For someone at grade 7 level, going on to grade 8, how much should you/do you guys practise? i do between 1/2 hours to 2 hours a day, and judging from my friends, this is WAY too much, but it seems that i really need to practise this much so that i can feel satisfied.... what about you guys?

Practicing at this level is not so much about the time spent (although 2 hours is plenty!). It's what you do in that practice that is important. Are you spending all your practice time on the pieces, for example? You need to cover every aspect of the exam including scales, sightreading and the aural work.

Picking the right time of day is important as well. If you are tired after a long day, practicing can go haywire and put you off. Some people are morning people so get up early to practice. I am one of these, and get up at around 7am to practice before I come to work. I then try and fit in another hour in the evening. Trying to motivate myself to practice when I'm tired doesn't work. I'd rather leave it altogether than struggle through.

Hope this helps.

Cool thanks, ill remember that. I dont fit all the aspects into one practise session, because there's too much to do and i find that i cant do one thing thoroughly, so ill split it into parts.

And you have a point, its not about how long you practise, its about what you do in that practise...It took me quite a few years to realise this. Some days, if i really dont feel like practising(which isnt often), i just wont do it, because its better to leave it than to do practise with no commitment....1/2 - 2 hours is my usual, but again, some days, i will do more or less, depending on how i feel about what i've done that day.

I find my concentration is better if I come and go from the piano rather than sit for a long time in one session.

I don't think this is "WAY too much" practice for this level, it sounds about right to me, (also taking into consideration what Charlies Aunt has said.)

I can cope with one session, because if i really get into it, its a bit hard for me to stop halfway through. Ive found that exercising before i play really helps though, gives you all that adrenaline.

Hi,
I think that practising 1 - 2 hours a day is fine if it suits you! Are your friends at the same level as you? because if their not then they probally don't know how much practise matters! Sometimes you can do all your scales lots one day, pieces next day etc.
You can do as much practise as you like as long as your fine with it.
bye B)