in the mornings during week days since I have school but do you mean to practise right after school and then do homework?

yup same ... the only thing is that i have so few pieces to play! i dont have a tutor or anything as im self-taught and so only have a few pieces!!i end up doing a lot of improvising though which is fun. has anyone any ideas for some fun grade-5-standardish pieces??

Usually, I get about 1/1 and a half - I'm looking forward to next year of school because it isn't an exam year, and I can go back to the 2/3 hours that I used to enjoy! I also practice the clarinet for about 20 minutes each day - school exams are so darn annoying! I will be practicing it for 1/1 and a half soon!
Of course, at weekends I sometimes play for much longer!
Actually, I used not to practice this much, because my teacher didn't teach me much except grades. This meant that I got good results, but not so much experiance. Now, my new teacher, I get prizes, competitions and all sorts of fun stuff, and lots of repetoire and of course I work for the exams too.
I cannot wait for in 2 years, because I plan to take year off before college to do nothing but practice and maybe I will do the Dip. ABRSM. It sounds like the best fun of all to me!!!!

Having just read this, I just realised that I am dedicated. I suppose that that can be expected at grade 7 level! (I feel so swish saying that - It still feels like I'm on only grade 4!!!! Know what I mean?)

I try to do an hour and a half to 2 hours in the morning(depending on concetration span).
Then up to an hour later in the day.

whether I do homework before or after practising I still seem to only have time for half an hour or end up staying up past midnight doing homework (I get too much!)

at least an hour every day and more at weekends

claire-
if you want "fun" pieces you might like to try "Green Jazzin' About", Piano grades 4-5 by Pamela Wedgwood. I don't know who publishes it but it has some quite nice light-hearted stuff in it- the "litter bin blues" was on the grade 5 syllabus a couple of years ago.